Creating and building shapes can be accomplished with builder gels, which have a medium to thick viscosity. In the professional nail industry, they are commonly used for natural nail overlays and nail extensions since they are stronger than brush-on type gels. They can be compared with acrylic nails for strength.
How long does builder gel last?
The duration of a builder gel manicure usually depends on the brand you choose and how well it’s applied – and how well you remove the old coat at the end. A strong, healthy base is necessary when applying gel to natural nails.
It is always best to follow the instructions that come with the gel brand you choose. If you choose to use one brand’s builder gel with another’s top coat, you usually shouldn’t mix the two.
It’s also important to use the correct length of time with the LED or UV nail lamp.
After growing out the builder gel, you can follow the same procedure as with acrylic, or you can remove it and apply another set as soon as possible – as long as the nail is still healthy.
How to use builder gel:
Depending on the brand, builder gel must be used in a certain way. Glossify can be applied directly to nails for an easier application than others, which require a primer or base coat first.
The builder gel can be applied over the natural nail only, and is built up in layers, curing between each layer, until it is the desired thickness and shape. Before applying the gel and creating the length, apply your nail tip or form if you want to extend the nail.
An application of a builder gel usually involves following these steps:
- Make sure the nails are clean, filed, and buffed. Cut the cuticles back. Cleanse the nail using acetone or nail cleanser on a lint-free pad.
- You’ll need it once if the builder gel demands it. Let it dry under your nail lamp if necessary. It is possible to skip this step if you do not need a primer.
- Use a paintbrush to apply builder gel if you are applying a bottled product. You may need to use the nail brush that came with your gel pot to pick up a small amount. Cover the free edge of the nail and stay away from the cuticle. It takes a few seconds for the builder gel to level itself, so let it sit for a few seconds to ensure an even application of the material.
- It should state what lamp type and how long your chosen builder gel should cure under.
- The second coat can be applied if needed.
- Remove any tackiness by wiping it with a lint-free wipe and then using isopropyl alcohol.
- Apply your top coat after wiping the nail clean again. Paint on the gel polish with a different colour and cure again if the client wants a different color.
- You are now finished with your manicure! You have applied and cured your gel properly. Rub some cuticle oil into your nails.
Different Types of Gels:
Builder Gel
Gel builder is use in a hard gel system, which is different from gel polish. They are considerably thicker than gel polishes. They can build length and shape as well as provide exceptional strength to a nail when used for natural nail overlays or nail extensions.
Gum Gel
An innovative nail extension, Gum Gel is a brand new product on the market. Despite its unique, thick consistency, this extension can be applied and shaped easily as it is more flexible than traditional extensions thanks to its gum consistency.
Hard Gel
Nail extensions are constructed using hard gels because they can add length that most soft gels cannot. In this regard, acrylic nails are similar to them, but still require curing under an LED or UV lamp. It is usually necessary to file them off in order to remove them, which causes more damage to the natural nail.
Soft Gel
Today’s clients love soft gels because they’re just as durable and can be removed easily as a hard gel. Soft gels that can be gently lifted with acetone, also referred to as ‘soak off’ gels.
Gel Polish
It is a manicure in which a gel-based polish is applied to your nails, and the polish is cured by a UV or LED light. Under UV light, acrylic monomer and oligomer monomers bond together to transform into gel polish. Once the gel cures, it becomes a hard, chemical-resistant coating in a matter of seconds.
