Isla Bennett
Getting a fill on your nails refers to having the gap between the acrylic nail and your own cuticle filled in so it isn't visible. This saves you from replacing the entire set and your nails get a fresh look as they did on the first day. To fill in acrylic nails, the edge where the acrylic nail connects to the natural nail beneath it is filed down so it's smooth. Then, an acrylic mixture is applied to the gap to close it in. When the solution dries, there isn't a visible gap between the acrylic nail and your natural nail. There are several methods to fill in acrylic nails, including using gel polish, polygel, or dip powder.
How do they fill gel acrylic nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to fill gel acrylic nails | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Cost of filling gel acrylic nails at a salon | $15 to $45 |
| Cost of filling gel acrylic nails at home | $2 to $5 |
| Time taken to fill gel acrylic nails | Considerable time if existing design or paint is hard to remove |
| Process to fill gel acrylic nails | File down the edge where the acrylic nail connects to the natural nail beneath, apply an acrylic mixture to the gap, and smoothen the top layer with a file |
| Products used to fill gel acrylic nails | Acrylic powder, gel polish, Polygel, nail primer, nail polish, and a top coat |
| Tools used to fill gel acrylic nails | Nail file, buffer, UV or LED lamp, e-file/drilling kit |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the nails
Once the nails are free of polish, it is essential to push back your cuticles. This step helps create a clean canvas for the product application and ensures the nails look neat and tidy. Use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick wrapped in cotton to gently push back the cuticle on each nail. Be careful not to push too hard, as this can damage the nail bed.
The next step is to trim and shape your nails. Use a nail clipper to achieve your desired length, being careful not to cut them too short. Then, use a nail file to shape the edges of your nails. You can choose from various shapes, such as square, round, oval, or almond, depending on your preference. Filing your nails also helps smooth out any rough edges and creates a uniform shape.
Buffing your nails is an optional step, but it can help create a smoother surface for the product application. Use a nail buffer to gently buff the surface of each nail. This step can also help remove any remaining ridges or imperfections on the nail surface.
Finally, it is good to clean your nails before applying any product. Use a cotton pad or ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or acetone to wipe each nail clean. This step ensures that your nails are free of any oils or residue, creating a better surface for the product to adhere to.
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Applying the acrylic mixture
To apply the acrylic mixture, start by taking a small ball of paste and applying it to your thumb, right below the cuticle. Then, gently dab the brush downward, spreading the paste across your natural nail and onto the acrylic nail. Be careful to spread the paste evenly and reapply as needed to cover the entire nail bed. Next, use the nail brush to fill in the sides of the nail until they are completely covered. Take a cuticle stick and gently scrape off any excess mixture that has gone above your cuticle or onto the sides of your nail bed. Be careful not to apply too much acrylic mixture, as it may peel off once it dries. If you make a mistake, you can use a polish remover to dissolve and wipe away the excess.
Once the acrylic mixture is applied, you can use a nail buffer to smooth out the surface and shape the nails to your desired form. This is also a good time to address any lifting or excess length on the acrylic. After buffing, you can apply a coat of dehydrator and then a nail primer. If you are using gel primer, leave it to dry for 30 minutes. If you are using an acrylic primer, let it dry for 10 minutes before spreading the acrylic mixture on top.
Finally, you can apply your chosen nail polish. It is recommended to apply 1 to 3 coats of paint, depending on the desired opacity and brightness of colour. Once the coloured coats have dried, finish with a top coat to protect your nails and seal in the colour. This top coat can be dried under a UV lamp for 3 minutes or left to air dry for 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of polish used.
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Drying the nails
Firstly, it is important to remove any old nail polish or gel residue from your previous manicure. This step ensures that your nails are clean and ready for the new application. Use a nail polish remover to gently wipe away the old polish. If you have gel nails, take the time to soak them off properly to avoid damaging your natural nails.
Once your nails are clean and dry, it's time to apply the new products. Start by applying a nail primer or gel primer. If you are using a gel primer, it is recommended to let it dry for about 30 minutes. On the other hand, if you are using an acrylic primer, let it dry for approximately 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
After the primer has dried, you can continue with the filling process. If you are using an acrylic mixture, apply it to the gap between the acrylic nail and your natural nail, smoothing it out to the edges. This will help to create a seamless and invisible fill. Allow the acrylic mixture to dry completely before moving on.
To speed up the drying process and ensure thorough curing, it is recommended to use a UV light. Place your nails under the UV light for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes after applying each coat of gel polish. The UV light will harden the gel polish, providing a long-lasting and smudge-proof finish. Remember to protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying SPF hand lotion before your manicure.
If you prefer a cooler environment, you can create a faster-drying acrylic set. In a cool space, the acrylic will take around 10 minutes to dry. You can test if your acrylics are dry by gently tapping on them. If you hear a clicking sound, that indicates they are ready for the next step.
Finally, once your nails are filled and dried, you can apply a top coat to protect the gel nails and add shine. This top coat will help prevent chipping and extend the lifespan of your manicure.
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Buffing the nails
Buffing is an essential step in the process of filling gel acrylic nails. It helps to smooth and shape the nails, creating a seamless and natural appearance. Here is a detailed guide to buffing your nails when filling gel acrylics:
Why Buffing is Important
When filling gel acrylic nails, buffing serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps to remove any existing paint or design that may be present on the nails. This step ensures that the new gel or acrylic application adheres properly and looks uniform. Additionally, buffing creates a smooth surface for the new product to be applied, promoting better adhesion and a longer-lasting manicure.
Tools for Buffing
You can use either a manual nail buffer or an electric nail drill for buffing your nails. Manual buffers are suitable for light buffing and smoothing, while an electric drill is more efficient for faster and more intensive buffing. For example, if you have a gel top coat that needs to be removed, an electric drill can expedite the process.
Buffing Technique
Before buffing, ensure that your nails are clean and dry. If you are removing an existing manicure, use nail polish remover to wipe away the old paint. Then, use your chosen buffer to gently smooth out the surface of your nails. Pay particular attention to the area where the acrylic nail connects to your natural nail, as this needs to be filed down smoothly. You can also buff the ends of your nails to shape them and create a uniform length.
Buffing with Polygel or Dip Powder
If you are using Polygel or dip powder to fill in your gel acrylic nails, buffing is still an important step. After applying the Polygel or dip powder and allowing it to dry, use a fine-grit nail file to buff your nails gently. This will smooth out any imperfections and create a seamless finish.
Frequency of Buffing
It is recommended to get your gel acrylic nails refilled every 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, your natural nails will grow, creating a visible gap between your cuticle and the acrylic nail. When you go for a refill, the nail technician will assess the condition of your nails and determine if buffing is necessary. If there is significant growth or lifting, they may need to buff your nails to create a smooth surface for the new application.
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Adding the top coat
Once you have filled your gel acrylic nails, you can finish with a top coat to protect the gel nails. You can use a gel top coat, but this will need to be manually filed with a buffer or e-file/drilling kit before gaps can be filled and the whole nail repainted.
If you are using a gel top coat, you will need to cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp. Traditional gel polishes require a lamp for curing, but there are some newer formulations of gel nail polish that are marketed as "air-dry" and do not require a lamp.
If you are using a Polygel or dip powder, you can apply a top coat or finish with nail polish and then a top coat. If you are using a Polygel, you can also use a dip activator, also known as a sealant, and then buff your nails with a fine grit nail file.
If you are using acrylic, let the primer dry for 10 minutes, then spread the acrylic mixture on top. You can also buff your nails smooth if you are using acrylic.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to get your nails filled every 2-3 weeks. This is because your natural nails will grow, causing a gap to form between the cuticle and the acrylic nail.
The cost of a fill-in is typically cheaper than a full set, ranging from $15 to $45. The price may vary depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used.
The process involves filing down the edge where the acrylic nail meets the natural nail to create a smooth surface. Then, an acrylic mixture is applied to fill the gap. This process can be done with acrylic or other materials, such as Polygel.
Yes, you can fill your gel acrylic nails at home. You will need to remove the old paint, file and buff your nails, and then apply new layers of primer and paint. The process may vary depending on the products used.
