Ava Monroe
Backfilling gel nails is a simple process that can be done at home. It involves cutting off the free edge of the nail using an electric file and then adding a fresh product. This technique can be used for any type of gel enhancement, such as French manicures, and is a great way to maintain your manicure as your nails grow out. The process begins with filing down the existing gel polish, removing around 80 to 90 per cent of the product. It's important to be careful not to file into the natural nail. Once the gel is filed down, you can move on to cuticle care and preparation, applying a new gel polish, and curing it under a lamp. With the right tools and a bit of practice, anyone can master backfilling their gel nails at home.
How to Backfill Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Place the cutting edge of the bit on the nail plate just behind the smile line. |
| Step 2 | With the machine on medium speed, gently carve a groove or trench into the product just behind where the free edge meets the nail. |
| Step 3 | Be sure to keep the bit level and not to file all the way down to the natural nail. |
| Step 4 | Keep the bit parallel to the table and thin the white product on the free edge by about 80 to 90 percent. |
| Step 5 | File the pink gel in front of the growth area so it’s flush to the base of the natural nail, being careful not to file into it. |
| Step 6 | Prepare the new nail growth as you would for a regular fill. |
| Step 7 | Apply pink gel to each nail as you would for a regular fill and cure. |
| Step 8 | Apply a shine or sealer and cure under a UV lamp if necessary. |
| Tools | French fill diamond bit or a barrel-shaped Swiss carbide bit, Mylee Half Moon Nail Files, Mylee Buffer Sanding Block, Lint-Free Nail Wipe, Mylee Prep & Wipe, Mylee Nail Prep Dehydrator, Mylee LED Lamp, UV lamp |
| Notes | It is important to not over-buff your natural nails as it can damage or thin your nail plate. |
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What You'll Learn
The backfill technique
To begin the backfill technique, place the cutting edge of the bit on the nail plate just behind the smile line. With the machine on medium speed, gently create a groove or trench by carving into the product behind where the free edge meets the nail. It is important to keep the bit level and not to file down to the natural nail. The white product on the free edge can then be thinned by about 80 to 90 percent. Ensure that the bit is lifted frequently to avoid heat buildup on the nail.
The next step is to file the pink gel in front of the growth area, being careful not to file into the natural nail. The bit should be kept parallel to the table, and the client's finger should be angled down toward the table to avoid creating rings of fire. After this, the new nail growth can be prepared as usual, and pink gel can be applied to each nail, followed by curing. If needed, a top coat can be applied, and the nail can be cured under a UV lamp.
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Prepping your nails
First, you need to remove any existing gel polish. Use a nail file to gently buff away the old gel polish, taking care not to damage your natural nail. File in a back-and-forth motion, applying enough pressure to remove the gel, but not too much pressure that you harm your nail or surrounding skin. You should aim to remove around 80-90% of the gel, including the shiny top layer, to create a neat surface to work on.
Next, you need to focus on cuticle care. After a few weeks of wearing gel nails, your cuticles will have grown back, so it's important to address this to ensure your nails don't look messy. Gently push back your cuticles, being careful not to cut or harm them. Cuticle care is essential in the prep process as it ensures your nails are ready for the new gel application.
Once your cuticles are looking neat, it's time to buff your nails. Buffing creates a rough texture on your nail plate, giving the gel something to grip onto. Use a buffer block and gently buff in a back-and-forth motion, being careful not to over-buff. Over-buffing can damage or thin your nail plate, so it's important to be gentle and only buff enough to create a slightly rough surface.
After buffing, use a lint-free nail wipe to remove any dust and residue. Then, wipe down your nail plate with a nail prep solution to ensure your nails are clean and ready for the gel application. Dehydrating your nail surface is crucial, as it helps the gel adhere better and creates a longer-lasting manicure.
Finally, you can apply a gel base coat to your prepped nails. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific products you are using, as curing times may vary. With proper nail prep, your gel backfill is more likely to be successful, and your manicure will look neat and professional.
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Buffing and filing
Filing
Filing helps remove the existing gel polish to create a neat surface for the new application. When filing, use a suitable nail file, such as a 100-grit nail file or a coarse Swiss carbide bit. The goal is to remove around 80% to 90% of the gel polish, including the shiny top layer. Use a back-and-forth motion, applying gentle pressure to avoid damaging your natural nail or surrounding skin. Be cautious not to file into the natural nail, as this can create ["fire rings"]. Instead, keep the bit level with the table and angle the finger downward toward the surface.
Buffing
Buffing is essential as it creates a rough texture on the nail plate, allowing the gel to adhere better and prolonging the durability of your manicure. Use a nail buffer block or a buffing tool, such as a buffer sanding block, and create a back-and-forth motion to achieve the desired texture. It is crucial not to over-buff, as this can lead to nail damage or thinning. Once you're satisfied with the texture, use a lint-free nail wipe to remove any dust or residue.
After filing and buffing, it is important to prepare the new nail growth by applying and curing the gel according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may involve using a UV lamp or an LED lamp, depending on the gel system you are using.
Troubleshooting
Lifting is a common issue during the backfilling process, often occurring when fresh product is applied over the lifting area. To avoid this, ensure proper nail preparation and follow the correct infilling process. Additionally, pay attention to the signs that indicate when your gel nails need infilling, such as the exposure of your natural nail at the cuticle end or lifting of the gel.
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Curing and sealing
To begin the curing process, you will need to apply a gel of your choice to the nails. The gel should be placed towards the base of the nail, with a small amount of additional gel at the centre to build up an apex and add structure. This will support the length of the nail extension. Turning the nail upside down for a few seconds before curing can help to achieve greater height.
Once you are happy with the application, it is time to cure the gel. This can be done using an LED lamp or a UV lamp. For an LED lamp, 60 seconds is sufficient, while a UV lamp will require 120 seconds.
After curing, you can sculpt your nails using a nail file to achieve your desired shape. It is important to sweep away any dust created during this process. At this stage, you can also paint your nails with your chosen gel polish, remembering to cure between each coat and always finishing with a top coat to seal in your manicure.
The sealing process helps to protect your manicure and ensure its longevity. After curing the final coat of polish, apply a top coat to seal in the colour and add shine. This will also help to smooth out any ridges and create an even surface.
It is worth noting that the frequency of backfills and fillings may vary depending on individual nail growth. However, experts generally recommend fillings every two to three weeks and a backfill visit every four to six weeks.
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Aftercare and maintenance
Backfilling gel nails is a process that can be done at home, but it requires careful preparation and the right tools. The aftercare and maintenance of backfilled gel nails are crucial to ensure the manicure's longevity and the health of your natural nails. Here are some detailed instructions to help you maintain your backfilled gel nails:
Nail Prep and Filing:
Before backfilling, it's essential to prepare your nails properly to avoid lifting issues. Lifting occurs when the gel polish lifts off the nail, often due to improper preparation or application. To prevent this, use a nail file to gently remove the shiny top layer and most of the base gel from your previous manicure. Be careful not to file too aggressively, as this can damage your natural nail. The goal is to create a neat and slightly rough surface for the new gel to adhere to.
Cuticle Care:
After filing, pay attention to your cuticles. Push back or trim your cuticles to ensure they don't interfere with the gel application. Well-maintained cuticles will help your manicure look neater and last longer.
Buffing and Dehydrating:
Buffing is an important step as it creates a slightly rough texture on your nail plate, enhancing the adhesion of the gel. Use a buffer block with gentle, back-and-forth motions, being careful not to over-buff your natural nails. After buffing, use a lint-free nail wipe to remove any dust or debris. Then, dehydrate your nail surface using a nail prep dehydrator to ensure the gel adheres properly.
Gel Application and Curing:
When applying the gel, start by placing a small amount at the centre of your nail to build up the apex and add structure. Cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp, following the recommended timings for your lamp. After curing, you can paint your nails with your chosen gel polish colours and create your desired nail art. Remember to cure each coat of gel polish and always finish with a top coat to seal and protect your manicure.
Maintenance and Re-application:
To maintain your backfilled gel nails, be gentle with your hands and avoid harsh chemicals or excessive water exposure. If you wish to change colours or your nails have grown out, you can re-apply gel polish on top of your existing manicure. You can also perform regular infills to maintain the shape and neatness of your nails. Typically, infills are done every two to three weeks, while backfills are advised every four to six weeks.
Remember, proper aftercare and maintenance will help your backfilled gel nails look their best and last longer. With the right tools, techniques, and care, you can achieve salon-quality results at home and enjoy your beautiful manicure for weeks to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Backfilling gel nails is a technique that includes cutting off the free edge of the nail using an electric file and then adding a fresh product. It can be done using a French fill diamond bit or a Swiss carbide barrel-shaped bit.
According to experts, fillings should be done every two to three weeks, and a backfill visit is advised every four to six weeks.
Lifting is a common issue with backfilling gel nails. Beginners often add fresh products over the lifting area, which can cause the entire product to lift.
