Liam Carter
Backfilling gel nails is a simple process that can be done at home to save time and money. The backfill technique involves cutting off the free edge of the nail using an electric file and then adding a fresh product. This method can be used for any type of gel enhancement, such as French manicures, and can be done using a French fill diamond bit or a Swiss carbide barrel-shaped bit. The process begins with filing down the existing gel polish, followed by cuticle care and buffing the nails to create a rough texture for better adhesion. After buffing, it is important to remove any dust or dirt and dehydrate the nail surface before applying a new layer of gel polish. The gel is applied starting at the apex of the nail and pushed towards the cuticle, creating a smooth finish. With the right preparation, anyone can achieve a professional-looking gel nail backfill at home.
How to Backfill Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To fill in nail growth with new gel, saving time and product |
| Process | File down existing gel polish, do cuticle care and prep, buff nails, apply a thin layer of gel, and smooth out |
| Tools | Electric file, French fill diamond bit, Swiss carbide barrel-shaped bit, buffer sanding block, lint-free nail wipe, nail gel, UV lamp |
| Timing | Every two to three weeks for fillings, every four to six weeks for backfill visits |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the new nail growth
Preparing the new nail growth is a crucial step in the backfilling process. It ensures that your gel manicure adheres well, lasts longer, and looks neater. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare the new nail growth:
Step 1: Cuticle Care
Start by gently pushing back your cuticles using a Cuticle Pusher or the Prep & Remove Pusher. Use the flat side of the tool to push back the cuticles, and then use the pointed side to carefully remove any dead skin cells underneath. This step provides a cleaner surface to work with and prevents the gel polish from lifting off prematurely.
Step 2: Nail Shaping
After cuticle care, move on to shaping your nails. File your nails into your desired shape, using a suitable nail file. If you're backfilling, you will also need to file down the existing gel polish to remove the shiny top layer and most of the base gel. Use a back-and-forth motion, applying enough pressure to remove the gel without damaging your natural nail or surrounding skin.
Step 3: Buffing
Buffing is an essential step in the preparation process. Use a buffer block to create a rough texture on the nail surface. This step helps the gel adhere better to your nails, ensuring a longer-lasting manicure. Remember not to over-buff, as this can damage or thin your nail plate. Just create a light rough surface to enhance the grip of the gel.
Step 4: Cleaning
Once you've finished buffing, use a lint-free nail wipe to remove any dust or debris from the nail surface. You can also use a product like Mylee Prep & Wipe to ensure your nail plate is clean and free of any dust, dirt, or oils before applying the gel.
Step 5: Dehydration
Before applying the gel, it's crucial to dehydrate your nail surface. This step helps remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the gel adheres optimally to your nails.
By following these steps, you will have properly prepared the new nail growth for backfilling. Remember to take your time, be gentle, and ensure that your natural nails remain healthy throughout the process.
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Cut off the free edge
Cutting off the free edge is the first step in the backfilling process. The free edge is the distal part of the nail that grows beyond the hyponychium. In other words, it is the part of the nail plate that does not rest on the nail bed. Cutting off the free edge involves removing the existing gel polish from the nail. This can be done using an electric file, such as a French fill diamond bit or a Swiss carbide barrel-shaped bit. It is important to remove a good chunk of the gel, around 90%, including the shiny top layer of polish and most of the base gel. Use a back-and-forth motion with the nail file, applying enough pressure to remove the gel without damaging the natural nail underneath.
Once the majority of the gel has been removed, you can move on to cuticle care and preparation. This is an important step, as neglecting your cuticles can lead to messy-looking nails. After cuticle care, the next step is to buff the nails being backfilled. Buffing helps create a rough texture on the nail plate, which allows the gel to adhere better. It is important not to over-buff the nails, as this can damage or thin the nail plate. Instead, focus on creating a rough surface without overdoing it.
After buffing, use a lint-free nail wipe to remove any dust or debris from the nail plate. Then, wipe down the nail plate with a nail prep solution to ensure the surface is clean and free of any oils before applying the new gel. Dehydrating the nail surface is crucial to ensure proper adhesion of the gel. Once the nail plate is prepared, you can begin the backfilling process by applying a thin layer of gel, starting at the apex of the nail and pushing the brush towards the cuticle.
It is worth noting that cutting off the free edge and backfilling gel nails can be tricky, and lifting issues are common even for experienced individuals. Lifting can occur due to various factors, such as improper curing, hand position during curing, or the natural composition of the nail. Therefore, it is essential to take your time, follow the correct procedures, and practice to perfect your backfilling technique.
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Dehydrate the nail
Dehydrating your nails is a crucial step in the backfill gel nails process. It helps remove any extra oil and moisture from the nail surface, creating a clean base for the gel polish to adhere to. Here are some detailed instructions on how to effectively dehydrate your nails:
Firstly, start by shaping your nails to your desired length and style. You can use a nail file or buffer to achieve your preferred shape. Push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher, being careful not to nip any live skin. Remove any dead skin around the cuticle area with cuticle nippers. It is important to ensure that there is no skin remaining on the nail bed, as this can cause the gel polish to lift.
Once your nails are shaped and your cuticles are pushed back, it's time to cleanse and dehydrate the nail plate. You can use a store-bought nail dehydrator or create your own DIY solution. A DIY nail dehydrator can be made by mixing equal parts of isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) and acetone. Soak a lint-free wipe in your chosen solution and wipe it over your entire nail surface, ensuring that you cleanse and dehydrate the entire nail. Avoid using cotton pads or balls as they may leave residue behind.
If you prefer a milder option, you can use vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice instead of acetone. Simply soak a lint-free wipe in your chosen liquid and wipe it over your nails. However, keep in mind that these options may not be as effective in removing oils and moisture as the isopropyl alcohol and acetone mixture.
After cleansing and dehydrating your nails, you may choose to apply an acid-free primer in a thin, even layer. Allow it to air dry for a few seconds to create a sticky base, which will enhance the adhesion of the gel polish.
It is important to note that frequent use of dehydrators, especially those with harsh chemicals, can impact the health of your nail bed. Always choose formulations that respect the integrity of your natural nails, and be sure to replenish natural oils after the process by applying cuticle oil to the nail surface.
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Buff the nails
Buffing your nails is an important step in the gel polish application process. It helps the gel adhere better to the nail plate, ensuring your manicure lasts longer. Here is a detailed guide on how to buff your nails when backfilling gel nails:
Firstly, ensure your nails are clean and free of any old nail polish. Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to remove any traces of polish from your nails and the surrounding skin. This step is crucial as it provides a clean base for the buffing process.
Next, trim and file your nails to your desired shape and length. Use a nail clipper to cut your nails straight across, then file them gently to smooth out any rough edges. You can use a nail file or a multi-sided buffer for this step. Remember not to over-file, as this can weaken your nails and cause damage.
Now you are ready to begin buffing. Hold the buffing block or buffer side parallel to your nail, with the large grit side facing down. Use back-and-forth motions in an X shape across each nail. Ensure each stroke goes either downwards or upwards, and avoid side-to-side buffing, as this can dry out your nails. Each nail only needs 6-8 strokes, and be careful not to over-buff, as this can damage your natural nails.
After buffing, use a polish side with a finer grit to remove any imperfections and create an even smoother surface. Again, use 4-6 of the same X strokes on each nail.
Finally, it's time to shine your nails. Use the smooth side of your nail buffing block and make small circular motions over your nails to achieve a healthy-looking, glossy finish. Your nails will feel smooth and shiny.
As a bonus step, you can apply cuticle oil to nourish and moisturize your nails and fingertips, keeping them healthy and hydrated.
Remember, when backfilling gel nails, buffing is essential to create a rough surface for the gel to adhere to properly. However, it is important not to over-buff, as this can weaken and damage your natural nails.
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Apply a top coat
Applying a top coat is the final step in the backfilling process, which you should do if necessary. Before applying the top coat, make sure you have prepared the new nail growth and applied a layer of pink gel to each nail, curing it under a UV lamp.
The top coat will add shine to your nails and seal in the gel. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the product you are using. Typically, you will cure the top coat under a UV lamp. This will ensure that your manicure is "frozen" in place and will last for weeks.
If you are a beginner, it is important to spend enough time prepping your nails to avoid lifting issues. Lifting occurs when fresh product is applied over an area where the previous coat is lifting, which can cause the entire product to lift. Proper nail prep will ensure that your backfill is long-lasting and smooth.
Additionally, when backfilling, it is crucial to use the correct tools and techniques. You can use a French fill diamond bit or a Swiss carbide barrel-shaped bit to cut off the free edge of the nail. This will help you achieve a neat and precise backfill.
By following these steps and paying attention to proper nail preparation, you can achieve a professional-looking and long-lasting gel manicure at home.
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Frequently asked questions
Backfilling is a technique used to fill in the nail growth with new gel. It is a way to refresh your gel manicure without having to remove all the existing gel polish.
According to experts, fillings should be done every two to three weeks, while a backfill visit is advised every four to six weeks.
You will need a gel nail kit, which includes an electric file and gel polish. You can purchase these kits online.
First, file down the existing gel polish using a nail file. Remove the shiny top layer and most of the base gel. Then, prep your cuticles and buff your nails to create a rough texture for better adhesion. After that, apply a thin layer of gel polish, starting at the apex of the nail and pushing towards the cuticle. Float the gel over the entire nail and add more gel to the centre to build up the apex.
Yes, there are different methods depending on the type of gel manicure. For a French manicure, one method involves carving out the free edge with an electric file and then applying new gel. This can be done with a French fill diamond bit or a Swiss carbide barrel-shaped bit.
