Liam Carter
Bluesky Gum Gel is a nail extension product that allows you to create extensions, sculpt shapes, and enhance your nails in any way you like. It is a flexible, non-self-levelling gel that is easy to apply and shape, making it suitable for beginners and experienced nail technicians. With a thick, gum-like consistency, it can be moulded using a combination of a brush and an orangewood stick. Unlike acrylics, Gum Gel does not dry or set by air and only hardens when cured under an LED or UV lamp. This gives technicians ample time to play around with the shape and length of the extensions.
How to do Gum Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application | Easy to apply and shape |
| Level of Expertise | Suitable for beginners and experienced nail technicians |
| Time | Allows more time to apply than other products |
| Thickness | No more than 1mm |
| Consistency | Thick, gum-like consistency |
| Setting | Cured under an LED/UV lamp for 1/2 minutes respectively |
| Flexibility | More flexible than traditional extension products |
| Uses | Create extensions, sculpt shapes, fix broken nails |
| Application technique | Applied like acrylic but with greater precision |
| Additional features | Odourless, no filing required |
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What You'll Learn
Applying Gum Gel
To begin, you will need a Bluesky base coat, an LED or UV lamp, a tube of Gum Gel, a brush, an orangewood stick, and a cleanser. Start by applying the Bluesky base coat to your client's nails and curing it for 1 minute under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp.
Next, squeeze out a small amount of Gum Gel and use the orangewood stick to spread it onto the nail to the desired length. You can use a combination of the brush and the orangewood stick to mould the gel, using a small amount of cleanser to help shape it. Remember to keep the cleanser to a minimum, as too much can affect the adhesion of the product. Ensure that you avoid the surrounding skin, and use a clean brush to remove any excess Gum Gel.
Once you have achieved the desired length and shape, cure the Gum Gel under the lamp for 1 minute (LED) or 2 minutes (UV). Repeat this process for all nails, and then finish by shaping them into the desired style.
With Gum Gel, you have the freedom to play around with the shape until you get it just right, as its thick, gum-like consistency means it won't set until it's cured under the lamp. This also minimises filing time after application.
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Curing the Gel
To cure the gel, you will need an LED or UV lamp. Both types of lamps are effective, but they require different curing times. If you are using an LED lamp, cure each nail for 1 minute. For a UV lamp, the curing time is longer, and you will need to cure each nail for 2 minutes. This timing is standard across brands, as both Bluesky and Bluesky Professional recommend these curing times.
During the curing process, the lamp emits light that activates the photoinitiators in the gel. This chemical reaction causes the molecules in the gel to cross-link and form a polymer chain, resulting in a hard and durable nail extension. The flexibility of gum gel also comes into play during curing. Unlike traditional extension products, gum gel remains flexible even after curing, allowing for natural-looking nails that can bend and move with your client's real nails.
After curing the gel, you can further shape and style the nails to your client's desired look. The curing process ensures that the nail extensions are strong and long-lasting, providing a stable base for any additional shaping or design work. It is important to note that the curing time may vary slightly depending on the brand of gum gel used, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the most accurate curing times.
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Shaping the Nails
To begin shaping the nails, you will need a small brush and a cleanser. You can also use an orangewood stick, which can help to push and mould the gel into the desired shape. Wipe around the nail edge, where the extension rests near the edge of the natural nail. This will help to create a smooth and seamless finish.
Once you have shaped the gel to the desired length and style, it's time to cure the nails. Place the nails under an LED or UV lamp for 1 minute (LED) or 2 minutes (UV). The gum gel will not harden until it is cured under the lamp, so you can take your time shaping and sculpting the nails until you are happy with the result.
After curing, you can use a nail file to refine the shape and smooth out any imperfections. Buff the nails to create a seamless and natural-looking finish. Finally, use a cleanser wipe to remove any dust or debris from the filing and buffing process.
Now that the nails are shaped and cured, you can move on to the final steps of the gum gel nail process. This may include applying a base coat, gel colour, and top coat to add shine and protection.
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Buffing and Smoothing
Once you've applied the Gum Gel and cured your nails under an LED/UV lamp, it's time to move on to the buffing and smoothing stage. This is an important step in the gum gel nail process as it helps to create a smooth and even surface for the rest of your manicure.
To begin buffing and smoothing, you'll need a buffer block or a nail file. Start by gently buffing the surface of the nail with the buffer. Use light, even pressure and buff in one direction only. This will help to create a smooth finish and remove any minor bumps or imperfections. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can thin out the gel and cause damage to the nail.
After buffing, you'll want to smooth the nail surface. This step ensures that your nails are free of any dust or debris created during the filing and buffing process. Use a soft brush or a clean cloth to gently wipe away any dust. You can also use a nail cleanser or wipe specifically designed for this purpose.
Take your time during this process and be gentle, as over-buffing or over-filing can damage the nail bed and the surrounding skin. It's always better to start with gentle pressure and slowly increase as needed.
By following these steps, you'll be able to achieve a smooth and even surface for your gum gel nails, creating a flawless base for your chosen nail polish or top coat. Remember to work carefully and patiently for the best results.
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Applying the Top Coat
After you've applied your base coat and colour, it's time for the top coat. This will give your gum gel nails a super natural finish and shine.
Firstly, you'll want to ensure you've removed any dust and debris from the surface of the nail. Use a cleanser wipe to do this—a Bluesky Cleanser Wipe is recommended.
Next, apply your chosen top coat product. You can use a small brush to do this, and be sure to cover the whole nail. The top coat will need to be cured under an LED or UV lamp.
For an LED lamp, cure for 1 minute. For a UV lamp, you'll need to cure for 2 minutes. This will set your top coat and give your nails a glossy finish.
If you're using a no-wipe top coat, you won't need to take any further steps. However, if your top coat requires wiping, use a cleanser wipe to remove the sticky layer left by the top coat. This will leave your nails feeling smooth and looking shiny.
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Frequently asked questions
Gum gel is a nail extension product with a unique, thick consistency that allows for easy application and shaping of extensions. It is more flexible than traditional extension products and can be used to fix broken nails, missing corners, or split nails.
First, apply a Bluesky base coat to your client's nails and cure for 1 minute under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under UV. Then, apply a small amount of gum gel to an extension tip using an orangewood stick. Spread the gum gel to the desired length with a small amount of cleanser on your orangewood stick. Once you have reached the desired length, use a small brush with a small amount of cleanser to apply to the gel and cover the nail with the gel side of the tip.
Cure the gum gel under an LED/UV lamp for 1 minute (LED) or 2 minutes (UV).
Gum gel is great for any level of nail technician as it is easy to apply and shape. It is also more flexible than traditional extension products, allowing you to create any kind of extensions. Additionally, its thick gum-like consistency means you can play around with it for as long as you want as it won't set, minimizing filing time.
