Isla Bennett
A good manicure starts with proper nail preparation. Prepping your nails for rubber base gel is similar to prepping for gel polish. Start by cleaning your nails and ensuring they are grease-free. Then, use a product like Selfgel Prepper to provide extra adhesion between the nail and the polish. Once your nails are prepped, it's time to apply the rubber base gel. Be sure to apply thin, even coats and cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp between coats. With proper preparation, your manicure will look better and last longer.
How to prep nails for rubber base gel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean nails | Ensure nails are clean and grease-free |
| Apply Selfgel Prepper | Provides extra adhesion between nail and gel polish |
| Allow to air dry | Leave to air dry completely |
| Apply Base Coat | Apply two thin coats of rubber base gel, leaving a margin near the cuticle |
| Cure | Cure under an LED lamp for 60 seconds or a UV lamp for 2 minutes |
| Second coat | Apply a second thin coat of rubber base gel |
| Cure again | Cure under an LED lamp for 60 seconds or a UV lamp for 2 minutes |
| Check placement | Check nail from all angles to ensure proper apex placement |
| Apply to upper arch | If necessary, apply a small amount of rubber base gel to the upper arch |
| Final cure | Cure under an LED lamp for 60 seconds or a UV lamp for 2 minutes |
| Remove tacky layer | Use a Nail Wipe saturated with Cleanse to remove the tacky dispersion layer |
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What You'll Learn
Clean nails and apply prepper
Clean nails are the first step to a great manicure. Start by washing your hands and nails with soap and warm water to remove any dirt, grease, or product residue. Dry your hands thoroughly.
Next, you'll want to push back your cuticles. Use a cuticle pusher to gently nudge back the skin until your nail beds are fully exposed. You can also use a nail buffer to gently buff the surface of your nails, removing any shine and creating a rough texture. This step helps the gel polish adhere better to your nails. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails.
Now, it's time to apply a nail prepper. A nail prep product is used to sanitize and dehydrate the nail plate, removing any remaining oils and ensuring the gel polish will adhere properly. Using a cotton ball or pad, apply the nail prepper to each nail, ensuring the entire nail surface is covered. Allow the product to air-dry; do not rinse or blow-dry.
The nail prep step is crucial, as it helps the gel polish bond securely to your nails, ensuring your manicure will last longer and reducing the risk of chipping or lifting. It also helps prevent nail discolouration and keeps your natural nails healthy.
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Air-dry and don't touch nails
Preparing your nails is an important step in ensuring your manicure looks better and lasts longer. After cleaning your nails, you should apply a product like Selfgel Prepper, which provides extra adhesion between the nail and the gel polish. Once you've applied the prepper, it's crucial to let it air-dry completely. Do not touch your nails at this stage, as you want to maintain a good, clean base for the gel polish application.
The air-drying process is essential because it allows the product to set and create a strong foundation for the rest of your manicure. During this time, you can prepare your chosen gel polish and any other tools you may need, such as a cuticle pusher and a buffer. It's important to have everything ready so that you can move on to the next steps without delay.
While you wait, you can also review the steps for applying the gel polish. When applying the gel polish, it's important to place the gel near the cuticle line, leaving a small margin, and then pull the product forward towards the free edge. Be sure to use thin, even coats to achieve the best results. Curing each layer under an LED or UV lamp is also crucial for proper drying and longevity.
After the prepper has completely dried, you can move on to the next step, which is typically applying a base coat. This step is crucial, as it serves as the base layer for your gel polish manicure. The colour will adhere to this base coat, and it also helps protect your nails from discolouration. A good base coat ensures a smooth and even surface for your gel polish to adhere to, resulting in a more durable and aesthetically pleasing manicure.
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Apply a peelable base
To apply a peelable base coat to your nails, start by cleaning your nails thoroughly to ensure there are no natural oils remaining. This will help your base coat and nail polish adhere better. Push back your cuticles and remove any shine with a buffer. Then, apply a thin layer of a peelable base coat like Holo Taco's Peely Base, ASP's Make It Peelable Base Coat, or Cirque Colors' Paint N' Peel Base Coat. Avoid applying the peelable base coat to your skin or cuticles, and don't apply it all the way to the edges of your nails. This will help prevent premature lifting. Allow the base coat to dry before applying your nail polish. For longer wear, wrap your nail polish and top coat under the tips of your nails. Finally, seal your manicure with a thick coat of glossy top coat.
When you're ready to remove your nail polish, simply peel it off! No nail polish remover is needed. If you're using Holo Taco's Peely Base, you can remove your nail polish by placing your fingertips into a bowl of Soothing Soak Off Remover. This will help to hydrate and pamper your hands during removal. Continue to file and soak until the product is completely removed.
It's important to note that while peelable base coats are a convenient way to change your manicure frequently or remove your nail polish easily, they may not provide the same long-lasting wear as traditional base coats. Additionally, some practice may be needed to apply a peelable base coat without it falling off immediately.
If you're looking for a more long-lasting option, you may want to consider a rubber base coat. Rubber base coats, such as NSI's Rubber Base, can extend and strengthen your natural nails while providing a perfect base for nail art. To apply a rubber base coat, start by spraying your hands with a purifying cleanser and gently massaging it into your nails. Push back your cuticles and remove any shine with a buffer. Apply a thin, even layer of the rubber base coat to your nails, pulling the product forward towards the free edge. Cure your nails in a Dual Cure Lamp (LED for 60 seconds or UV for 2 minutes). Apply a second thin coat of the rubber base coat and cure your nails again. Check the nail from all angles to ensure proper apex placement. If necessary, apply a small amount of rubber base coat to the upper arch and cure again. Use a nail wipe saturated with cleanser to remove the tacky dispersion layer.
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Apply two thin coats of gel polish
Applying two thin coats of gel polish is a crucial step in achieving a flawless and long-lasting manicure. Here is a detailed guide to help you master this technique:
Prepare the Nails: Before applying any polish, it's essential to start with clean and prepped nails. Use a gentle cleanser or rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt, oil, or residue from the nail surface. Pushing back the cuticles and gently buffing the nails will also create a smooth base for the polish to adhere to.
Apply the First Thin Coat: With your nails prepared, it's time to apply the first thin coat of gel polish. Choose a high-quality gel polish in your desired colour and open the bottle carefully. Starting at the cuticle, place the brush near the cuticle line, leaving a slight margin. Gently guide the brush towards the free edge of your nail, ensuring you cover the entire nail with a thin, even layer of polish. Be mindful not to overload the brush with too much product, as this can lead to uneven application and potential dripping.
Cure the First Coat: After applying the first thin coat, it's time to cure your nails under a lamp. Place your nails under a UV or LED lamp, following the specific instructions for your chosen gel polish brand. Typically, curing times can range from 45 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the lamp type and polish instructions. This step is crucial, as it sets the base for your manicure and ensures the polish lasts longer.
Apply the Second Thin Coat: Once the first coat is cured, it's time to add the second thin coat of gel polish. Repeat the application process, ensuring you achieve a thin, even coverage over the entire nail. Take your time and be precise, as this second coat adds depth and vibrancy to your chosen colour. Remember, it's better to apply multiple thin coats than one thick coat, as this promotes durability and a smooth finish.
Cure the Second Coat: Just like the first coat, the second thin coat also needs to be cured under a lamp. Place your nails under the UV or LED lamp for the recommended time, ensuring that the polish is thoroughly cured. This step finalises the colour application process and sets the stage for the final protective layer.
By following these steps and applying two thin coats of gel polish, you'll achieve a professional-looking manicure that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Remember to seal your colour with a top coat and always take care of your nails before and after the application process to maintain their health and strength.
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Cure under an LED lamp
Once you've finished applying the rubber base, you can move on to curing the gel under an LED lamp. Curing the gel will help you achieve the perfect base for your nail art and will give your nails a polished look.
To start the curing process, place your hands under the LED lamp. The lamp will emit light that will activate the curing process of the gel, allowing it to harden and set on your nails. The amount of time required for curing will depend on the specific product you are using. Typically, curing under an LED lamp takes around 60 seconds for each coat. However, always refer to the product instructions to ensure you are curing for the correct amount of time.
During the curing process, it is important to maintain the appropriate distance between your nails and the lamp. Ensure that your nails are positioned directly under the lamp, with a distance of approximately 6 inches or 15 centimeters. This will ensure that the gel receives the optimal amount of light for effective curing.
After placing the first coat of rubber base gel onto your nails, cure it under the LED lamp for the recommended amount of time. Once the first coat is cured, you can move on to applying the second thin coat of the rubber base. Again, be sure to cure this second coat under the LED lamp for the specified amount of time.
If you are using a product like NSI Rubber Base, they recommend curing each coat of the rubber base gel under the LED lamp for 60 seconds. Additionally, they advise against removing the tacky dispersion layer that may remain after curing. This layer is intended to remain, so there is no need to wipe it off with a cleanser.
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