Sophia Delgado
Gel acrylic nails are a popular choice for those wanting longer and stronger nails. However, as natural nails continue to grow underneath, a gap will begin to show between the cuticle and the acrylic nail within two to three weeks. This is when a refill is required to fill the gap and maintain the look. It is important to note that refilling gel acrylic nails is different from the process of refilling acrylic nails. For gel nails, the gel must be removed and the process started again unless a builder gel is used. This involves filing off the colour and leaving the base gel before rebalancing with a new layer of builder gel. It is recommended that you do not peel off gel or acrylic nails as this can damage the natural nail.
How to Refill Gel Acrylic Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to refill | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Tools required | Nail fill kit, nail polish remover, cotton balls, nail buffer, nail primer or gel primer, nail polish |
| First step | Remove the top layer of acrylic paint or gel before buffing or filing the nails |
| Next steps | Buff or file the nails, fill the gap with acrylic mixture or gel primer, apply nail polish |
| Additional tips | Dry nails under UV light for 3 minutes between coats, finish with a top coat to protect the gel nails |
| Infilling process | File down existing gel polish, prep cuticles, buff nails, apply a thin layer of gel, starting at the apex of the nail and pushing towards the cuticle |
| Dehydration | Apply a dehydrator to the natural part of the nail to help with the bonding of the gel |
| Gel application | Apply a base gel and then a builder gel, starting at the cuticle area and dragging towards the tip of the nail |
| Filing tips | Use a coarse, 100-grit nail file or buffer to remove the gel topcoat, file down to the old dip powder or base layer to prevent the final look from becoming too thick |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare your nails for a refill
To prepare your nails for a refill, you should first check for any signs of bacterial growth. "Greenies" are a build-up of bacteria that can form when moisture gets underneath your nails. If you notice this, it's best to remove your gel nails entirely and give your nails a break to allow the affected area to grow out.
If your nails are in good condition, you can proceed with the refill. It's recommended to get refills every 2-3 weeks, as this is typically when a gap between the cuticle and the acrylic nail will begin to show due to the growth of your natural nails.
When preparing for a refill, do not peel off the acrylic or gel nails, as this can risk pulling off the upper layer of your nail plate. Instead, remove the top layer of acrylic paint or gel before buffing or filing your nails. You can use a 180-grit file to smooth out the top layer of gel and remove any bumps where the gel nail meets your natural nail.
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Removing the top layer of gel polish
Refilling gel acrylic nails is a great way to keep your nails strong and healthy, allowing them to grow longer without causing damage to the natural nail bed. Instead of fully removing the gel polish and starting from scratch each time, you can simply refill your nails by removing the grown-out portion of your manicure, which is usually about 80-90%. This process ensures that your natural nails always have a protective layer, preventing them from becoming weak, flimsy, or painful.
Now, let's focus on the step of "Removing the top layer of gel polish." This is a crucial step in the refilling process, as it prepares your nails for the new gel application. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Understand the Tools:
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools. You will need a nail fill kit or individual tools such as a nail buffer, a fine-grit nail file (180-grit is recommended), and non-acetone nail polish remover. Using non-acetone nail polish remover is essential, especially if you have acrylic nails, as acetone can dissolve the acrylic material.
Prepare the Nails:
Start by removing any old paint or gel polish from your nails. Use a cotton ball soaked in non-acetone nail polish remover and press it onto your nails until the polish softens and can be wiped away. Ensure you remove the polish thoroughly, focusing on the grown-out portion of the manicure.
Filing and Buffing:
Once your nails are clean, it's time to file and buff them. Use the 180-grit file to gently file the top layer of the gel polish. Try to remove only the top layer, smoothing it out evenly across each nail. Be careful not to file too deeply, as you don't want to damage the natural nail bed. After filing, use a superfine file or fine-grit buffer to buff the area where the gel nail meets your natural nail. Buff until the transition between the gel and your natural nail is smooth, and there are no visible bumps.
Clean and Dry:
After filing and buffing, ensure your nails are clean and dry before proceeding to the next steps. You can use a soft cloth or a gentle brush to remove any dust or debris generated during the filing and buffing process.
Maintain a Thin Base:
When removing the top layer of gel polish, it's important to maintain a thin base layer. This means you should avoid filing down too close to your natural nail. Leaving a thin layer of the base gel will provide a strong foundation for the new gel polish and help protect your natural nails.
Remember, the key to successfully removing the top layer of gel polish is to take your time, be gentle, and focus on preserving the health of your natural nails. By following these steps, you'll create a smooth canvas for the new gel application, ensuring your refilled gel acrylic nails look and feel their best.
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Using a nail buffer to smooth the nail
Start by choosing the right nail buffer. Nail buffers typically have four sides: file, buff, polish, and shine. Each side has a specific purpose and is usually numbered, indicating the order of use. If the sides are not numbered, start with the most coarse side and finish with the smooth side.
Before using the nail buffer, ensure that you have removed the old paint or gel from your nails. You can do this by using nail polish remover to wipe away the old paint. Once your nails are clean and dry, you can begin the buffing process.
Take the nail buffer and start with the filing side if it is the most coarse. Use this side to shape and shorten your nails. File in one direction only, avoiding back-and-forth sawing motions, as this can cause nail damage.
Next, switch to the buffing side of the block. Buff the gel nail where it meets the natural nail. Use little circular motions with the superfine file or fine-grit buffer to smooth out the bumpy line. Continue buffing until the nail feels smooth and the bump is no longer visible.
After buffing, you can move on to the polishing and shining steps if desired. However, if you plan to apply polish or gel, avoid buffing your nails to a shine, as this can affect the adhesion of the product. Instead, stick to buffing your nails once a month to maintain their health and shine.
Finally, remember to be gentle during the buffing process. Avoid creating heat from friction and do not press too hard on the nail matrix. Over-buffing or using too much pressure can weaken your nails and cause damage, making them brittle.
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Applying a new layer of primer and paint
To apply a new layer of primer and paint, start by removing the old paint with nail polish remover. Be sure to rub off all the old paint. Once your nails are clean and dry, use a nail buffer to smooth out the excess gel. You can use a 180-grit file to smooth out the top layer of gel and remove just the top layer.
Next, brush on 1 to 3 coats of nail primer or gel 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 about 10 minutes before spreading the acrylic mixture on top. You can also use builder gel to protect your natural nails and prevent over-filing.
After the primer has dried, you can start applying the paint. Apply 1 to 3 coats of nail polish, depending on the colour and strength you want. For a brighter colour or stronger nail, consider adding another 1 to 2 coats. Allow the coloured coats to dry completely before applying a top coat to protect your nails. Finish with a top coat to seal in the colour and add shine.
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Drying and finishing your refill
Once you have applied the final coat of nail polish, it's time to dry and finish your refill. If you are using gel nails, dry them under a UV light for 3 minutes. If you are using acrylic nails, allow the final coat to air-dry for 25 to 30 minutes.
After your nails are completely dry, use a 180-grit file to smooth out the top layer of gel. Be careful to only remove the top layer of gel and try to create as smooth a surface as possible. Repeat this process for each nail.
Next, you will want to buff the gel nail where it meets the natural nail. Take a superfine file or fine-grit buffer and brush it over the bumpy line where the gel nail meets your natural nail. Keep buffing until the nail is smooth and there is no visible shine on the nail.
To complete the refill process, apply a thin layer of top coat to the entire nail, including the refill area. This step adds shine, durability, and protection to the newly refilled nails. If you are using acrylic nails, you can also use a nail polish remover to remove any excess paint that may have gotten on your skin during the application process.
Finally, enjoy your beautifully refilled nails! Remember to get your nails refilled every 2-3 weeks to maintain their pristine appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to refill your nails every 2 to 3 weeks. The natural nails will continue to grow underneath, causing a gap to appear between the cuticle and the acrylic nail.
Remove any old paint with nail polish remover. You can use a cotton ball soaked in non-acetone nail polish remover for this.
Once your nails are clean and dry, use a nail buffer to smooth out the surface and remove any excess acrylic or gel.
You will need a gel that is designed to stay on your nails for a long period of time. A builder gel or sculpting gel is recommended as it provides more protection to your natural nails.
A refill treatment should not take longer than the initial application. On average, it takes about 60 minutes.
