Liam Carter
Retouching or refilling gel nails is a long process that requires knowledge of the processing steps and the necessary tools. The average recommended period between refills is 3-4 weeks to avoid the gel putting excessive pressure on the tip of the nail, which can cause cracks and loosening. The process begins with the removal of the previous gel nails, which can be done using a file and cotton balls soaked in acetone. After the previous gel has been removed, the new gel can be applied. The process for this is as follows: first, apply a thin coat of foundation base gel, then cure the gel under an LED or UV light. Next, apply a thin coat of soak-off polish and cure again. For darker coverage, another coat of polish can be applied. Finally, apply a thin coat of top sealer gel and cure under the light once more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long does it last? | 2-4 weeks |
| How often should you get a refill? | Every 3-4 weeks |
| What is the process? | 1. File off the top coat of the manicure. 2. Soak nails in acetone or gel polish remover. 3. Remove remaining gel with an orangewood stick. 4. Apply a thin coat of foundation base gel. 5. Cure nails under an 18G LED light for 5 seconds or a UV light for 1 minute. 6. Apply a thin coat of Gelish soak-off polish. 7. Cure for 30 seconds under an 18G LED light or 2 minutes under a UV light. 8. Apply a thin coat of top it off sealer gel. 9. Cure for 30 seconds under an 18G LED light or 2 minutes under a UV light. 10. Remove the inhibition layer with nail surface cleanse. 11. Massage cuticle oil into the skin surrounding the nail plate. |
| What products do you need? | Gelish Foundation Base Gel, Gelish Top It Sealer, Gelish Cleanser, Gelish Soak-Off Polish, Gelish LED Lamp or regular 36-watt UV lamp, Gelish Remover, Gelish phBond, Gelish Structure Gel, Nail Harmony Nourish Cuticle Oil |
| Any general advice? | 1. Make sure your lamp is 36 watts. 2. Clean, oil-free nails are important. 3. If you get gel on your fingers, wipe it off with a swab dipped in alcohol before curing. 4. Gel polish will get thicker over time, so get a gel polish thinner. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The products you need
Refilling gel nails is a long process that requires knowledge of the processing steps and the necessary tools and products. The products you need for a gel nail refill are:
- Gel nail polish: Gel nail polish is thicker than regular nail polish and requires a specific removal process. It lasts longer and gives your nails more durability.
- Nail thinner: All nail and gel polish will get thicker over time. To prolong its shelf life, get a gel polish thinner.
- Nail clips: Buy some nail clips made to hold acetone-dipped cotton balls on your nails.
- Cotton balls: Use a cotton ball dipped in 100% acetone or gel polish remover, place it directly on your nails, wrap your nails in foil or use the nail clips, and leave it on for about ten minutes.
- Nail file: File off the top coat of the manicure before using a cotton ball with acetone or gel polish remover.
- Foil: Wrap your nails in foil to hold the cotton balls with acetone or gel polish remover in place.
- Acetone or gel polish remover: Use 100% acetone or gel polish remover to remove the gel nail polish.
- Cuticle pusher: Gently push off the gel with a cuticle pusher.
- Nail drill: When doing a refill, use a nail drill to gently remove the gel nail polish colour and builder gel, avoiding unnecessary pressure on the nail surface.
- Fan nail art brush: Use a fan nail art brush to dust off any filling residuals on the fingers and hand.
- Nail surface cleanser: Remove the inhibition layer with a nail surface cleanser and lint-free wipes.
- Lint-free wipes: Use lint-free wipes to remove the inhibition layer with nail surface cleanser.
- Cuticle oil: Massage cuticle oil into the skin surrounding the nail plate.
- Buffer: Use a 100/180 grit buffer to break the top seal of the manicure by gently removing the shine.
- Orangewood stick: Use an orangewood stick to gently remove any remaining gel.
- Alcohol: Clean your nails with alcohol before applying the gel nail polish.
- Gelish Foundation Base Gel: Apply a thin coat of this product to the nail plate.
- Gelish Top It Sealer Gel: Apply a thin coat of this product to the entire nail, making sure to cap the free edge. Cure for 30 seconds in the 18G LED Light or 2 minutes in UV Light.
- Gelish Cleanser: Wipe off the tacky surface residue with this cleanser.
- Gelish Soak-Off Polish: Apply a thin coat of this polish to the entire nail, making sure to cap the free edge. Cure for 30 seconds in the 18G LED Light or 2 minutes in UV Light. Repeat for full coverage.
- Gelish LED Lamp or regular 36-watt UV lamp: Cure your nails under this lamp.
- Gelish Remover (pink liquid) or Acetone: Use this product to remove the gel nail polish.
- Gelish phBond: Apply a thin coat of this product to the nail plate.
- Gelish Structure Gel: Apply this product in a thin, light application from the cuticle to the free edge to build structure to the nail. Seal the edges of the nail and the free edge.
Gel Nails: Healthy Manicure Essentials
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Application process
To begin the process of refilling gel nails using Gelish nail polish, you will need the following products:
- Gelish Foundation Base Gel
- Gelish Top It Sealer Gel
- Gelish Cleanser (blue liquid) or CND Scrubfresh
- Gelish Soak-off Polish (any colour)
- Gelish LED Lamp or regular 36-watt UV lamp
- Gelish Remover (pink liquid) or Acetone
- Gelish phBond
- Gelish Structure Gel for weak and peeling nails
- Nail Harmony Nourish cuticle oil
You can purchase these products individually or opt for the Gelish Basix Kit, which includes most of the products required for a gel application.
Before starting the refill, ensure your gel polish is not too thick and has not dried out. Gel polish tends to thicken over time, so you may need to add a few drops of gel polish thinner and shake the bottle rigorously.
Now, for the application process:
- Prepare your nails: Start by gently pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Then, use a nail buffer to lightly roughen your nails, removing any shine. This step helps the gel polish adhere better to your nails. Finally, wipe your nails with rubbing alcohol or nail cleanser to remove any dust and oils.
- Apply the base coat: Apply a thin coat of Gelish Foundation Base Gel to your nails, making sure to cap the free edges. Seal the edges of the nail and the free edge. Place your hand in the LED light for 30 seconds, or use a 36-watt UV light for 2 minutes to cure the base coat.
- Apply the gel polish: Choose your desired colour of Gelish Soak-Off Polish. Apply a thin coat of the polish to your nails, again capping the free edge. Ensure you seal the edges of the nails. For darker coverage, you can apply a second coat. Cure under the LED light for 30 seconds or 2 minutes under a UV light.
- Apply the top coat: Apply a thin, light application of Gelish Top It Off Gel from the cuticle to the free edge. Place your hand under the LED light for another 30 seconds or 2 minutes under a UV light.
- Clean and moisturise: Use a lint-free wipe and Gelish Cleanser to wipe off any tacky residue left on your nails. Finish by massaging Nail Harmony Nourish Cuticle Oil into the skin surrounding your nails.
Your refilled gel nails are now complete! Remember to always shake your gel polish bottles thoroughly before application to ensure the gel is well mixed. Additionally, when applying your gel polish, ensure you are working in a space with closed curtains, as indirect sunlight can cure the gel on your brush, making application difficult.
Gel Nails at Home: Easy Steps for Salon-worthy Essence Nails
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Aftercare and maintenance
Gel nail polish should last for around 2-4 weeks. When the natural nail starts to grow out and the extended nail shows signs of wear, it is time to perform a refill or retouching. This process involves removing the old gel nail polish and builder gel, and then applying a new set of gel nails. This should be done by a skilled nail technician.
To care for your gel polish and prolong its shelf life, you can get a gel polish thinner. If your polish becomes thicker than normal, add a few drops of the thinner and shake vigorously. This is especially useful for cheaper gel polishes, which tend to be thicker and less consistent in quality.
To remove gel nail polish, you will need to first file off the top coat of the manicure. Then, use a cotton ball dipped in 100% acetone or gel polish remover, place it on your nails, and wrap your nails in foil. Leave the remover on your nails for about ten minutes. Lastly, gently push off any remaining gel with a cuticle pusher.
It is important to note that gel polish that is not properly cured can harbor bacteria and cause infections. Always make sure each layer is cured correctly before moving on to the next one. Additionally, clean, oil-free nails are important for gel polish application. If you get gel polish on your fingers, wipe it off with a swab dipped in alcohol before curing.
Acrylic vs Gel: Which Manicure Ruins Your Nails?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Retouching and refilling
The process of retouching and refilling gel nails involves first removing the old gel nail polish. This can be done by filing off the top coat of the manicure and then using a remover, such as acetone or gel polish remover, to remove the rest. It is important to be gentle during this process and not to apply unnecessary pressure to the nail surface. After removing the old gel, the nail surface should be prepared for the new extension. This involves roughening the nail surface with a nail file and then wiping the nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any dust and oils.
Once the nail surface is prepared, the new gel nail polish can be applied. This process involves applying a thin coat of base gel, sealing the edges of the nails, and then curing the gel under an LED or UV light. After the base gel, a thin coat of gel nail polish can be applied, followed by another round of curing under the light. For darker coverage, another coat of polish can be applied. Finally, a top coat can be applied and cured under the light, and any residue can be wiped off with a cleanser.
To care for gel nail polish and prolong its shelf life, it is recommended to get a gel polish thinner. Over time, all nail and gel polish will thicken, and a gel thinner can help to maintain the consistency of the polish and ensure proper curing.
Nail Art: Using Embellishments with Gel Polishes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Removal
To remove gel nails at home, you will need a nail file, 100% acetone or gel polish remover, cotton balls, nail clips, and foil. Firstly, use the file to file off the top coat of the manicure. Then, soak a cotton ball in the acetone or gel polish remover, place it directly on your nails, and wrap your nails in foil or use the nail clips to hold the cotton balls in place. Leave the remover on your nails for about ten minutes.
After the remover has had time to work, use a cuticle pusher to gently push off the gel. Be careful not to press into the nail bed. Finally, massage cuticle oil into the skin surrounding the nail plate.
If you get gel polish on your fingers while applying, you can wipe it off with a swab dipped in alcohol before curing.
Gelled nails can also be removed by a nail technician, who will pay extreme attention to the nail drill, gently removing the gel nail polish and builder gel, avoiding unnecessary pressure on the nail surface.
Gelled nails can be refilled or retouched to create a totally new look.
Gelled nails can be maintained and require periodic maintenance, which is known as retouching or refilling.
Gelled nails can be embellished with original and elegant Underglass Nail Art.
Gelled nails can be long-lasting, with a duration of 2-4 weeks, providing more durability than regular nail polish.
Gelled nails can be prone to thickening over time, and a gel polish thinner can be used to prolong their shelf life.
Gelled nails can be applied at home, but proper preparation is key, including pushing back cuticles and roughing up nails with a buffer to ensure the gel is correctly cured.
Gelled nails can be applied using a Gelish Basix Kit, which includes most of the necessary products, such as base, top, pH bond, and nourish oil.
Gelled nails can be cured using an 18G LED light or a 36-watt UV light, depending on the brand of gel polish.
Gelled nails can have a sticky layer that should not be wiped off before applying another coat of gel, as it will mess with the adhesion.
Gel Nails: Machine or No Machine?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to get a refill or retouching after 3-4 weeks. This is to avoid the gel putting excessive pressure on the tip of the nail, which can cause cracks and loosening.
Firstly, use a file to file off the top coat of the manicure. Then, use a cuticle pusher to gently push off the gel. Lastly, wipe your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any dust and oils.
You will need the following Gelish products: Foundation Base Gel, Top It Sealer Gel, Cleanser, Soak-Off Polish, LED Lamp or regular 36-watt UV lamp, Remover, phBond, and Structure Gel.
