Ava Monroe
Nail files and buffers come in various grits, which determine their level of coarseness and abrasiveness. For gel nails, a 180-grit buffer is ideal for buffing the surface of a fresh gel enhancement without causing harsh imperfections. A 180-grit file can also be used to prep the natural nail before applying gel polish, ensuring better adhesion. To remove shine from natural nails during gel nail prep, a 240-grit buffer is recommended. For heavier filing and removing the bulk of gel polish, a 100-grit file can be used, followed by a 180-grit file for finer filing and smoothing.
Characteristics and Values of Grit Buffers for Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grit number | 80, 100, 150, 180, 220, 240, 280, 600, 3000 |
| Use case | Product removal, shaping, shortening, smoothing, contouring, prepping, finishing |
| Nail type | Natural, acrylic, gel |
| Nail part | Free edge, side walls, lower arch, nail surface |
| Tool type | File, buffer |
| Tool material | Sandpaper, sponge, emery boards |
| Tool shape | Straight, four-sided |
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What You'll Learn
180-grit buffer for gel nails
A 180-grit buffer is ideal for gel nails as it is softer than a 100-grit buffer and can buff the surface of a fresh gel enhancement without causing harsh imperfections. It is also recommended for the gel topcoat to adhere to. A 180-grit buffer can be used to contour the whole nail and to prep the natural nail before applying any product. It is also used during manicures to shorten or shape the natural free edge.
A 180-grit buffer is also used to prep nails before UV gel polish application due to its low corrosive surface. It is also used to eliminate scratches after hard filing during the filing and shaping process.
A 100/180 grit buffer should be used first, with the 100-grit side reducing the length and taking down the surface, and the 180-grit side shaping the natural nail. A 180-grit nail file is also suitable for shaping the natural nail edge.
A 180-grit buffer can also be used to gently buff the nail after gel polish has been removed, but it is important to be careful not to thin the nail.
A 180-grit file is also the best option for fresh enhancements that must be filed into shape. This is because newly sculpted gel nails are more sensitive towards vibrations, so a softer file is required to avoid breaking the molecule structure.
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100-grit buffer for gel nails
A 100-grit buffer is ideal for buffing the surface of an enhancement, such as gel nails, to buff away harsh lines and deeper imperfections. It is not recommended for use on newly applied acrylic nails as the vibrations can ruin the not-fully-cured molecule structure.
A 100-grit buffer is also used to take down the length of nails with or without acrylic, and to shape the side walls, lower arch, and free edge. It is not recommended to use a 100-grit buffer to file the nail surface, as it will create deep scratches that will require more buffing later.
A 100-grit buffer can also be used to remove excess product from a newly sculpted gel nail, but it should not be used on natural nails.
For gel nails, a 180-grit buffer is also a good option. This softer buffer is ideal for buffing the surface of a fresh gel enhancement without creating too many harsh imperfections. A 180-grit buffer can also be used to prep the natural nail before applying UV gel polish.
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240-grit buffer for gel nails
A 240-grit buffer is used to prep nails before applying UV gel polish. It is also used to remove shine from the natural nail and eliminate sharp edges. The 240-grit buffer is a soft nail file intended for natural nails. It is used to shorten the natural nail and file it into shape.
When using CND Shellac, there is no need to file the natural nail. However, when applying gel, acrylic, or some gel polish brands, it is necessary to achieve the correct bond between the products and the natural nail. It is recommended to only remove the shine from the natural nail with a 240-grit file. The 240-grit buffer is even more gentle and ensures that you do not destroy the nail.
Filing with a coarse file on the free edge of the nail can destroy the bond between the keratin cells and make the nail porous, causing it to separate in layers. Therefore, it is only necessary to carefully file the very top nail plate layers, where oil and non-living tissue can create a barrier between the natural nail and the product.
The 240-grit buffer is also used to bring shine to acrylic or natural nails. It is made with a sponge, making it more delicate and softer than a hard file. To make acrylic nails shiny, start with the lowest number of your buffer and work towards the highest. A 100/180 grit buffer should be used first, followed by a 220/280 buffer.
The HONA 240/240 Nail Buffer is a popular option for gel polish, and it is made from high-quality Japanese sandpaper.
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80-grit buffer for gel nails
An 80-grit buffer is one of the sharpest nail files available. It is used for product removal, allowing you to file off a lot of product very quickly. However, it is important to remember that you should never over-file your nails with an 80-grit buffer, especially when the product is very thin. This is because it can cause damage to the nail.
When using an 80-grit buffer, you must also be mindful of the type of nail product you are using. Gel is softer than acrylic, so you should reduce the pressure when filing gel nails with an 80-grit buffer.
After using a coarse file like an 80-grit buffer, you will need to use a finer-grit file to buff out any scratches left behind. A 100-grit buffer is ideal for this, as it can buff away harsh lines and deeper imperfections.
If you are preparing the nail for a gel topcoat, a 180-grit buffer is recommended. This is because a 180-grit surface provides the ideal texture for the gel topcoat to adhere to. A 180-grit buffer is also softer than a 100-grit buffer, so it is perfect for buffing the surface of a fresh gel manicure without causing too many harsh imperfections.
For natural nails, a 240-grit buffer is recommended. This is because natural nails are softer than artificial nails, so a finer-grit buffer is needed to avoid damaging the nail. A 240-grit buffer can gently remove the shine from natural nails and eliminate sharp edges without being too abrasive.
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150-grit buffer for gel nails
A 150-grit nail file is a tool used for rebalancing and shortening thicker nail enhancements. It is also used to remove excess product from a newly sculpted gel nail. However, it is important to note that a 150-grit file should not be used on newly applied acrylic nails as the vibrations can ruin the not-fully-cured molecule structure.
The 150-grit file is also used to file the nail surface and shape the whole nail. It can be used to blend nail tips with the natural nail and remove any lifting before applying a new product. It is also used to prep the nail before applying products and to shorten or shape the free edge of the natural nail.
A 150-grit buffer, specifically, is a tool with a sponge surface that allows for filing nails with a lighter touch in any direction without causing damage. It is used to gently buff the nail bed, remove stains, and smooth the surface of the nail and nail enhancements. It is also used to prep builder and polygel manicures for a flawless top coat application.
When choosing a nail file, it is important to consider the type of nail and the purpose of filing. For example, a 100-grit file is used for old enhancements and to shorten the enhancement, while a 180-grit file is best for fresh enhancements that must be filed into shape.
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Frequently asked questions
A 240-grit buffer is ideal for preparing nails for UV gel polish. It is the least corrosive grit file available and is perfect for filing the natural nail and removing shine from the nail during nail prep.
A 100-grit buffer is best for removing the bulk of the gel. An 180-grit buffer is then used for finer filing, smoothing, and finishing the removal process.
Buffers are made with sponges, making them softer than files. A 100/180-grit buffer should be used first, followed by a 220/280-grit buffer to make the surface even and smooth.
