October 26 2009 - Features
Take a tip from…NSI’s Risé Carter
With more and more techs investing in gel starter kits and adding gel services, it’s important to have some words of advice from a pro.
NSI’s national director of sales and education gives some helpful tips on gel applications.
“Invest in a full-hand lamp with three to four bulbs and a reflective coating on the deck of the lamp. This will ensure a complete and thorough cure with gels of all viscosities and colors, including the brightest of whites. Then make sure to change the bulbs frequently (every two to six months depending on usage). A UV lamp may turn “on” for several years, but no longer give off adequate UV energy.
Another good thing to remember is to match the brush to the viscosity of the gel. Viscosity refers to the measure of a liquids’ ability to flow (closely related to thinness or thickness). The need for different viscosity gels will vary based on the desired finished look and length of the enhancement and the climate in which you are working.
I like to use a brush with a flattened ferrule that is medium length with wide, soft synthetic bristles to apply the thinner gels, especially color gels, because you can apply wide strokes for quicker coverage.
For thick gels, I like a filbert type brush with a flat ferrule, slightly pointed, oval shape, and short to medium length natural hair. These are generally stiffer and work better with the thicker sculpting gels. These are also great for 3-D gel art.
Keep your brush clean and rolled in a paper towel flat in a drawer when not in use.”
