A layer of clear gel is just the thing to give your acrylic fills a beautiful shine and eliminate lifting, says Michael Williams, a nail technician at nail technician at Nail By Jan & Company in Sarasota, Fla. First, do a conventional fill. Use a file to shape the nail to the client’s preference. It’s not necessary to buff the nails smooth, says Williams. Have the client wash her hands, then apply a thin coat of a gel over the entire nail as smoothly as you can. Cure as usual, then polish.

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