The simple answer is that builder gels are much thicker than regular gels. The term “gel” refers to a certain viscosity of a liquid. The viscosity of a regular gel resin used in UV-cured nail products will range from roughly 25,000 centipoise to 100,000 centipoise. A builder gel will have a higher viscosity than regular gel. Our Light Elegance builder gel has a viscosity of roughly 350,000 centipoise. Some builder gels have a viscosity as high as 1,000,000 centipoise.
As far as how they’re used, a good gel nail technician can use any gel to do most anything. Some say that builder gels are better for making an arch and C-curve in a nail. While this is true to a great extent, an experienced gel nail technician can make an arch and C-curve from a regular viscosity gel as well. It ultimately comes down to personal preference. -- Jim McConnell