Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

How do I use electric files? And how do I clean them?

February 21, 2007

Let me recommend two websites. The first is aefm.org (The Association of Electric File Manufacturers). The site features a FAQ section that addresses much of the information you’re looking for. The second website is the “Knowledgebase Section” of kupainc.com (Kupa Inc.). Here, I’ve written some generic information on sanitation, how to practice safely and use the bits at the correct angle and speed. — Vicki Peters is vice president of the Vicki Peters Signature Series for KUPA.


Many professional product distributors nationwide have classes at shows. Some websites to check out for drill education are Drillclass.com (Medicool’s website) or Beautyskills.com (American Beauty Skill’s Alliance website). The bits used with an electric file are what need to be disinfected between clients. Arbor Bands or Sanding Bands are a single use product. Swiss carbide bits, carbide bits, diamond bits, pedicure bits, and silicone buffing bits can all be disinfected. They should first be cleaned of loose debris (using a wire brush for carbide and diamond bits, and a nylon brush for pedicure and buffing bits). Then, they should be fully submerged into a hospital-grade disinfectant for a minimum of 10 minutes. (Always check your state board’s rules on disinfecting.) — Steve Wallace is national sales and marketing manager at Medicool Inc.

More FAQ

How can I avoid the dreaded heat spikes with gels?

How can I avoid the dreaded heat spikes with gels?... read more

Is it true that gels thin out a client’s nails?

I have so many nail clients who say gel nails thin out their nails. Is this true? When I do a fill, I don’t get right down to their natural nail, unless it has lifted. I always leave as much of the gel on their nail as I can, to protect their natural nail. So, can you tell me, if in fact gel nails thin out their natural nails?... read more

Does anyone know how to whiten discolored natural nails?

Does anyone know how to whiten discolored natural nails?... read more

Why do LED lamps generate so much heat?

I have tried almost every new LED lamp out there. Except for one brand, they all generate a lot of heat. I thought LED was not supposed to be hot. I am not talking about the heat spike that can happen with the exothermic reaction, I am talking about heat in general. I’d like to understand more about this.... read more

Why does my black enhancement gel crumble away after a full cure?

I’ve been having an issue using black gel (enhancement gel, not polish). I have tried several brands. I’ve done thin layers and thick layers. Sometimes it crumbles away after a full cure, at two minutes a layer. What am I doing wrong?... read more

How do you put lemon slices in your pedicure without having the scum all over your tub at the end of the pedicure?

How do you put lemon slices in your pedicure without having the scum all over your tub at the end of the pedicure?... read more

Why doesn’t my crackle polish crackle when I apply it over gels?

Why doesn’t my crackle polish crackle when I apply it over gels?... read more

What's the best way to remove acrylic from the brush?

My acrylic brush has gone hard and I can’t use it. Is there any way I can remove the product from the brush to re-use it?... read more

How much is too much primer?

How much is too much primer?... read more

How much is too much primer?

I am a new nail tech, and in school we only did acrylics on plastic tips. I came out licensed and loving it but knowing little about proper application on actual clients. I have taught myself through trial and error and with this wonderful magazine NAILS, but my question is: How much is too much primer?... read more

How can I speed up my pedicures?

How can I speed up my pedicures? I give full leg massages and apply polish at the end.... read more

Bubbles in my acrylic. How do I stop this?

I have bubbles in my acrylic. How do I stop this? Some clients have lifting around the eponychium area, even though I have sealed it. What am I doing wrong?... read more