Technique

Should I apply more than one coat of primer before applying gels?

December 20, 2010

The first thing I always do is dehydrate the nail plate. Then I add primer, gel, and a top coat to seal. I extend the gel layer over the top of the nail and a little on the back side. When the gel seals, it will seal all the way around the top of the nail to ensure a tight bond. — Stadamire

All the shine must be removed from the nail plate. The natural nail contains oils and moisture. Use a 240-grit buffer in the direction of natural nail growth. Remove dust particles and scrub the nail with prep, working the product in to thoroughly remove oils and moisture. Allow the prep to dry. Apply one thin coat of primer if recommended by the product manufacturer. (Using primer with a product not designed for its use can actually cause the gel overlay to peel from the nail plate.) Then, apply the gel in thin coats or as recommended by the manufacturer. — Preuss

One coat of primer is enough. Peeling could mean the gel was applied to thin. Also, clients with extremely thin nails are not good candidates for gel products. — Roberts

Nail plates must be oil-and debris-free before applying any type of enhancement. Buffing the shine does not always accomplish this. The dead skin cells in the cuticle area must be gently removed, and the entire nail plate must be sanitized to promote adhesion. You may want to try two coats of gel next time. If a client’s natural nails are not rigid enough for gels, a thin layer of acrylic might be more suitable. — Schrabeck

Topics:nail prep gels

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