You may skip this step if you wish as we already buffed the nails to remove the shine and oils. For those that don’t know what a primer is, it works as a double-sided sticky layer which helps the gel polish stick onto the nail plate. I recommend you use these on those with oily nails or prone to lifting.
Just apply one coat on each nail and allow it to dry for 30 seconds before applying the gel (you don’t cure it under the lamp, as it air dries).
How To Do Gel Polish Nails Application
When applying gel polish, think of as making a sandwich. First, we apply a base coat (bread), then 2 or 3 coats of colour (fillings like ham and cheese) and finish off with top coat (bread). I know its a funny way of putting it, but this helps me remember. Also, to avoid getting bubbles and lifting on your application, apply thin coats of each layer.
Before applying the colour, whether you using gel polish or nail varnish, you need to protect your nails from staining, so applying a thin base coat on the natural nail will prevent this.
- I always start off with 4 fingers on one hand and the thumb last.
- Shake the bottle thoroughly.
- When applying the gel, leave a tiny gap between the base coat, the cuticle, and the skin around the nail (if you do get it on the skin, the gel will lift). So, let’s say you do get a bit of the skin or cuticles. Just before curing under the lamp, take an orange stick and tidy it up and whola! Try to avoid using cotton buds or lint-free wipes as the fibres will stick to the product and you will need to start again.
- Lastly, cap the free edge.
- Once you are happy with the application, cure it under the LED lamp for 60 secs or UV lamp for 120 secs (depending what your product instructions say).
Do not, I repeat, do not touch your nails after taking them out of the lamp as the product is still too tacky as to allow each product layer to stick to the next.
