Primer is needed for the adhesion between UV gel and the natural nail. It leaves a sticky film that allows the nail gel to form a strong bond. The question often arises as to whether a primer is necessary or whether a solid base gel is sufficient.
Why do I need primer?
First of all, you need to understand how the gel or emmi Shellac adheres to the natural nail. In nail design, everything depends on proper adhesion so that the modeling doesn't immediately show unsightly lifts after a few days. The gel molecules tend to bond poorly to the smooth, oily nail plate.
The nail surface must therefore be degreased and lightly roughened . This works best with a nail buffer . You can also use a dehydrator, which removes water from the nail and thus ensures better adhesion.
Furthermore, for optimal adhesion of the gel nails, it is very important to clean the cuticles from the nail edges. Otherwise, lifting can occur in isolated areas. A rosewood stick or a Pro Pusher is suitable for this. The nail plate is now prepared, and the nail surface is enlarged by roughening.
The gel molecules now have a large surface area to adhere to . Therefore, the primer gel is best suited for the first layer. It is massaged into the nail plate in small circles using a short brush and then cured. The resulting evaporated layer provides the optimal foundation for the builder layer. In special cases, the primer gel alone will not adhere to the natural nail. Primers are available in various versions:
How do I use primer?
After roughening the nail, apply the primer to the natural nail. It dries in the air , leaving a slightly sticky layer to which the base gel adheres even better. We recommend first testing with a non-acidic primer stick to see if the lifts are reduced. If this isn't the case, you can also choose the acid primer stick. This slightly etches the nail plate to create the largest possible surface for the base gel . It should only be used by professionals.
Primer with or without acid?
The methacrylic acid in the primer causes the scales of the nail plate to lift slightly, thus creating a better bond with the next layer. However, not everyone tolerates this ingredient. Acidic primers also have a stronger odor and can sting slightly on sensitive nails when applied. Each individual has to decide for themselves and their salon clients which bonding agent is better. Primers with or without acid can be used under both gel and acrylic powder.
Acid-based primers can usually be used with all gels. Acid-free primers form a kind of acrylic layer on the nail. If you follow with an acid-based gel, it may be possible to peel it off in one layer after it has cured. Those who prefer acid-free primers should also make sure to apply acid-free gels afterward. If in doubt, simply try the combination of acid-free primer and acid-based gel.
How do I remove cuticles properly?
Cuticles grow around every fingernail and, of course, on toenails as well. For some, they're more pronounced on the feet, for others on the hands. Hardened and excessive cuticles in particular don't look good and raise the question: How do I remove them? There are many options, but not all of them are suitable for home use. Tough cuticles, in particular, must be pushed back very gently, otherwise they can quickly lead to torn edges and inflammation.
With training for perfect adhesion
"No one is born a master," it's often said. But after hours of effort on nail sculpting, it's very frustrating when all that work falls off the nail after a few days. We therefore recommend our basic training for all the fundamental techniques and information on nail design. And if you're already a bit more confident, you'll feel perfectly at home in our Start Up Comfort. Book an appointment now.
Do I still need primer gel?
In general, using a primer is sufficient. However, if your nails are oily or if you're dealing with adhesion issues due to hormonal fluctuations, you should also use a priming gel. Using a special priming gel brush, apply a thin layer of the gel to the nail using circular motions and allow it to cure.
The remaining sticky film, also called the inhibition layer, serves as the "adhesive" for the builder layer. Those working with an all-in-one or single-phase gel can continue directly with this gel, as it combines primer, builder, and sealant in one product.