How to Prep Nails for Gel: 6 Steps for a Clean Start

Gel nail prep · 6 steps · before any color

Gel grips what it is put on. A clean, dull, dry nail is the best surface, and the steps below get you there in order.

1. 1

   Clean and remove old product

   Clean and sanitize your hands and the client's. Remove any old polish or product, then wipe the nail with a lint free wipe.

   TipStart every set with a clean nail, so no oil or dust sits under the gel.

2. 2

   Push back the cuticle

   Gently push the cuticle back with a stainless steel cuticle pusher. Use light pressure.

   TipSharp tools can cut. Wipe both ends of the pusher after use and keep it dry.

3. 3

   Shape with a file

   Shape the free edge with a nail file. Check the grit numbers on the pack and pick the grit that fits the nail.

   TipFile in one direction instead of sawing back and forth.

4. 4

   Buff off the shine and dust

   Lightly buff the surface of the nail with a buffer to take the shine off. Then sweep the dust away with a dust brush.

   TipLight passes are enough. Stop when the shine is gone.

5. 5

   Dehydrate with pH Bond

   Brush pH Bond on the nail plate. It preps the natural nail to promote adhesion and longevity, and you apply it first, before base or primer.

   TipKeep it off the skin and let it dry before the next step.

6. 6

   Prime and base

   For acrylic, dip or gel, brush on No Burn Primer, a non-acid primer. Under builder, poly, overlay and structure gel, add Foundation Primer + Bond. For gel color, go on to your base coat and cure.

   TipCheck the label of each product for the order and the cure time.

Prep tools

Stainless Steel Cuticle Pusher P01MSRP from $6.50

Nail File Regular Zebra Grit - USA StandardMSRP $2.50

Buffer 3-Way Orange Foam Black Grit 80/100MSRP from $3.50

Dust Brush LargeMSRP from $5.50

Lint Free Nail Wipes 5 x 5cm 200 pcs/bagMSRP $1.95

Sanding Bands 100 pcs./boxMSRP $5.95

Prep liquids and bases

Nail Prep PH BondMSRP from $8.25

No Burn Nail PrimerMSRP from $8.25

Foundation Primer + Bond (Base) 0.5ozMSRP $10.95

Soak Off Gel - Base Coat 0.5ozMSRP $7.25