What is a primer for gel polish

Well-groomed delicate hands with a neat manicure are perhaps one of the prerequisites for a modern stylish female image. However, not everyone can achieve the ideal state of natural nails. And ladies resort to building up or modeling the nail plate with gel polish. One of the auxiliary materials during this procedure is a primer. It will be discussed in our article.

Let's first understand what a primer is. So, A primer is a special substance intended for application to the nail plate before starting the nail modeling procedure. Previously, each nail is processed, manicure work is performed, and the top layer is removed from their surface with a finely abrasive file. At this point, the primer is applied.

Primer Functions:

• Protection. This tool protects the nails from yellowing, prevents the delamination of the nail plate, prevents the growth of bacteria and the appearance of fungal diseases;
• Hitch function. The primer helps the artificial material to effectively adhere to the surface of the nail. It is he who is responsible for the duration of wearing extended nails;
• Dehydrating and degreasing function. It dries the nail plate, providing adhesion and preventing the appearance of voids, due to which peeling of the material can occur.

Primer types:

• Bond, bonder or prep primer. Used to remove excess fluid and fat from the top layer of the nail. Such a tool is superficial, it does not penetrate deep into the plate and does not dry it out. Does not cause an allergic reaction. It can be used before applying ordinary varnish, making the coating more resistant. Bond works in combination with other types of primers. That is, first you apply it on the nail, and then another primer, which will be discussed below.
• Acid free. Best suited for gel nail modeling. Provides reliable adhesion of the gel to the surface of the nail, preventing peeling and cracking of the material. It must be applied carefully, making sure that it does not end up on the cuticle or the area around the nail.
• acid primer. Contains methacrylic acid. Most often used when modeling acrylic nails. It is applied in 2 layers, each of which must be thoroughly dried. It may burn or cause irritation if it comes in contact with the skin, so care must be taken when using it.

Which primer to choose in the end depends on how you are going to model your nails.

• If you want to better fix the nail polish or degrease the surface of the plate, choose a bond. By the way, it is highly recommended for ladies with excessive sweating of the palms.
• If you are going to build nails using gel technology, an acid-free primer will help you.It will provide you with excellent adhesion of the material to the surface of the nail plate. The acid-free primer acts like double-sided tape, holding the two surfaces together.
• When using acrylic as a building material, a primer containing an acid is recommended. Its action is based on raising the scales of the nail and their better adhesion to the material. Also, an acid primer can be used in gel extensions for hyperhidrosis of the hands. Be sure to remember about safety precautions: if it gets on a damaged nail plate or on the skin, the acid primer can cause a burn.

This is discussed by many experts in the nail industry. The thing is, opinions are divided. So, here are the arguments in favor of a primer for gel polish coating that masters use:

• This tool, as mentioned above, improves the quality of the coupling between the artificial material and the natural nail;
• Removes excess sweat and fat secretions and dries the surface of the nail plate;
• Kills harmful bacteria and prevents the appearance of fungus;
• Prevents the appearance of white spots and stripes on the nails.

However, some manicure masters believe that only ladies with a thinned, weakened nail plate, prone to delamination, should apply primer under gel polish. And for problem-free nails, a primer is not needed if the coating technology is followed. Well, this opinion also has a right to exist. But still, it will be better if you do not neglect the primer when modeling nails with gel polish. Use at least a bond.

Yes, you heard right - there are indeed substances that have a similar effect on the nail plate. Of course, it is best not to use surrogates, but to purchase the original product in order to avoid possible damage and unpleasant consequences. But if you have a force majeure situation - you urgently need a beautiful manicure, and the primer is over, you can use the following tools:

• Ethanol. But you need to take pure alcohol, and not alcohol-containing liquids, in particular, vodka. The benefits from them are many times less, and they can cause very tangible harm;
• Nail polish remover. A very controversial one. Suitable for single use only in case of emergency. With frequent use, acetone, which is part of it, can simply destroy the nail plate. Plus, nail polish remover contains oil additives, which make the nail oily and the quality of the coating may decrease;
• Washing hands with soap and water. This method is good at least in that it will definitely not bring any harm. Before starting modeling nails, wash the handles with soap and water and dry thoroughly with a towel;
• Citric acid and lemon juice. The most unreliable option. It leaves marks on the nails, which means that the material may peel off, the appearance of chips and cracks.

Now we will look at some of the most established companies in the nail products market. They are trusted by professionals. So, the best acid primers are produced by the following brands:

• Runail Professional Primer Acrylic System. Good product for acrylic extensions. Raises the scales of the nail and provides a reliable coupling with artificial material;
• IBD Stick Primer. Helps prevent air pockets between the natural nail and extensions. It is used for all types of nail modeling;
• Yoko APR 15. Also suitable for both gel and acrylic extension technology. Provides a very strong grip;
• TNL Professional Primer. Great product for uneven nails. Fills in depressions, leveling the surface and preventing the appearance of voids under artificial turf. It is used in tandem with gel nail extension and strengthening of nails with the help of biogel;
• Kodi Professional Primer. An amazing all-rounder. Suitable for all types of manicure and any type of nail plate. It has excellent adhesive properties.

The best acid-free primers:

• CND Acid-free Primer. In the arsenal of this brand there is a unique product Primer Nail Prime, which can be used for any type of extension, as well as for applying gel polish and regular nail polish. Perfectly dries the nail plate, prevents its delamination, brittleness and thinning. Provides high-quality adhesion;
• Bluesky Nail Systems Primer. The product is intended for gel polish and gel extensions. It solves problems such as detachment of an artificial nail, cracking of the surface, chips. The product does not irritate the skin in case of accidental contact with it;
• Runail Primer Non-Acid. Provides high-quality adhesion and extends the life of artificial nails or gel polish;
• EzFlow Non Acid Primer. Designed for people with sensitive thinned nails. Has no smell. Has good adhesive properties;

• Kodi Professional Ultrabond. Suitable for any nail modeling technology. Safe for skin. Perfectly performs an adhesive function;
• IBD Natural Primer. Used for gel extensions. Well prepares the nail plate for the application of artificial material;
• Masura Basic. Designed for manicure with gel polish and biogel;
• Lechat Fix it. Levels the bumpy surface of the nail, preventing the appearance of air "pockets" that lead to the detachment of the artificial material. It can be used for acrylic and gel extensions, as well as when covering nails with gel polish.

And finally, the best bonders:

• Red Carpet, PREP max adhesive sanitiser. Perfectly degreases and cleans the nail plate, removing excess moisture. Provides protection and reliable adhesion of the surface of the nail with artificial material;
• In'Garden Nail Prep System. Dries and prepares nails for adhesion with a base coat;
• Runail Nail Prep. Applied under an acid-free primer, suitable only for gel extensions. Has good adhesive properties;
• E.Mi Ultrabond. It is used for all types of nail modeling. It has a liquid consistency, thanks to which it spreads well over the surface of the nail plate. Safe for skin;
• Naomi Dehydrator. Effectively copes with such tasks as dehydration and degreasing of nails. Protects the surface, provides better adhesion to artificial material. Suitable for acrylic and gel extensions, as well as when applying gel polish and even simple nail polish;
• Kodi Nail Fresher. A delicate tool that prepares nails for any modeling procedure. It dries the surface well and removes excess fat.

Below is a guide to using the primer step by step.Follow all the recommendations and be careful:

• Treat the handles with an antiseptic solution;
• Prepare manicure accessories: a pusher, tweezers, a nail machine, a finely abrasive nail file. Use a pusher to push back the cuticle, remove it, carefully work on the skin around the nail. Then shape the free edge and align all the nails along the length;
• File the surface of the plate with a nail file until the glossy sheen disappears. Do not be too zealous, you risk damaging the nail. Brush off the dust with a stiff bristle brush;
• Get a bottle of primer. As a rule, it comes with a brush. Soak it in the product and wring it out well;

• You can apply the primer in several ways: either dotted, or draw a strip in the middle of the nail plate. Do not smear it over the entire surface of the nail. If you plan to use tips, you can apply the product only on the free edge;
• Avoid getting the primer on the skin: regardless of the presence or absence of acid in its composition, it can cause irritation and burns;
• The product is applied in 2 layers, each of which is thoroughly dried. It does not require UV light to dry. You will be able to understand that the nails are ready when they take on a whitish hue;
• To protect the nail plate, you can first apply a bond.

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of a primer when modeling artificial nails or decorating them with gel polish. After all, it depends on him how the material will stay on the nail plate, whether air “pockets” and delaminations will appear. If you learn how to use this tool correctly, then your manicure will always be beautiful and durable.

Most masters agree that the primer should not be neglected when applying any artificial material to the nails., be it gel, acrylic, tips, mesh, biogel or gel polish. Its adhesive properties only benefit both the specialist and the client. After all, if the artificial nail peels off prematurely, becomes covered with cracks and falls off, the client will accuse the master of incompetence and will no longer come to him. Therefore, do not save on this wonderful product.

Women who constantly model their nails with extensions or gel polish know how important it is to perform all stages of work correctly and efficiently. A master who saves on materials and strives to serve the visitor as soon as possible will never be in demand and will not earn a good reputation and a permanent clientele.

There are many professional nail modeling products on the cosmetic market now. Try to select all products from the same series. As a rule, their components are designed to complement each other and improve the quality of manicure.

In the next video, you will learn which primer to choose for a manicure and nail extension master.