How to apply poly gel / acrylic gel? - Step by step
Materials you need:
- Polygel (acrylic gel) in the color you want
- Nail wipes
- Pre-cleanser
- PH bond (for those who have very oily nail plates or have easy peeling)
- Primer
- Base coat
- Wipe off
- Dual-shape nail tips (or templates)
- Slip solution ( liquid solution for shaping and applying polygel)
- Polygel spatula and brush
- UV or LED lamp to cure the polygel
- Color gel (Gel polish) in any color (if desired)
- Top coat
- Cuticle oil
Step 1: Prepare your nails
- Start by filing your nails into the desired shape. Push back your cuticles and remove any old nail polish.
Clean your nails with Pre-cleanser and then apply a thin layer of primer and a thin layer of base coat. Let the base coat cure in a nail lamp for about 60 seconds.
Step 2: Prepare the polygel
- If using dual-forms, apply the polygel to the inside of the form, dabbing the brush in Slip solution to help glide the gel on. Carefully apply the dual-form to your nails and press firmly without letting the product run off the edge. Attach a plastic clip to the form to hold it in place, then turn your finger over and shape the polygel on the underside. Be careful not to get the product on your skin.
Step 3: Cure the polygel
- Place your nails under a UV or LED lamp, starting with the palm facing up, for 60 seconds to cure the underside of the nail.
Then turn your hand palm down for 60 seconds to harden the top of the nail.
Step 4: Remove the molds
- If you used dual-forms, carefully remove them from your nails after the polygel has cured.
Step 5: Filing and shaping
- Using a coarse nail file, smooth the edges of your nails after the polygel has cured. Then gently buff the nail surface with a buffer to achieve a smooth and neat nail shape.
Step 10: Finish with polish and cuticle oil
- If desired, apply Color gel in any color, then finish with a thin layer of top coat. Let the polish cure between coats in a UV lamp for 60-90 seconds. Last but not least, apply cuticle oil to the cuticles for hydration.