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Materials for building nails with gel and acrylic

This post provides detailed information regarding the materials needed to make nails with gel and acrylic. Nail art is now very popular, and with this guide, it's easy to create beautiful nails with a gel or acrylic finish. The essential supplies include a strong UV or LED lamp to cure the gel nail, various types of artificial nails, a dust extractor, a variety of nail drills and drill bits, and a primer, activator, gel polish, and coating gel. With these materials, creating long-lasting and stunning nails is easier than ever before. The use of gel and acrylic makes nails strong and resilient, while still allowing them to look natural and glossy.

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Not everyone can boast of strong nails that grow well, do not exfoliate and do not break off. At the same time, a stylish manicure with a unique design needs a reliable basis, so many turn to a specialist to build artificial nails. There are several ways to build nail plates and different types of materials used for this purpose.

What are nail extension materials

Regardless of the basis used in the creation of an artificial nail (finished plate, pattern), there are only two types of materials for building – gel and acrylic. On the native or artificial nail plates, these substances are applied in the form of jelly or paste – they are viscous, viscous consistency. In the application process or under the influence of ultraviolet light cure. Each of the materials has several varieties, advantages and disadvantages..

What you need for gel nail extension

Artificial nails for a long time do not lose a presentable appearance – gel nails without adjustment last an average of 3 weeks. Gel nail extension requires the use of additional materials and special devices. A good master has all the necessary arsenal of building tools – in the cabin you can choose the type of gel, the shape of the manicure, color and texture of the coating.

Materials

It is not enough to buy a gel for nail extension. In addition to it, many additional tools are used, without which it is impossible to perform a beautiful and durable manicure. Any store of materials for nail extensions offers customers a gel manicure:

  • Gel. This substance has an elastic, jelly-like consistency and can be transparent, white or pink. Apply single-phase, two-phase, three-phase gels – they may contain components that strengthen the nails, protect against fungus, etc..
  • Tips. So called artificial nail plates, which are attached with glue. Tips are made of transparent plastic, they are very thin and strong. Pads have all kinds of shapes, lengths, which the master together with the client selects individually.
  • Primer. This tool – the so-called “cosmetics for nail extensions”, is used in the process of preparing nail plates in order to effectively bond with the pad. There are acid and acid free primers, the second is considered safer and more effective..
  • Degreaser. Before using the primer, the nails are prepared – degreased with a special alcohol-based compound.
  • Forms. There are disposable and reusable templates designed to hold the forming gel. After curing the gel base, the form is removed from under it. Disposable templates are made of paper, foil, polymer. Reusable are plastic or metal. Any kind of template suggests the possibility of modeling, giving the desired shape to future manicure.
  • Napkins Consumables with which you can wipe the plate after using a primer, degreaser – manicure wipes, which are made from lint-free raw materials.
  • Finish gel. This tool fixes all layers of varnish, gives the finished coating a luster.
  • Cuticle oil. After building it is important to use oil, which will make the cuticle soft, prevent its overdrying.

Gel for nail extension

Nail extension tools

During the procedure, the wizard uses special tools that help you do the job accurately. Devices used in the process of building:

  • Nail files. To give the native or artificial nails the desired shape can be a nail file. It is advisable to have several such tools with varying degrees of abrasiveness – for modeling the shape, creating a smooth and shiny texture.
  • UV lamp. This device is an integral attribute of the nail salon, it helps to harden the gel base, dry the coating. UV lamps have different power – up to 36 W are used at home, and more powerful – in nail salons.
  • Buff. A convenient and multifunctional bar in the hands of the master – buff – polishes and polishes artificial and native nail plates. Each of the four sides of the foam base has a different coating – for sawing, grinding or polishing.
  • Nippers. A tool that simulates the shape of artificial plates. With the help of nippers, you can easily remove excess from the tips or gel gel.
  • Pusher for cuticle. A two-sided tool, at one end of which there is a scapula that pushes the cuticle away, at the other – an hatchet that separates dead tissue.
  • Orange sticks. Universal manicure tool – cuticle is removed with an orange tree stick, pastes are glued, rhinestones are applied, the drawing is applied and the gel remains are removed.
  • Brushes. The gel is applied to the mold or tips with a synthetic brush that has a flat bristle shape. Brushes of different thicknesses simulate the base, apply drawing.
  • Boat. This is the name for cutting tips. With the help of the boat, you can remove the excess fragment of the lining in one motion without damaging all the work.
  • Brush. In the process of sawing a lot of dust is formed, which can ruin the subsequent work. You can remove excess with a miniature brush.

What you need to build acrylic

The next method of nail extension is acrylic mass. This material requires a master of high professionalism, since it freezes in a couple of minutes. During this time, it is necessary to create the desired form, which is subsequently difficult to fix. The manicure made by this technology is durable and elastic – its base does not crack under strong bends and does not lose its appearance within 3-4 weeks without adjustment.

Tools

In the work on acrylic manicure, special tools are used. Many of them are also used in working with gel materials, but in the case of acrylic their functionality may be different. Devices and means for nail extension from acrylic:

  • Orange stick It is used to move the cuticle away from the nail plate, for the same purpose use a pusher-scapula. The latter is equipped with a hatchet from the other end, which cut off the excess skin.
  • Tips and glue for them. Artificial nail plates – tips – can have a different shape, size, and you can choose the right ones for any type of nails. Fasten and repair the tips (eliminate cracks) with glue based on cyanoacrylate.
  • Shapes or patterns. To apply the acrylic mass to the nails, they are lengthened using forms made of paper, plastic or metal. Forms after solidification of the base are removed – some of them are discarded after use, reusable are used again after disinfection.
  • Tip cutter or boat. This tool is used to cut tips before they are coated..
  • The brush for applying acrylic is made from natural materials – sable, mink or marten fur. To prevent sticking of particles of acrylic on the hairs, the products are impregnated with a special composition. The shape of the hands is different, often flat or round.
  • Nail files and buff. Devices that give shape to native or artificial nails.
  • Nail scissors. A tool with sharp thin blades cuts the cuticle, with wide – cut nails. There are also universal manicure scissors.
  • Dust brush – a must for nail salon.

Orange stick

Acrylic Nail Extension List

Acrylic nails are made using special materials. Many of them are similar to those used in the work with the gel:

  • Acrylic mass. The base of the artificial plate is made from a mixture of acrylic powder and low molecular weight substance – monomer (liquidation). After mixing the selected components, the master applies them to the prepared templates, after a while the acrylic hardens.
  • Dehydrator and primer. These compounds are used in building any type of nails. The dehydrator serves as a preparation of the nail plate for extension – it degreases the surface, eliminates any contamination. The primer is applied after the degreaser – the liquid enhances the adhesion of the artificial material to the nail.
  • Liquid for rinsing brushes from acrylic powder is a necessary element of the nail extension procedure. The master periodically rinses the brush in the solution, which allows you to maintain the elasticity of the pile during operation.
  • Finish gel – for fixing the color coating and giving it a uniform glossy shine.
  • Cuticle oil is necessary so that the thin skin near the nail plate does not dry out.

How to choose the right UV lamp

Gel-based nail extension equipment includes an ultraviolet lamp. This device is also used to fix certain types of coatings. The productivity and quality of the finished manicure depends on the power and type of the UV lamp. Today, such a device can be bought in an online store or mall. Selection Rules:

  • For home use, you can choose a lamp with a power of 24 to 36 watts. This parameter affects the polymerization time of the composition. The higher it is, the faster the gel or varnish hardens. Professional appliances have a power of 36 watts.
  • It is better for a beginner to choose an inexpensive fluorescent lamp rather than an LED lamp – the latter option is used only for some types of materials.
  • The type of ignition of the lamp matters – with an electronic or induction circuit. The first way reduces the cost of the device, but is considered less reliable – the lamp may fail at the time of a voltage drop in the network. The second option involves the use of a starter, which extends the life of the device.
  • It is convenient if the llama has additional functions – a fan for quick drying of varnish, a timer.

Ultraviolet lamp

How to choose a nail file for a beginner

The master of manicure has a large assortment of nail files. These devices have varying degrees of abrasiveness, which is measured in grit. The coarser the tool, the less grit it has. Nail files 80 – 180 grit are used only for processing artificial plates, 180 – 240 – natural nails. There are files with grit 240 – 500 grit – they are used for grinding, and over 1000 – for polishing. A nail file is a consumable and quickly deteriorates, so you should order a set.

Price

Materials for nail extensions may vary in cost, it all depends on the composition, brand and specific outlet. In the catalogs of manicure accessories of Moscow stores, products are sold at the following prices:

Material Name Volume / Weight / Quantity Price, rubles
Gel for nail extension 50 ml 800 – 2000
Acrylic Powder 20 g 200 – 500
Monomer 100 ml 600 – 1500
Tips 300 pcs. 300 – 500
Paper forms 20 pcs. 20 – 60
Metal (reusable) forms 1 PC. 20 – 50
Nail files 1 PC. 30 – 200
Degreaser 100 ml 80 – 120
Primer 15 ml 100 – 879
Cutter 1 PC. 85 – 1000
Tips glue 10 ml 95 – 185
Orange sticks 10 pieces. 25 – 50
Nail scissors 1 PC. 200 – 500
Acrylic brushes 1 PC. 45 – 1000
Gel brushes 1 PC. 100 – 450
Ultraviolet lamp 1 PC. 600 – 4000
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Comments: 4
  1. Ellery

    Can someone please explain the differences between using gel and acrylic to build nails? Which material is more durable and long-lasting? Is one easier to work with than the other? Any tips or recommendations for someone who is new to nail building? Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Aspen

    What are the key differences between using gel and acrylic materials for building nails? Which one provides a more durable and long-lasting result? Are there any specific advantages or disadvantages to using either gel or acrylic?

    Reply
  3. Skylar Clarke

    What are the key differences between using gel and acrylic materials for building nails? How do the application processes, durability, and overall appearance vary? Which one is more suitable for natural nails and which one is more suitable for extensions? Any recommendations or tips for achieving long-lasting and beautiful nail designs with either gel or acrylic?

    Reply
    1. Scarlett Cooper

      The key differences between using gel and acrylic materials for building nails are in the application process, durability, and overall appearance. Gel nails are applied in multiple layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp, while acrylic nails are created by mixing a liquid monomer with a powdered polymer. Gel nails tend to have a more natural appearance and flexible feel, while acrylic nails provide a stronger and more durable finish.

      In terms of suitability, gel nails are more suitable for natural nails as they offer a non-damaging and thinner option. Acrylic nails, on the other hand, are more suitable for extensions as they provide strength and length to the nails.

      To achieve long-lasting and beautiful nail designs, it is important to properly prepare the natural nail surface by removing shine and ensuring it is clean and dry. While applying gel, remember to cure each layer properly and use thin coats for better durability. When working with acrylic, ensure the correct liquid to powder ratio and use good quality products for better results. Additionally, applying a top coat regularly and avoiding excessive exposure to water can help extend the lifespan of any nail design.

      Reply
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