Do you need a primer for gel nails if you apply a base coat? Anyone serious about nail care deserves to know the answer. Let's begin by discussing the differences between primer and base.
Nail Primer Versus Base Coat
Both base coat and primer are designed to make a gel manicure last longer by helping it adhere to the nails. However, there are a few crucial differences.
Nail primer removes excess moisture and oil like a cleanser. Plus, it acts like glue to help gels and acrylics stick better for longer. It’s typically transparent and may feel sticky.
Meanwhile, a base coat is a type of polish with extra plasticizers and cellulose to protect the nail and improve the bond with the following coats of polish.
There Are Different Types of Nail Primers
There are acidic and acid-free primers. The former is best for oily nails and the latter for dry, weak, or sensitive nails.
Acid Primer
When it dries, acid primer leaves behind a chalky surface because it removes oil from the nail plate. It's imperative to use only a tiny amount of acid primer and prevent it from touching the skin to avoid burns.
Acid-free Primer
Non-acidic primer also temporarily alters the pH of the nail so that the polish sticks better. However, it makes it more alkaline instead of acidic. Since the effect only lasts about 20 minutes, it's wise to prime and apply enhancements on one hand at a time.
Moreover, instead of drying to a chalky finish, acid-free primer is sticky, like a double-sided adhesive for acrylics and gels. A small amount can be applied after an acid primer.
Do You Need Nail Primer for Gel Nails?
Using nail primer before applying gel enhancements prevents lifting if you're working on oily nails. Otherwise, the gels may only last for a short time.
What's more, acid-free primer dramatically improves the adhesion and lengthens a lifetime of a gel manicure on any nails.
Always check the instructions on the primer before using it. In some cases where clients have a history of nail enhancements lifting, you may need two coats.
On the other hand, the gel base coat may have priming ingredients already, so a separate primer may not be needed.
How Much Primer Do You Need for Gel Nails?
The key is to use only a tiny amount of primer regardless of the type. It’s less than what you would use for applying a layer of polish. See below for more details.
How to Apply Primer for Gel Nails?
The first step is to trim, shape, and lightly buff the nails to remove the shine. Then before you apply primer, always cleanse the nails with a lint-free wipe. Not only does this ensure that the primer works correctly, but it also prevents contamination of the product inside the bottle.
Once the nails are clean, dip the brush into the primer and press the excess liquid from the bristles.
Next, apply a small dot or two of acid primer on the natural nail and let it spread and evaporate. Don't brush it on--dab it. It only takes a few seconds to dry.
Or, with acid-free primer, use a nearly dry brush to spread a thin layer and wait about a minute before working on the nail. (It won't dry entirely like acid primer since it remains sticky.)
If the nails have extensions, do not apply primer on plastic tips; only on the natural nail. It may damage the plastic.
What Are the Best Primers for Gel Nails?
We recommend this nail primer for all gel manicures. It’s what the pros rely on for a strong foundation.
Lavis Protein Bond & Primer
This gentle and effective primer eliminates excess oil on the nail plate for improved adhesion. It prevents lifting of polish, builder gel, and gel enhancements. It can be used before every gel manicure to protect the natural nail.
If you apply soft gel tips, it comes in a set with a gel base, diamond top gel, and tip adhesive.
Other brands of primer are also widely used in the nail care industry. No matter which product you choose, store it in a cool, dark place to keep it potent and ready to use.
Valentino Super Bond Primer
Super Bond is acid-free and suitable for gel and acrylic manicures. It’s nearly odorless and won’t burn the skin or nails. Each half-ounce bottle provides up to 60 applications because it only takes a tiny amount to coat each nail.
Early nail primer formulations used an ingredient called MMA that damaged the skin and nails. Nowadays, professional products use HEMA, a much gentler option.
Gelish pro Bond – Acid-free Nail Primer
Gelish’s primer is acid-free and made for use with gels and acrylics. It has a neutral pH that won't harm the nails or skin. Instead, it bonds at a molecular level to the keratin for excellent adhesion, similar to double-sided tape. After cleansing the nails, a single coat is sufficient to prep for a gel manicure.
If you are applying Gel-X extensions, we suggest the following product. It's formulated specifically for that purpose.
Apres Non-acidic Gel Primer
After you’ve applied the Apres pH Bonder, it’s time for the acid-free primer. It prepares the nail by lightly etching the surface for perfect adhesion without irritating the skin or harming the nails.
It's not unusual to have a collection of different gel brands. You might be worried about choosing a universal product that works with everything. Here are a couple of options.
No Lift Nail Primer
This primer can help a manicure last 3 weeks without lifting, whether applying gels or acrylics. It's a super dehydrator ideal for prepping oily nails and preventing yellowing. Moreover, it comes with the brush packaged separately to prevent contamination.
Alternatively, try the Gentle Nail Primer with a mildly acidic formula for sensitive skin and nails.
Conclusion
Using a primer can make a significant difference if you are doing gel nails and want to achieve a flawless manicure. It helps to ensure the nail polish adheres well and lasts longer. Therefore, investing in a good quality primer is a wise decision that will save you time and money in the long run.
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