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  • December 21, 2023 4 min read

    How to Get the Perfect Rubber Base Application: Mastering The Basics

    Welcome to the ultimate guide for achieving the perfect Rubber Base Gel application. If you’re a Nail Technician who is keen to master the art of rubber base application, you’re in the right place. The world of the beauty industry is ever-evolving, and that couldn’t be more true in the realm of nail enhancements. Rubber base gels have emerged as a cornerstone due to their versatility and durability. This guide is here to assist you in ensuring that each of your clients enjoys beautiful, long-lasting nail enhancements.

    Rubber Base Gel application

    Understanding Rubber Base Gels

    A Rubber Base Gel is a foundational product in the world of gel manicures. It is celebrated for its exceptional flexibility and strong adherence to the natural nail. This makes it a great choice for creating a manicure that lasts for weeks! To understand why Rubber Base Gels are so important, you need to know their benefits and how to effectively apply them with precision for long-lasting results and client safety.

    Benefits for Nail Technicians

    As a Nail Technician, using Rubber Base Gels brings several advantages to your treatments. These gels ensure that the manicures you create are more durable, reducing the likelihood of chipping and peeling, which makes for happy and returning loyal clients. They are also user-friendly, simplifying the manicure process significantly. Moreover, their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of nail types and lengths, enhancing your ability to cater to diverse client needs.

    Clean girl nails with Rubber Base Gel

    Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Rubber Base Application

    The journey to a perfect rubber base application begins with nail preparation. The initial step involves filing the nails and gently buffing their surface. This is a critical process that helps in removing any natural oils and ensures a smooth base surface for the application. When the nail is fully buffed, it should appear completely matte and smooth. Following the buffing, we recommend applying pH Bond to dehydrate the natural nail and balance the pH, before applying our Hybrid Nail Primer. These products enhance the adhesion of the rubber base gel to the nail and result in longer-lasting manicures.

    Applying the Rubber Base Gel

    The application process is crucial for achieving the best results and that smooth look everyone loves. It is important to select a high-quality rubber base gel. Whilst you may find cheaper products on the market, they aren’t necessarily the best option! Cheap quality nail products will not only fail to produce amazing results, but they have a higher risk of causing allergies.

    Apply One Thin Layer: The key to a successful application is using one thin layer of Rubber Base Gel to create a smooth surface. However, make sure you do not cure this layer if you are going to apply a builder layer! This is what we call the sticky layer, and must stay wet for the main Rubber Base application. 

    Apply The Builder Layer: There are a few different techniques you can use to apply Rubber Base Gel. The first would be to use it as a standard base coat by applying and curing layers as you would with normal gel nail polish. The alternative is to apply a thick layer to add strength to the manicure, this can be particularly helpful for clients with weaker nails. Our favorite technique is to apply a bead of Rubber Base Gel to the top of the nail and use semi-circle sweeping motions to drag the product down the nail. You can simply use a liner nail brush to manipulate the gel where necessary to create a perfectly smooth application.

    Cure Under LED/UV Lamp: Ensuring that the gel is properly cured under an LED or UV lamp as per the recommended time is crucial for setting it correctly. If you have applied a built-up layer of Rubber Base, we recommend curing for 90 seconds to allow enough time for the entirety of the gel to be fully cured. It’s also important to consider how your clients' hands go in the lamp. Many Nail Technicians prefer to apply a builder layer one nail at a time and cure each nail individually to avoid the gel moving or sliding, and thus, all of the nails cure evenly. When it comes to the thumbs, it’s best to have your client hook their thumbs so that they are placed upright under the lamp. There’s nothing worse than your client taking their hands out only to realize all the Rubber Base Gel has blobbed to one side!

    UV nail lamp for gel nails

    Troubleshooting Common Issues 

    Sometimes, you may experience lifting and peeling with Rubber Base, but there are a couple of tricks that can help to prevent these common issues:

    Proper Nail Prep: Ensure that the nail is properly prepped and free of oils and debris such as residue nail gel or nail polish.

    Correct Application: It is crucial to apply the rubber base gel in thin, even layers.

    Adequate Curing Time: Always cure the base gel for the recommended time under a lamp.

    Other times, you may find little bubbles or imperfections in the gel, so to combat this, be sure to follow these steps: 

    Avoid Shaking the Bottle: Instead of shaking the gel bottle, which can introduce air bubbles, gently roll it between your hands.

    Smooth Application: Apply the gel with a gentle and even touch to avoid creating imperfections using recommended professional tools such as a liner nail brush.

    Rubber base gel manicure

    Mastering the perfect Rubber Base application is a significant skill that can elevate the quality of your services as a Nail Technician while providing your clients with a safe and professional manicure. Getting good at the foundations is crucial for gel nails and will make or break the overall look! By following these detailed steps and using quality products, you can ensure a flawless and durable foundation for your clients' manicures, and you will ultimately build a loyal clientele. Check out our line of Miss Dolla Rubber Base Gels in a range of beautiful colors to cater to every client.