Base coats: types, selection criteria, review of the best

The base coat you choose can have a significant impact on the results of your manicure and pedicure. Base coats are necessary to even out the surface and extend the wear of your nail polish. They not only keep your nails free of stains, but they also improve and extend the adhesion of the color. Selecting the right option for you can be difficult with so many to choose from.

This post will explore the various kinds of base coats that are out there, ranging from formulas that strengthen nails to ones that address particular issues with nails. We’ll look at factors to take into account when choosing a base coat, including whether you need something to promote nail growth, ridge filling, or extra hydration. We’ll also evaluate some of the best base coats available to assist you in making a decision.

Knowing base coats is essential to getting perfect and long-lasting results, whether you’re a polish enthusiast or just trying to improve your regimen. Together, we will investigate your options and select the ideal base coat.

A beautiful manicure or pedicure depends on selecting the appropriate base coat, and knowing the various kinds and selection standards can help a lot. In order to assist you in choosing the best base coat option for a durable and attractive finish, this article will examine the many options available, provide advice on how to choose the best one for your needs, and evaluate some of the best products available.

What is a base and the main types

The base layer of the gel nail coating system is intended to even out the nail plate’s surface and enhance the bond between the nail and the subsequent layers.

Other features of the base consist of:

• protection of the nail plate from pigment;
• increasing the wear life of the manicure;
• strengthening the nail plate;
• Masks of the imperfections of the nail.

Based on the following factors, multiple subgroups of baselines are created:

• Hardness;
• Consistency;
• Color;
• Acidity.

By hardness

There are four different types of bases based on how hard the coating becomes after polymerization:

• hard – Hard, Strong, Extra;
• medium hardness;
• brittle or soft;
• elastic – Rubber, Super, Bio, Flexy, Elastic.

When polymerized, hard bases result in a hard, non-elastic, and immobile coating. Although they are fragile, medium and soft nails are marginally less static, retaining some of the nail’s mobility. A flexible layer is formed by elastic ones.

How can you determine the type of base you have?

• Apply a drop of the product to any dense polyethylene base. A file or a piece of film will do. Pull out the drop into a long strip 1-1.5 cm thick, the thickness of the average coating for alignment.
• Chemist in a lamp and remove the stickiness.

Such a test layer will act differently when bent:

• If it cracks, then it is either a brittle or medium base.
• If it bends and flexes – elastic.
• If it holds its shape tightly and firmly, does not break – hard.

It is recommended that nail technicians keep multiple bases sorted by hardness in their toolbox so they can choose the best product for each type of nail:

• For an uneven nail plate, use hard and elastic bases;
• If the nails are thick and short, use a medium base;
• For long nails, a hard base is best. In this case, an elastic one will "walk" in the stress zone, and medium and soft ones will simply crack;
• If the nails are thin, brittle and damaged, an elastic base is ideal.

A small portion of customers do not find that the base wears well; for these customers, an experiment is required to choose a base product. Try a hard one if an elastic one does not fit. It might be required to apply gel beforehand for extensions or to reinforce further with acrylic powder if the hard one develops flaws as well.

By consistency

Consistently, there exist four categories of base coats:

• liquid;
• medium;
• thick;
• very thick.

It will take longer for the base to self-level and dry in the lamp the thicker the base. Consider how long it will take to level the surface completely when estimating thickness:

• liquid, up to 3 sec;
• medium, 3-5 sec;
• thick, 5-7 sec;
• very thick, 7-10 sec.

Working with liquid and medium products will be more convenient for novices because they spread out evenly and quickly over the plate. Experts who possess the ability to control the unyielding material select materials that are thick and extremely thick.

The original nail architecture also dictates the choice.

• If it already has a curved arched shape, then the thick material will create additional excess volume, bulge. In this situation, it is better to take a formula with a liquid texture in order to distribute the product well over the surface of the plate;
• If the nail is flat and straight, then to build a curved architecture it is better to choose a thick material that holds its shape well and spreads slowly from the center.

By color

There are two kinds of bases based on color:

• transparent, colorless;
• camouflage.

Transparent bases are applied to the nail plate in a thin layer and don’t contain any pigment. Colorless bases can be coated in any color and any pattern.

In addition to serving the same purposes as base coats, camouflage bases also cover up nail flaws. Additionally, base and color can be replaced simultaneously by camouflage bases. There is an internal classification for camouflage bases:

• Classic camouflage. This is a base coat of a natural shade – peach, milky, pink. Such bases are often used for nude manicure, as well as for French.
• Colored bases. This is a new generation of camouflage with the same characteristics, but a wider palette of colors. There are pastel, muted and neon shades.

By acidity

Bases according to acidity are:

• acidic;
• acid-free.

The composition’s methacrylic acid and photoinitiator percentages are determined by the acidity index. The material will adhere or bond to the nail’s surface more strongly the more acid there is in it.

Bases that are acidic

Drying out the nails and slightly loosening their surface by lifting the scales are characteristics of acidic bases. This guarantees adherence.

Advantages:

• Provides good adhesion to the natural surface even without a primer.
• Optimal option for short nails.

Cons:

• Insufficient strengthening and reinforcing functions.
• The edge of a long nail "walks" under the plastic material.
• Corrodes the nail plate due to the high acid content.
• Can affect the saturation of the pigment of the gel polish. Solution: degrease the layer of material before applying the gel polish.

Nails that are filed and dry should not be used with such bases.

Base coats without acid

In 70% of cases, bases without acid are hard. They are deficient in photoinitiators and acids. Proper preparation of the nail before applying the material ensures good adhesion to the natural surface. It needs to be buff in order to raise the scales in order to do this. Building the right architecture is crucial when working with hard products.

Advantages:

• Less aggressive effect on nails compared to acidic ones.
• They make it possible to strengthen the nail and extend the free edge in the presence of chips.

Cons:

• It is necessary to provide additional adhesion to the natural plate by using a primer.
• It is necessary to individually select whether the hard formula for gel polish is suitable for the client.
• Insoluble with remover in 80% of cases, only filing with a file or device.

About the base coat application technology:

Additional information regarding the two-layer coating using a base and the preparation using a cleaner, degreaser, dehydrator, and bond:

Top 12 bases for gel polish

With so many different manufacturers and materials, choosing can be challenging. Let’s look at the most widely used bases for gel polish, taking into account the previously mentioned factors of properties, consistency, acidity, manufacturer, and unique benefits and drawbacks.

PNB

All known bases are available in the PNB assortment, including traditional transparent coatings, colored bases for gel polish, and traditional camouflage. Girls who are allergic to the gel system can wear base coats because PNB products are made with a 7-free formula.

Renowned professional nail salon bases

• Scotch Base – Scotch base. Acid-free base – the first product in the PNB catalog with a safe 12-free composition. It has an average density and moderate viscosity, self-levels well. Ideal for thin and problematic nails.

• Fiber Base – bases with microfibers. Camouflage bases in natural shades hide imperfections of the nail plates and act as a reinforcing element for better wear of the coating. Strengthen nails due to vitamin E and calcium in the composition.

• Camouflage Base – camouflage rubber bases. Available in several neon colors – orange, green, fuchsia, blue and others. Elastic and plates, distributed evenly and do not spread.

TNL Professional

Both a transparent version and a version in beige-pink camouflage are available for the product. TNL Color Base is the brand name for the colored camouflage line. White bases with a crackle effect craquelure are also available from the manufacturer. TNL Professional Crack Effect White Base is the name.

• Classic TNL Base Gel – soft. Characterized by a liquid consistency. Adhesion is average, Ph level – 2.5.
• TNL Strong Base is also soft in properties, has high adhesion, you can not use a primer.
• TNL Rubber Base – medium hardness. Characterized by low adhesion and Ph 3.7.

The liquid and dispersed consistency makes it unsuitable for leveling architecture and sculpting.

Patrisa Nail

Patrisa Nail, take note of Titanium Strong Base, a hard base with exceptional self-leveling qualities and a medium thickness. lacks a layer that sticks. distinguished by greater strength when compared to other hard bases.

You can choose from matting rubber products in the brand’s line in addition to the transparent base. Referring to solid strengthening materials, Patrisa Nail Builder Base combines the qualities of a base and a modeling gel for extension.

The Prima Patrisa Nail rubber base version has a quick-drying time of 15 seconds when lit by a 48 W lamp. It has a self-leveling, liquid texture.

IQ BEAUTY

Natural shade transparent and camouflage bases are available from the IQ BEAUTY brand. There are several items in this category that are available in 30-milliliter bulk purchases. Apart from traditional gel polish bases, a separate Podo Base pedicure base is also available:

• Suitable for all types of nails – healthy, dry, brittle, exfoliating.
• Does not contain acid.
• Excellent self-leveling, has a low viscosity.
• Compatible with most gel polishes.

Master affection has also been shown for the universal Medium Base. A great option if money is tight and you need a product that works on several types of nails.

NeoNail

The company provides a variety of bases to suit various needs:

• Extra – medium consistency for soft, exfoliating, dry nails of medium length;
• Basic Base – thick base for long and problematic nails;
• Rubber – elastic thick base for soft and moist nails;
• Fiber – thick base for soft, brittle, exfoliating plates;
• Silk protein – medium-thick, for normal, healthy nail plates.

Rubber is the only base without a neutral pH. NeoNail bases wear flawlessly for two to four weeks, are perfectly level, and do not flow.

The producer offers a range of camouflage bases in addition to transparent bases.

Lianail

Additionally, Lianail offers a variety of base coats. No matter how dense the base is, they wear nicely and don’t chip or peel. Naturally, with the appropriate product choice based on the kind of nail plate:

• Rich base – a thick base is great for leveling;
• Slim base – a thin base for creating a natural, light coating. It has a liquid consistency, lays down in a barely noticeable layer;
• Camouflage bases – both classic and colored. Camouflage bases have a dense consistency, elastic.

Kodi Professional

The rubber Kodi is the most well-liked. It is thick and flexible, with a density that is comparable to that of biogel. Ideal for leveling and fortifying nails.

• Can be applied in one layer;
• Available in 8, 12 and 16 ml;
• It has high adhesion and medium hardness.

For both beginners and experts, the Kodi rubber base is the most preferred option because of its excellent quality and reasonable price.

Grattol

We advise being aware of the following three Grattol bases:

• Rubber base. Rubber, medium hardness. Self-leveling. Has a thick texture, it is necessary to squeeze the brush well. Suitable for leveling and strengthening. Characterized by high adhesion. Has Ph 6;
• Rubber base gel extra cremnium.Extra thick base is ideal for leveling;
• Grattol Rubber IQ. Has medium hardness and adhesion. Ph – 4.5. Suitable for allergy sufferers due to its gentle lightweight composition. Removable by soaking. Has a liquid texture, must be applied in a thin layer. Distributes well, spreads slowly.

Additionally, a line of neon and subdued colored camouflage bases has just been released by the brand.

InGarden

The brand offers a variety of transparent bases in addition to options for camouflage. In Graden Ideal Nails is the clear rubber that is most widely used. It adheres well and has a medium hardness. Ph level: 4.5. 11 milliliters in volume.

Because the product is thick, it must be evenly distributed across the plate. strengthens and aligns. Solvent removal is challenging and will necessitate filing. It can burn in a lamp as well. It complements other brands’ gel polishes nicely.

The brand offers Ingarden So Naturally Super Easy Off Base Gel, which is easily removed with solvent, and a vitaminized version of Ingarden So Naturally VITAMIN gel Base-Hybrid with high adhesion and plastic consistency.

Artex

A self-leveling formula called Smart Corrector Artex can be used to level plates and construct architectural structures. It has a Ph level of 3.6 and medium adhesion. The consistency of the product is easy to use and it has a soft texture. Polymer. Gel polish remover makes it simple to remove.

The brand offers Transparent Corrector Base Artex with low adhesion and medium hardness, as well as Corrector Rubber Artex with medium hardness and adhesion. With a remover, the latter is effortlessly eliminated.

UNO

The company sells rubber bases for gel polish under the Rubber series. The base sticks to the nail flawlessly even without the need for a primer thanks to its exceptional adhesion qualities. On thin nail plates, UNO Rubber base can be applied with little chance of peeling.

Apart from the traditional transparent container available in volumes of 15, 30, or 50 milliliters, a rubber covert base is available in 15 distinct colors, including pink, milky, and glitter. The product’s density makes it useful for smoothing out small nail flaws. Self-adjusting.

Louis Philippe

The bases produced by the Louis Philippe brand vary in density, hardness, and color. Most well-liked:

• Base Extra Strong – extra dense, ideal for leveling and strengthening brittle nails;
• Base Rubber – elastic rubber. Very viscous and thick, but perfectly leveled.

For the necessary two to three weeks, the bases do not bake and wear flawlessly. Additionally, the business manufactures a line of colored bases that serve as a substitute for gel polish and base coat.

You are now aware of the various kinds of bases and the top producers of this particular product line. All that’s left to do is select the brand whose bases most appeal to you and let us know in the comments.

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One comment on “Base coats: types, selection criteria, review of the best”

Olga

Type	Description
Silicone-Based	Creates a smooth surface and helps polish adhere better. Good for long-lasting wear.
Gel-Based	Provides a strong foundation, often used with gel polishes. Ideal for durability.
Strengthening	Contains proteins or vitamins to reinforce nails and prevent chipping.
Hydrating	Infused with moisturizing agents to keep nails from becoming too dry or brittle.
Peel-Off	Easy to remove and perfect for short-term manicures or quick changes.
Best Picks	Top choices include Sally Hansen Diamond Strength and OPI Nail Envy for their effectiveness and quality.

Your manicure or pedicure can be greatly improved by selecting the appropriate base coat. Understanding each type’s distinct advantages is crucial because there are many varieties available, including ridge-filling, strengthening, and hydrating base coats. You will get the best results if you choose a type according to your specific needs because each type meets different nail needs.

Think about your desired finish, the state of your nails, and any necessary special treatments when choosing a base coat. There is a base coat out there to suit your needs, whether you want extra strength or a smooth, faultless surface.

We’ve highlighted top picks that stand out for their functionality and customer satisfaction in our review of the best base coats. You might find the perfect match for your nails by trying out a few different options. Examining the specifics of every product will help you make a better decision and have manicures and pedicures that last longer.

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