Setting the foundation with a base coat is essential to achieving a perfect manicure. Making sure your nails are smooth and even is just as important as applying a layer of protection because it improves the appearance and durability of your polish.
The base coat should always be applied after careful nail preparation. This stage guarantees good base adhesion and produces a flawless surface for the remainder of your manicure. Every step, from shaping to cleaning, is necessary for a polished finish.
It takes some skill to apply the base coat for alignment. When done properly, it can aid in balancing the surface and removing flaws, making it possible to apply polish evenly. Regardless of your level of experience, perfecting this step will improve the caliber of your manicures.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Prepare the nail | Start by cleaning and shaping the nail. Push back the cuticles and buff the nail surface lightly to remove shine. |
| 2. Apply the base coat | Apply a thin layer of base coat to the nail. Ensure even coverage, avoiding the cuticles and sidewalls. |
| 3. Cure the base coat | Place your nails under the UV/LED lamp to cure the base coat. Follow the lamp"s recommended curing time. |
| 4. Base coat for alignment | If needed, apply a second layer of base coat to fill any ridges or uneven areas. Cure again under the lamp. |
Preparation
Every step starts with preparation. Applying the base is the same. To achieve a dependable adherence and strengthen the attachment between the natural and artificial layers of material, nails must be processed correctly. How should this be used? What is the secret to effective planning? Let’s take a closer look at these phases.
To make the nail plate surfaces smooth and uniform, the old coating needs to be removed and then the surfaces need to be treated with a buff or hardware grinder. We are now processing them using the necessary materials.
It takes one or two minutes to complete the preparatory step, which includes:
- Degreasing;
- Cleaning from dust and dirt;
- Dehydration – removing surface liquid from the nail plates.
Even though it seems straightforward, this is a crucial step because it affects the base’s strength and ability to withstand additional wear.
Cleaning is done with cleaner. It comes in two sizes: large 100–250 ml containers and jars (12–15 ml) with an applicator brush. The sticky layer can also be removed with products that come in big containers. applied using a cloth free of lint. Often, a cleanser and a degreaser are combined into one 2-in-1 product that performs two or three tasks: cleaning, degreasing, and dehydration. These products are based on alcohol or acetone. More about coating removal liquids.
You can improve the quality of adhesion of the nail surface to the base, remove stickiness and dirt, and remove dust after filing nails by using a cleanser-degreaser.
To prevent peeling and bumpiness from dust or filed pterygium remnants, it is crucial to apply the product completely along the cuticle line and lateral ridges.
If two distinct compositions are used, a dehydrator is applied to the nails following the cleanser. By eliminating surplus moisture from the nail plate’s surface, this product keeps the material from appearing to peel when worn. Using an applicator brush, apply the dehydrator to the nails; allow it to evaporate completely, about 30 seconds.
A perfect manicure requires a base coat because it smoothes out any imperfections on the nail, improves adhesion, and creates a solid base for the polish. Applying a base coat correctly is essential to getting a durable, even, and polished finish—especially when it’s being used for nail alignment.
Primer treatment
It is now advised to apply a primer to the nails in order to improve the base’s adherence to the nail plate. Other names for primers that are available from different manufacturers are Nail Prep, Bond, Superbond, Ultrabond, and Bondex. There can occasionally be confusion when a single brand’s line includes both primer and bond; the primer’s purpose is to increase adhesion, while the bond serves as a dehydrator.
On natural nail plates only is bond applied. There is no need to prime artificial nails if they were extended prior to applying gel polish.
Primer can contain or lack acid. Acid-free will have the intended result and be safer. Only the edge and stress zone of the nails, or the tips, receive primer application. Additionally, it is not necessary to cover the entire nail plate; if you do, the base will "float" from the edges to the center when you apply it.
Ensure that when the primer is applied in stress areas, it does not spill onto the skin. After letting it air dry for 20 to 60 seconds, you can begin applying the base. It’s best to read the product instructions as some primers require drying under a lamp.
Reputable brands: Masura, Bluesky, Rio Profi, Patrisa Nail, Fix It, Kodi, Irisk, Ibd, Grattol, and Cosmoprofi.
Making the right base coat application decisions is essential to a smooth, long-lasting manicure. An excellent base coat provides a solid base for the remaining polish when the nails are properly prepped.
By using the base for alignment, you can even out the surface of your nails and create a smooth surface for your color coats. To ensure an impeccable finish, this step is necessary.
Making the effort to carefully follow these instructions will have a noticeable impact on how long-lasting and attractive your manicure is. Keep in mind that the foundational application’s quality determines the overall look.
