Step-by-step: Reinforcement with Rubber Base
ABOUT RUBBER BASE
Rubber Base provides reinforcement for natural nails. It can be used as a strengthening base under Gel Polish color or on its own for a beautiful natural reinforcement. The consistency is relatively fluid and should be "flowed" onto the nail at a quick pace. However, it comes in a bottle, making the application quite easy and simple.
It is not necessary to remove Rubber Base. It can, in practice, stay on the nails month after month. Nails are not living and do not need air, as long as proper nail care is ensured with cuticle oil regularly. Instead, Rubber Base should be filled approximately every 3 weeks to ensure that the nail's structure remains balanced, and the nails stay healthy and strong. Learn more about refilling here.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO STRENGTHEN WITH RUBBER BASE
1) Perform an effective prep
See the correct method in the step-by-step guide here.
2) Apply Hard Base Coat and cure for 60 seconds
Ensure that the Base Coat is well "rubbed" into the nail. This is done by pressing the brush's tip into the nail plate with a pushing motion. It is important not to have too much product on the brush, as the nail only needs to be covered with a very thin layer. Remember also to seal the free edge. Read more about sealing the free edge on our blog.
Note that there will be a sticky layer on the Base Coat after curing. The sticky layer is a very thin layer of uncured product that ensures the next layer has something to adhere to. The sticky layer is necessary and completely normal. It must not be removed.
INFO:
Hard Base Coat improves adhesion to the natural nail, which ultimately increases the product's durability. However, it is possible to skip the Hard Base Coat under Rubber Base to allow for even quicker soak-off removal, but be aware that this may affect the durability.
3) Create a slip layer with Rubber Base
To ensure an even distribution of Rubber Base on the nail, a 'slip layer' must first be created, which acts as a sort of 'runway' for the next layer of Rubber Base. A 'slip layer' is created by brushing a thin layer of Rubber Base over the entire nail and over the free edge. It is important to ensure that your 'slip layer' is evenly distributed over the entire nail and does not touch the skin, as the next layer of Rubber Base will flow out to the areas where the 'slip layer' has been applied. The slip layer should not be cured.
4) Strengthen the nail with Rubber Base and cure for 60 seconds
When strengthening the nail, it is important for durability, among other things, to ensure that you create the correct shape with apex and strength points. Read more about proper nail structure from page 13.
1. Take a small bead of Rubber Base on the brush.
2. Place the bead in the center of the nail a few millimeters from the cuticle. Gently press the bead down towards the cuticle area and around the entire edge of the cuticle. It is important not to touch the skin at any time.
3. Now pull the excess product away from the cuticle area and distribute it around the rest of the nail in a slow, gliding motion towards the tip of the nail. Also, remember to glide the product all the way to the tip of the nail.
4. Flip the nail upside down so the product can pull towards the center, forming an apex – the nail's strength point. If the apex and the correct nail shape do not position themselves naturally, the shape can be guided into place with a brush. Read more about proper structure in the theory book from page 13.
5. To ensure that the shape you just built doesn't slide down into the cuticle, you can use the Flash Cure program (10-second flash) on the UV lamp.
6. When all five nails are built, they should be fully cured for 60 seconds in the UV lamp. When Rubber Base cures, some may experience a burning sensation in the nails. This is completely normal and occurs because the molecules in the gel contract. In these cases, you can instead cure the nails in the UV lamp's Low Heat Mode (90 seconds), which gradually increases the UV light's effectiveness and thus reduces the burning sensation.
5) Wipe the sticky layer with Cleaner+
Soak a Lint-Free Wipe with Cleaner+, and wipe the nail free of the sticky layer (the sticky layer).
6) File the shape to perfect the structure
To perfect the nail's shape and create a smooth transition to the natural nail, file the shape. This can be done with a 100/180 grit nail file and/or with an electric nail file. When using the electric nail file, for example, a sanding band with grit 100 to 180 or a bit with a fine to extra fine coarseness can be used. Finish by buffing the entire nail surface with a 100/180 grit buffer.
It is important not to file too much on the lower arch (underside of the nails) or the free edge (tip of the nail). Otherwise, you risk removing the seal at the transition from the natural nail to the product. Over-filing these areas can lead to lifting and poor durability. It is also important not to file too far in, so the natural nail becomes visible through the product. This will make the product's strength point no longer robust, and the nail is likely to lift or break over time (this, of course, does not apply if working with a transparent product).
7) Remove dust with a Lint-Free Wipe and Cleaner+
Soak a Lint-Free Wipe with Cleaner+, and wipe the nail free of dust.
If you want Gel Polish color on top of your Rubber Base, it should be applied before the Top Coat.
8) Apply Top Coat and cure for 60 seconds
Apply Top Coat after the same method as Gel Polish color. It is "No Wipe," which means that it does not have a sticky layer after curing. It is therefore not necessary to cleanse with Cleaner+.
9) Finish with cuticle oil
Wash your hands, and apply cuticle oil. The oil should be applied both to the cuticle and under the nail. Read more about daily nail care on our blog.
