Trouble with Gel

[Emily9]

Hi,

I hope someone can help me!? it's driving me mad! i'm fairly new to this as i only did my course the end of last year but i am having trouble with my gel application, i use IBD builder gel and my nails when finnished are uneven and the best word to describe them would be bumpy, no matter what i try i cant get an even finish. A beauty therapist i know suggested i used self levelling gel?

Has anyone got any suggestions or tips please? after lurking here for a few days now and reading the posts i have a feeling it's something i'm possibly doing wrong. i have no trouble with lifting or getting the gel on the skin it's just the rest of it!!!

 

[Carmen]

Do you mean they're bumpy after your final shaping and top gloss?

 

[Lellipop]

When you apply your gel try not to over work it too much place you bead of gel and gently tease it rather than applying pressure and leaving dents etc Also give a quick swipe over with a fine abrasive before applying your finishing layer.

 

[magsham]

Hi,

I hope someone can help me!? it's driving me mad! i'm fairly new to this as i only did my course the end of last year but i am having trouble with my gel application, i use IBD builder gel and my nails when finnished are uneven and the best word to describe them would be bumpy, no matter what i try i cant get an even finish. A beauty therapist i know suggested i used self levelling gel?

Has anyone got any suggestions or tips please? after lurking here for a few days now and reading the posts i have a feeling it's something i'm possibly doing wrong. i have no trouble with lifting or getting the gel on the skin it's just the rest of it!!!

IBD is self leveling. Where did you do your course?
give us a run down of how you're applying it, as it's a pretty easy gel to use.:hug:

 

[Emily9]

Thankyou for replying so quickly! it's much appreciated :hug:

i'm doing all my prep, applying my tip, using primer then with the gel i use not too much gel but enough for a strong nail but not really thick layers and the best way i can describe is i pull it from the cuticle to the bottom of the nail, i cure them for 3 minutes inbetween each layer and apply 3 layers.

i did my training with with a local company who taught the Noveau system. Could it be the tips i'm using?

i get a dip in the nail just after where the tip is applied straight across the nail, and the tips don't need to be blended so the box says. and then its coverage is very uneven and looking at some of the girls pictures on here i cant understand how i'm getting it so wrong! But it looks like the problem starts because of the dip across my nail! :cry:

 

[Carmen]

I always apply my gel in the apex area of the nail, work it back to the left and pull it up, then work it back to the right and pull it up.

It sounds as if maybe you're not applying enough gel across the stress area? Are the tips really thick? Are they white or natural?

 

[Emily9]

I use both, it is worse on white tips than clear but i wouldn't say the tips were thick!

without sounding daft!:o what would be the best way to get better coverage on the stress area?

 

[Carmen]

Try my method of application with your first layer of gel. With your second layer, go back and apply it to the apex to build it up.

Also, when I'm doing my final shaping, I check the nail from all angles to ensure everything is smooth. Once I'm happy, I apply my top gloss.

I just had a thought - perhaps you're using too much top gloss? I use a medium-thin layer but cure it an extra minute to ensure it comes out shiny. It always does and then I don't have to worry about it being applied too thick.

Are you doing a final shaping? I think this is extremely important and from what I understand, even some of the most experienced nail techs still do this just to ensure everything is perfect.

I hope I'm helping...

 

[sharon h]

I use IBD builder gel and it is self levelling. I do the following

· Sanitise yourself and your client with Sanitiser then nail prep, check for contra indications and fill in client consultation form.

· Dry Manicure – Push back cuticles with cuticle pusher & remove any Pterygium

· Etch – using the 180 emerald grit file, etch the natural nail (avoid cuticle skin area) shape and file the natural nail.

· Dust – remove filing with a manicure brush and wipe with a nail wipe.

· Dehydrate – apply the dehydrator to the natural nail and leave to dry.

· Choose the correct tip size, making sure it fits the natural nail from side to side, apply the glue to the French tip, apply the tip to the natural nail, apply a small amount of glue across the tip seam to seal and secure the tip & natural nail. Do not blend the tip as this will eliminate the smile line

· Cut the tip to the required length, shape & remove the shine using a 150 grit (sapphire) file.

· Dust filing with the nail brush then wipe with a nail wipe

· Apply dehydrator to the natural nail and allow to dry

· Sparingly apply a thin layer of bonder to the nail surface from the cuticle to the free edge, blot nails with a nail wipe if shiny.

· Remove any excess bonder from the surrounding skin with cuticle pusher.

· Cure bonder under the UV lamp for 1 minute

· DO NOT CLEANSE

· Apply a small bead of clear builder gel, work it side to side then gently take it down to the free edge, cap the free edge by lightly brushing along sides and end free edge.

· Remove any excess gel from surrounding skin with cuticle pusher.

· Cure nails for 1 minute

· Reinforce gel application by dipping the brush straight down into the builder gel, raise the brush creating a string of product extending from the brush. Put the string of gel on any low spots or areas needing reinforcement (this will self level). Wait a few seconds

· Remove any excess gel from surrounding skin with cuticle pusher.

· Cure under the UV lamp for 3 minutes

· Cleanse the nail with cleanser plus on a nail wipe

· If filing is required use the 150 grit (sapphire) file and smooth out any lumps or bumps

· Remove any dust with a nail wipe

· Place a thin layer (like polish) of ultra seal

· Remove any excess ultra seal from surrounding skin with cuticle pusher.

· Cure under the UV lamp for 1 minute

· Cleanse the nail with cleanser plus on a nail wipe

· Cuticle oil & massage cuticle are and side wall area
hope this helps.

 

[Cathie!]

You could try picking up a 'string' of gel, dip your brush in the pot pull it out and hey presto, a string and then lay this across your dip.

Also, have patience, self levelling gels need to self level and this does take a wee minute, if you wait you will see it level out in the dips.

 

[Emily9]

You are being extremely helpful you wouldn't understand how much i appreciate it :hug:

I will try your way and see if i get a better result otherwise it's back to the drawing board!

I always do a final shaping to make sure they are a little bit more presentable. The biggest problem is my dip! so i'll have my fingers crossed that your way works for me!

Are there any better gels than the one im using? or is mine a good one to be starting with?

 

[Carmen]

Just another thought...is your gel a pretty thin gel? Perhaps it's moving around on you before you have a chance to get it in the light. I find most self-levelling are pretty thin so you could try doing just 2 nails at a time and alternating hands back and forth.

I use Akzentz gel and find it is perfect for me to use. Of course, everyone has different opinions and what works for one may not work for another. I did have a friend though that was taught to use a self-levelling gel and found it hell to use for a beginner. I think it's important to be taught on a builder gel (I love Akzentz Natural!) and once you have more experience, move to a self-levelling.

 

[Emily9]

Where abouts do you get Akzentz from? i've seen alot of posts on here about that and Acry gel.

Thank you for all the help!

 

[Carmen]

No problem!

I'm in Canada so I get mine from Just Nailz in Calgary. I believe you could get it from Nails Plus.

 

[magsham]

I use IBD builder gel and it is self levelling. I do the following

· Sanitise yourself and your client with Sanitiser then nail prep, check for contra indications and fill in client consultation form.

· Dry Manicure – Push back cuticles with cuticle pusher & remove any Pterygium

· Etch – using the 180 emerald grit file, etch the natural nail (avoid cuticle skin area) shape and file the natural nail.

· Dust – remove filing with a manicure brush and wipe with a nail wipe.

· Dehydrate – apply the dehydrator to the natural nail and leave to dry.

· Choose the correct tip size, making sure it fits the natural nail from side to side, apply the glue to the French tip, apply the tip to the natural nail, apply a small amount of glue across the tip seam to seal and secure the tip & natural nail. Do not blend the tip as this will eliminate the smile line

· Cut the tip to the required length, shape & remove the shine using a 150 grit (sapphire) file.

· Dust filing with the nail brush then wipe with a nail wipe

· Apply dehydrator to the natural nail and allow to dry

· Sparingly apply a thin layer of bonder to the nail surface from the cuticle to the free edge, blot nails with a nail wipe if shiny.

· Remove any excess bonder from the surrounding skin with cuticle pusher.

· Cure bonder under the UV lamp for 1 minute

· DO NOT CLEANSE

· Apply a small bead of clear builder gel, work it side to side then gently take it down to the free edge, cap the free edge by lightly brushing along sides and end free edge.

· Remove any excess gel from surrounding skin with cuticle pusher.

· Cure nails for 1 minute

· Reinforce gel application by dipping the brush straight down into the builder gel, raise the brush creating a string of product extending from the brush. Put the string of gel on any low spots or areas needing reinforcement (this will self level). Wait a few seconds

· Remove any excess gel from surrounding skin with cuticle pusher.

· Cure under the UV lamp for 3 minutes

· Cleanse the nail with cleanser plus on a nail wipe

· If filing is required use the 150 grit (sapphire) file and smooth out any lumps or bumps

· Remove any dust with a nail wipe

· Place a thin layer (like polish) of ultra seal

· Remove any excess ultra seal from surrounding skin with cuticle pusher.

· Cure under the UV lamp for 1 minute

· Cleanse the nail with cleanser plus on a nail wipe

· Cuticle oil & massage cuticle are and side wall area
hope this helps.

This is the way i use it, but i do two thin layers then the string. As Cathie has said, you need to be patient for a min or two while it levels out and have a look at the surface. If you need more just dip your brush in the pot and string as described. And just keep practicing!:hug:

 

[RedAdmiral]

Are there any better gels than the one im using? or is mine a good one to be starting with?

Perfect the one you have before moving onto another - the one you have is fine and the problem is your application not the gel. You have been given great advice so have a practice and let us know how you get on.

 

[wendyrose]

I also use IBD and apart from teething problems starting off, like we ALL have, Iv not had a problem with the gel, so be patient and stick at it, if I changed after a few problems id be on my tenth brand haha

I agree with the others, it takes a few wee seconds to self level. I like others apply my first 'ball' of gel in the centre and teast to the free edge, I only apply near the cuticle on my second layre and only very thinly. Check out Geeg's tutorial on brush control, it's very helpful. And even after four years at gels I still have to shape a little before my intense seal (gloss top coat).

Also, i would pre blend my clear/natural tips whether they say no blending or not personally, I dont use white tips so I cant comment on that.

OUCH to the below though....

Etch – using the 180 emerald grit file, etch the natural nail (avoid cuticle skin area) shape and file the natural nail.

 

[Naughtynails]

Why not try going to one of IBDs demo days have a look on their site.
I am in bolton and do demo days with la femme come and have a chat with me and i will try and help you. look on www.lafemmenails.co.uk for the next date ​

 

[naildaze]

I've never used IBD but have used the Sculpture gel by LCN and it took me quite some practice to get this non self-leveling stuff to be somewhat smooth. I prefer self levelers but I have gotten used to the sculpture stuff too. Good thing is that it needs to be buffed anyways before being sealed so it won't be bumpy in the end but its a lot less filing and buffing when it's smoother to begin with I guess.

 

[sweetums007]

I like others apply my first 'ball' of gel in the centre and teast to the free edge, I only apply near the cuticle on my second layre and only very thinly.

does applying it this way make it stronger on the nail so they are less likely to break or is it all in the way of application?