Working with gel and using layers

[naildaze]

I was never taught to use more than one layer of the clear gel. It was always:
1) white 2) clear 3) buff, 4) seal
but if more clear was needed you could add it in another step before sealing (which is what I found other people doing).

As I read on, here I've found many people put clear in the middle of the nail bed on the stress margin and cure that and then put more back at the cuticle in a separate step.

What's the benefit, and does this increase the time it takes to do a set?

Who here does that and who here does it the same way I do (cover the whole nail in one step)?

Oh and does that depend on the brand you are using though? I am using LCN gel but have also used brisa gel and OPI acrylic and star nail acrylic and gel.

 

[*fifi*]

Hi,
I would only ever use clear once but i would use a pink build as well for strenght.

 

[naildaze]

okay see I have never heard of using the clear along with the pink as well, I always did one or the other. lol

I am learning there are way many more techniques than we've been taught. I am very interested in how other people are doing them. Also all the new brands that don't really exist around here that people on this site use. I like to learn new brands and techniques that aren't already offered in my area to set me aside as different than all the other technicians locally.

 

[champagne]

I use clear then build with pink...

 

[Carmen]

I always apply the builder in one layer so I do it the same as you.

 

[Bagpuss]

Applying layers can also help reduce the risk of heat spike...i always apply clear after my white to protect it while i buff to shape and also to fill any lip that can be felt after applying the white.

I do a bonding layer

builder ...sometimes done in 2 layers

white

clear over zones 2 and 1

buff

topgloss

 

[tracey louise]

angie has passed on a great technique which i now use as it allows you to change the nail design as the white is nearer the top but is also protected still.
i use nsi and akzentz gels but when i use nsi gels if im using the blush pink which is a soft pink then i use it for my bonder layer and builder layer but they also do a radiant pink which is a very strong pink in colour so if i used this i would only this for my bonder layer and then build with clear as it would make the nail to pink if i used this for both.
ive learnt alot from the geeks on this site as there are many different ays of applying products ,the hardest thing is finding what suits you.xx

 

[naildaze]

very true, I didn't even realize you could do it in those steps! ha
keep all the new tips coming, I wouldn't mind experimenting.

 

[adelekeegan1]

I use CND Brisa Gel.

After my very thin (clear) bonder layer, I apply

White to Zone 1

A layer of coverage pink to zones 2&3

Another bead of coverage pink to zone 2 (to create the apex) and gently tease out to sidewalls and towards zone 3.

A layer of clear to even out any dips ets across all zones

Buff to shape

Finishing gloss

 

[naildaze]

I use CND Brisa Gel.

After my very thin (clear) bonder layer, I apply

White to Zone 1

A layer of coverage pink to zones 2&3

Another bead of coverage pink to zone 2 (to create the apex) and gently tease out to sidewalls and towards zone 3.

A layer of clear to even out any dips ets across all zones

Buff to shape

Finishing gloss

I can see trying this way

 

[sweetums007]

i use the axxium gel from opi and i apply the gel base, then one layer of clear, cure, apply one more layer of clear and cure then buff and topcoat. when i do tips they usually last (usually)lol. but when i do and overlay (and i follow all directions) they chip and peel within a day or two of being done. i am new at this and have only been doing nails for 4 months. i got my cosmetology license but was offered a job as a nail tech even without experience and have come to like it but am still "iffy" at it. if anyone has advice it would be greatly appreciated.