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1. Preparation (The Most Important Step)

• Sanitize: Clean your hands and tools.

• Prep the Cuticle: Gently push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin from the nail plate.

• Buff: Lightly buff the surface of the nail with a fine-grit buffer to remove the shine. This gives the gel something to "grip."

• Dehydrate & Prime: Wipe the nails with alcohol or a nail dehydrator, then apply a primer to ensure maximum adhesion.

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2. The Base Layer

• Apply a thin base coat (unless your specific builder gel is a "1-step" product).

• Cure in a UV/LED lamp for 30–60 seconds.

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3. Applying the Builder Gel

This is where the "building" happens. You generally want to use a three-step application for the gel itself:

1. The Slip Layer: Apply a very thin layer of the builder gel over the entire nail. Do not cure yet. This "wet" layer helps the next bead of gel flow into place.

2. The Bead: Pick up a larger bead of gel on your brush. Place it near the cuticle (but not touching the skin) and gently guide it down the center and toward the sides.

3. Self-Leveling: Flip your hand upside down for 5–10 seconds. This allows gravity to pull the gel toward the center, creating a natural "apex" (the strongest part of the nail).

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4. Curing and Refining

• Cure: Place your hand in the LED lamp for 60–90 seconds (or 2 minutes for UV).

  Tip: If you feel a "heat spike," take your hand out for a few seconds, then put it back in.

• Wipe: Use a lint-free wipe and 70% isopropyl alcohol to remove the sticky "inhibition" layer.

• Shape: Use a nail file to refine the shape and smooth out any bumps.

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5. Final Touch

• Wipe away the dust from filing.

• Apply a Gel Top Coat for high shine and protection.

• Cure one last time for 60 seconds.