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Application of Press-On Tips with UV/LED Gel Glue

Step by step guide

In this guide, we show you how to apply Press-On Tips with UV/LED Gel Glue, so you know how to use our Gel Glue.

There are different approaches to extending your nails. If you have short nails, Press-On Tips are an obvious method. However, we do not recommend applying Press-On Tips if you already have long nails, as an air gap may occur between the free edge of the nail and your tip.

Products used in this guide:

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Step by Step

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    1. Prepare the tips

    When applying Press-On Tips, you need to find the tip size that fits each nail. It is important that the tip covers your entire natural nail plate and reaches all the way to both sides of the nail.

    Once you have found the right size tip, you need to roughen the inside of the tip. You can do this with your electric nail file or a handheld file with 100 grit.

    After filing the inside of your tip, wipe it with a Lint-Free Pad soaked in Cleanser to remove any dust and debris created when filing the tip. This step is important, as it ensures that our Gel Glue adheres better to the tip, which increases durability.

    To make the application easier, it is a good idea to prepare all your tips and file them, before you start applying them. This is important because you need to apply one tip at a time.

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    2. Prepare your nails

    Before you start applying Press-Ons, it is important that you prepare your nails. You can see our full guide on how to prep your nails in our Guide Universe.

    If you are already experienced in doing nails, you probably know the routine: Wash your hands, push back the cuticles, use a cuticle cutter, buff, wipe with Cleanser, apply pH-Bond and Primer.

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    3. Apply your Base Coat

    Start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat on the nail. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush, then place the brush head in the middle of the nail and press the product down towards the cuticle while holding the brush almost flat against the nail plate. Next, pull the product up along each side of the nail to the tip, where you seal the product.

    It is important that your Base Coat gets close to both the base and sides of the nail without ever touching the skin around the nail. If you happen to touch the surrounding skin or your cuticles, you need to remove it before curing the product. For this, you can use one of our Micro Brushes dipped in Cleanser.

    Cure the Base Coat in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. Please note that the Base Coat leaves a sticky layer after curing. This is completely normal and must not be removed or touched.

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    4. Turn the UV/LED Lamp around

    After curing your Base Coat, you need to turn the top part of your UV/LEDLamp upside down so that the cord is facing the ceiling. This ensures that there is enough space to have both hands in the lamp.

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    5. Apply Gel Glue to your tip

    When the lamp is turned around, apply Gel Glue to the filed part of the tip. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it may flow into the cuticles or onto the skin around the nails.

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    6. Place the tip on your nail

    Then place the tip on the nail. Exactly how far down you choose to place your tip is up to you. Some prefer it to be all the way down at the cuticle line, while others prefer it a few millimeters away from the cuticle, as it makes it easier to file the transition between your tip and the nail.

    When applying your Press-On Tip, place the base of the tip at the cuticle at a 45-degree angle, so that only the base of the Press-On Tip is in contact with the nail plate at first. It is important to maintain that pressure so your Gel Glue does not flow into the cuticle. Then slowly press the tip down onto the rest of the nail plate, and when you see the Gel Glue reach the free edge, hold that pressure and flash cure the tip for 20 seconds in our UV/LED lamp while holding the tip in place with your other hand, ensuring it sits exactly as you want it.

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    7. Cure your nail

    After you have applied all your tips and flash cured them in our UV/LED Lamp, turn the lamp back to its normal position and cure all the nails for an additional 60 seconds.

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    8. Shape your nail

    When your tips are secured, you can trim them to the desired length and shape. For this, you can use a hand file with 100/180 grit. Once you have the exact look you want, use the 180 side of your nail file to matte the surface of the tip. After matting the tip with a nail file, buff the nail with a buffer so the tip is ready for product application.

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    9. Finish

    Now your nails are ready for the next step, where you can apply any of our products on top of your Press-On Tips, whether it is Gel Polish, Liquid Builder Gel, Rubber Base, or Polygel. You can find guides for all of them in our guide universe. If you do not wish to apply a strengthening product under your Gel Polish, we recommend applying a layer of Base Coat on your tip. This gives the nail a smooth surface, so your Gel Polish applies evenly and neatly on the tip.

    Here we have applied a Gel Polish color.

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