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Application of Rubber Base

Step by step guide

Rubber Base is a flexible and strong base, perfect for both natural nail strengthening and as a base under Gel Polish. In this guide, we show you two different methods for applying Rubber Base, depending on the result you want.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced, you will find step-by-step instructions here to achieve a beautiful and long-lasting result.

Products used in this guide:

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Step by Step

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    1. Prepare your nail

    Before you start applying Rubber Base, you need to prepare your nails. You can see our full guide on how to prep your nails in our guide universe.

    But if you are already experienced in doing nails, you know the routine: wash hands, cuticle pusher, cuticle cutter, buff, wipe with Cleanser, PH-Bond, Primer. With the preparations done, let’s look at how to apply Rubber Base.

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    2. Apply your Rubber Base

    Once you have prepared your nails, you can go straight in with Rubber Base. When using Rubber Base, you do not need to apply a Base Coat underneath, because Rubber Base is essentially a Base Coat with color.

    You can use Rubber Base in two ways: either in thin layers or to build a slightly thicker reinforcement. However, Rubber Base can only provide a light strengthening of your natural nail, as it is a softer product than, for example, Builder Gel, and therefore moves along with the nail.

    Method 1 (Thin layers): Apply Rubber Base by first placing a thin layer over the entire nail. Do this by placing the brush in the middle of the nail and gently pushing it down towards the cuticle. Once you reach the cuticle, pull the product up along the sides of the nail towards the tip, sealing the product at the nail edge. It is important not to touch the skin around the nail, either at the base or sides. After applying a thin layer across the entire nail, cure it for 60–90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.

    Method 2 (Building): Apply Rubber Base by first placing a thin layer over the entire nail. Do this by placing the brush in the middle of the nail and gently pushing it down towards the cuticle. Once you reach the cuticle, pull the product up along the sides of the nail towards the tip, sealing the product at the nail edge. It is important not to touch the skin around the nail, either at the base or sides.

    If you accidentally touch the surrounding skin or your cuticles, you must remove it before curing the product. For this, you can advantageously use one of our Micro Brushes dipped in Cleanser to remove the product.

    After applying a thin layer across the entire nail, this layer should not be cured yet. This is your slip layer.

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    3. Build your Rubber Base

    Method 1 (Thin layers): After curing your Rubber Base, apply another thin layer. Gently push the Rubber Base towards the cuticle without touching the skin, and then slowly pull it out towards the tip. With the brush, carefully press the product down along the cuticle area and around the entire cuticle line. It is important that you do not touch the skin at any point. With slow and steady movements, pull the product out to the tip of the nail. Remember to seal the free edge.

    Method 2 (Building): Once you have your uncured slip layer of Rubber Base, you can apply a thicker layer on top if you want stronger reinforcement or a more pigmented color. Be mindful not to overload the brush with too much product. The amount of Rubber Base should be enough to cover the entire nail without flowing onto the skin. Place a small bead of Rubber Base on your slip layer. Gently push the Rubber Base towards the cuticle without touching the skin, then pull it out towards the tip in curved movements. It is important not to touch the skin at any point. With slow and steady movements, pull the product out to the tip of the nail. Remember to seal the free edge.

    You can advantageously use a liner brush dipped in your Rubber Base to apply the color evenly and neatly at the cuticle and along the edges. It can be difficult to achieve a precise result with the standard brush without hitting the skin around the nail.

    When you are satisfied with your Rubber Base, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60–90 seconds. If you are not completely happy with the shape of your Rubber Base, you can easily file it into shape. Simply remove the sticky layer left on top of the nail with a Lint-Free Pad and our Cleanser. Then file the shape with either an electric nail file or the 180 side of a 180/220 grit nail file.

    When you are done filing, buff the nail. After buffing, cleanse it again with a Lint-Free Pad so the nail is left completely clean and ready for your finishing products.

    Once you are fully satisfied with the shape of your Rubber Base, it is time to complete the nail.

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    4. Finish

    You can now apply either a Gel Polish, as a full color or nail art, or simply a Top Coat. It is important to be careful and avoid touching the skin with the product. Make sure to get as close to the cuticle and sides as possible without the product coming into contact with the skin. You can see how in our guide: Application of Gel Polish.

    Once the product is applied, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60–90 seconds. Remember that every layer you apply must cure in our UV/LED lamp for 60–90 seconds. And remember the golden rule: better four paper-thin layers than two thick ones!

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