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Extension with Liquid Builder Gel on Universal Form

Step by step guide

In this guide, we show you how to extend your nails using Liquid Builder Gel and our flexible Universal Forms. We guide you step by step through the entire process, from placing the form to building and finishing, so you achieve strong, beautiful extensions with a long-lasting result.

Products used in this guide:

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Step by Step

  • prep

    1. Prepare your nails

    Before you start working with your Liquid Builder Gel, you need to prepare your nails. You can find our full guide on how to prep your nails in our guide universe. But if you are experienced in doing nails, you know the routine: Wash hands, cuticle pusher, trim, buff, wipe, PH-Bond, Primer. With the preparations done, let’s take a look at Liquid Builder Gel with form.

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  • Builder gel universal skabelon 2

    2. Apply Base Coat

    Start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat to 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 toward the cuticle while holding the brush almost flat along 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 touching the skin around it.

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

    Let the Base Coat cure in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds.

    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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    3. Place the form on your finger

    After applying your Base Coat, take a form and remove the round center. Some choose to place the round sticker on the back of the form to make it thicker. This is a personal preference depending on what feels better. You can test whether you also find it easier and more comfortable under the nail. Once you have made a hole in the middle of the form, you can easily tear the two sides apart along the marked dotted lines. These two wings serve as support to stabilize the form.

    When placing your form, guide the curved side under the free edge of your nail, press the form together underneath, and place the support wings along the side of your finger. It is important that the form sits flush against the base of your nail and follows the nail’s natural shape. Remember to check from the side once the form is applied, making sure it neither points too far up nor down, but simply follows your natural nail.

    If you find it difficult to fit the form under your nail, you can trim it. Do this by checking the width of your nail compared to the form using the black lines. Exactly where your natural nail ends in width, cut a small notch in the form. For this, you can use our Cuticle Scissors. These small notches make it easier to place the form correctly under the nail.

    Secure the form firmly to your finger. It is important that there is no gap between the form and the base of your nail, but that they are aligned.

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    4. Apply a slip layer

    After applying your Base Coat and form, apply a thin layer of Liquid Builder Gel, also called a slip layer. Place the brush head in the middle of the nail and press the product down toward the cuticle while holding the brush almost flat along the nail plate. Then pull the product up along each side of the nail to the tip.

    This layer should not be cured yet. The purpose of a slip layer is to apply a thin layer of product to the area where your Liquid Builder Gel will move on the nail. Therefore, it is important that you do not touch the skin with the product, as this may cause the gel to run onto the skin later.

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    5. Create your extension

    While your slip layer is still uncured, apply Liquid Builder Gel to the middle of the nail, and with calm, curved motions guide the product toward the nail tip. From there, guide the product over the nail tip and onto the form, creating a bridge from your natural nail to the form, which becomes your nail extension. You can use a brush to help guide the product, ensuring it spreads evenly across the surface of the nail plate.

    It is important that the extension you build is connected to your natural nail to prevent the nail from breaking.

    Once you are satisfied with the length of the nail, cure it for 90–120 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.

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    6. Remove the form

    After curing the extension for at least 90 seconds, you can remove the form. Do this by pinching the tip of the form together and pulling it downward, away from the nail.

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    7. Build the nail’s apex

    After removing the form, you will need to build up the thickness of your nail to avoid the risk of your extension breaking. This is called creating an apex. Start by applying another slip layer, then place a bead of Liquid Builder Gel slightly below the center of the nail, where the apex should be built. Gently push the gel toward the cuticle without touching the skin, then slowly pull it out toward the tip in curved motions.

    It is important to leave most of the gel around the center of the nail so the apex gains its height, while the product gradually blends out toward the cuticle, sides, and free edge. The result should be an even, soft arch where the apex rises naturally in a gentle curve – not a sharp hump or a completely flat surface.

    If you find it difficult with the main brush in the Liquid Builder Gel, you can use a liner brush to shape the gel more precisely. When working with gel, building a proper apex is crucial for both durability and appearance. The apex is the highest point of the nail and should be placed differently depending on the length of the extension. The longer the extension, the further back the apex should be placed. Its function is to provide strength and resilience so the nail doesn’t break or lift when you extend your natural nails.

    Before curing the gel, it’s a good idea to turn your finger upside down for a few seconds, allowing gravity to help pull the gel toward the center and strengthen the apex shape. It’s also smart to check the shape from the side to ensure the nail has the right structure and isn’t too flat or uneven. A tip is to observe how light reflects on the shiny gel surface. If you see reflections from two lights or a curved line in the reflection, it indicates uneven gel application. What you want is a straight reflection line.

    A properly built apex not only gives a beautiful, professional look but is also the key to creating long, durable nails that won’t break. It takes some practice, but with patience and the right technique, it quickly becomes a natural part of your application. Once you are satisfied with the shape, cure your Liquid Builder Gel for 90–120 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.

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    8. Shape the nail

    After curing your nail, you can shape it if you wish – you can also simply apply Gel Polish or Top Coat. If you want to refine the nail’s shape, start by removing the sticky layer left on top of the nail. Do this with a lint-free pad and our Cleanser. Then you can shape the nail using either our electric nail file or the 180 side of a 100/180 grit nail file.

    It is important not to file away too much product from the nail. If the nail becomes too thin, you risk it breaking. Be sure to check the nail continuously – from the top, the front, and the side – so you achieve a beautiful and strong extension. You can also refine the shape underneath the nail with our electric nail file and a small ceramic bit, if necessary.

    Once you have finished shaping, buff the nail. After buffing, clean it again with a lint-free pad so the nail is left completely clean and ready for your finishing products.

    If you are working with a colored Builder Gel, you can also add one final thin layer. Here, it is best to focus on getting close to the cuticle and along the sides of the nail with a liner brush. This gives the color a stronger, more even appearance. Once you are satisfied with the color, cure again in our UV/LED lamp for 90–120 seconds, buff the nail, and finally clean with a lint-free pad and Cleanser.

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    9. Finish your nail

    When your extension is complete, it’s time to apply either a Top Coat or a Gel Polish and then a Top Coat, depending on your desired look. When applying your Gel Polish or Top Coat, it is important to be careful to 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: Applying Gel Polish.

    Once the product is applied, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60–90 seconds – 90 seconds will give the nail extra shine. Remember that every layer you apply must be cured in our UV/LED lamp. And keep in mind the rule of thumb: Better four paper-thin layers than two thick ones!

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