What is a nail primer and what is it for, for gel polish, shellac, acid-free. How to use it

Nail modeling is a complex and meticulous procedure that requires special preparation of the nail plate. To work with nails, several types of products are used, which serve as the foundation for applying acrylic and gel coatings. One of these coatings is a primer. What it is and what it is for, everyone who decided to paint their nails should know.

Nail primer: what is it

What is a primer for nails, you need to know a novice manicure master. Any material is needed for something, it serves specific purposes. Translated, the name of this tool means "initial", "first". It is used to remove the greasy layer, cleanse and dry the area of ​​the plate, which helps to evenly distribute the subsequent layers of cosmetics.

Primer composition

The consistency of the primer is similar to ordinary water or gel. At times it has a vinegar-like odor, but sometimes it is odorless.

Primers are divided into two classes:

• acid;
• acid-free.

The product is sold in glass or plastic bottles with a lid with a brush attached. The composition of ingredients does not contain unnecessary colors and flavors to reduce the likelihood of allergies.

The acid primer contains methacrylic acid (30% to 100%). It promotes adhesion of the nail structure to the applied materials. This tool is often used when applying acrylic to the nail. In addition, the composition contains chemical components such as ethyl acetate and 2-hydroxelethyl methacrylate.

Ethyl acetate has a pleasant fruity scent, softens the skin and serves as a solvent. These substances affect the quality and effectiveness of the formulation. Acid is very drying, so it is recommended to apply a product based on it on oily and growing nails.

A distinctive property of the primer is fast drying. It leaves a pale gray coating when it appears, which means that the next coat can be applied. When interacting with the skin, it can cause an allergic reaction resulting in hyperemia and irritation.

A primer, among the ingredients of which there is no acid, is safer, but inferior in the degree of adhesion. Professionals recommend choosing it if you are doing gel polish manicure.

How does a bonder differ from a primer

It is not enough to know what a nail primer is in order to perform a manicure at a professional level. For a competent build-up, you will need another bonder. It is used to process the nail before applying a coating with decorative properties.

Bonder determines the strength of the bond between the nail and this coating. It helps to create a solid base, and to do the work of high quality and durable. The primer prepares the work surface for even application - that's what it's for.

Bonder guarantees high-quality grip. It does not contribute to degreasing, disinfection and dehydration, but creates a protective film on the surface.

Bonder has a sticky texture and after application it dries under a lamp for about 3 minutes. Used after the primer.

What is it needed for

The main function of the primer is to create conditions so that the nail does not flake or turn yellow.

Processing also saves you from harmful microorganisms. The primer helps in high-quality adhesion of the plate with the material applied later, makes the manicure more durable. It removes excess moisture and fatty layer, enhances the adhesion of the applied materials.

Types of primers

Prep-primer is a delicate product with protective functions. Some people call it bond. It does not contain coloring and flavoring components, it gently affects the nail and does not penetrate into the inner layer. Prep degreases well.

When building up, it is often applied before acidic products in order to remove the oily layer well. With prolonged use, it does not dry out and does not brittle nails.

Prep can not be used for building, because it gives poor adhesion.

Application:

• as a base for traditional varnish;
• as a protective agent for damaged nails;
• a tool that promotes additional adhesion of the nail with the upper artificial layers (especially important for people suffering from hyperhidrosis);
• with intolerance to artificial materials.

An acid-based primer for healthy nails. It softens the nail, thereby improving adhesion. It is forbidden to apply it on weak, sore and brittle nails, as it is toxic. It is not recommended to apply the product abundantly or several times in one procedure. It is often used when building up with acrylic-based materials.

An acid-free primer (ultrabond) has a neutral and gentle effect on the natural structure, but performs the same tasks. The product is more suitable for fat removal and dehydration. It is used both for gel and for pedicure and manicure with bio-varnish.

Top firms

What is a primer for nails and what it is for now is clear, it remains to review popular means.

Acid-free primers Lady victory perfectly degrease, provide reliable adhesion and prevent coating flaking. Ideal for novice manicure masters due to the lack of acidic substances in the composition. Price range from 80 rubles. up to 350r. Manufacturer - China.

Le vole ultra bond ideal for working with gel and acrylic. The compositions of this brand disinfect and cleanse the nail well, while maintaining the natural PH-level. Price range from 250 rubles. up to 400 p. Manufacturer - USA.

Kodi Professional Ultrabond differs in a gentle composition, without methacrylic acid. It is used in working with gel and for building with acrylics. Average price - 450 rubles. Manufacturer - USA.

EZ Flow produces products without dyes and fragrances. The brand primer dries quickly, leaving a white mark. The brand produces all types of materials for working with different nail coatings. Production - USA. Price range from 500 r. up to 1100 p.

IBD has been known on the market for over 30 years. The brand produces products suitable for people with hyperhidrosis and very brittle nails. The IBD stick contains methacrylic acid, which prevents the materials from flaking. Product cost from 300 rubles. up to 900 p. Manufacturer - USA.

Runail Professional Primer Acrylic System produces acrylic extensions. It has excellent adhesion properties. Manufacturer - Russia. Price from 200 r.

Yoko APR -15 suitable for both gel and acrylic. This primer is acid based and has significant adhesive properties. Price 150 rubles. Manufacturer - Russia.

TNL Professional also used for strong nail adhesion and extension materials. The brand produces primers with and without acid. Cost - from 180 rubles. up to 240 p. Production - South Korea.

Bluesky reduces the likelihood of coating peeling and increases adhesion.It is combined with both gel and acrylic, also used for coating with gel polish. There is no methacrylic acid among the components. Price range from 140 rubles. up to 250 p. Manufacturing is located in China.

Irisk - professional gelless primer. Produces products for acrylic and gel.

Price range from 150 rubles. up to 440 p. Manufactured in the USA. Available in vials ranging from 10 ml to 15 ml. The brush is usually included.

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Primer for gel polish and shellac

What is a nail primer and why it is needed has already been described, and from this it becomes clear that its use is mandatory.

The tool disinfects and removes excess moisture from the nail plate, which saves from various fungal diseases, because if a humid environment forms under the material, this will promote the development of pathogenic bacteria. The primer also extends the life of the decorative coating.

Under shellac, experts recommend using an acid-free product, so that the nails will remain healthy after removing the manicure.

Before using gel polish, the primer can be neglected if the client has dry and non-greasy nails. If the client is suffering from hyperhidrosis, application of the primer is a necessary ritual. It is also recommended to additionally protect brittle nails.

Primer for regular varnish

This product can also be applied under regular varnish. It will serve as a primer, leveling the working surface of the nail and protecting it from chemical penetration. For those who have a lot of sweaty hands, the primer is just a godsend. An acid-free primer can be used under a regular varnish.

Some manufacturing companies purposefully produce a primer not only for gel and acrylic, but also for traditional varnish. For example, this is Yang nails with its acid-free - Protein Bond. In tandem with varnish, you can also use a base for coating.

Gel nail extension primer

The gel has large molecules, and they cannot adhere well to the scales of the nail. The primer fills the unevenness of the keratin fibers. An acid-free product can be purchased for gel modeling. Experts advise to apply it in two layers when building on tips or shapes.

The tips must be handled carefully, it is important that the product does not get on them, otherwise they will crack. The primer can be used for correction, but it can only be applied to the regrown nail. Contact with skin or artificial turf must be avoided.

Acrylic nail primer

For the acrylic extension procedure, a special agent with an acid content is provided. The products are suitable for both lamp and natural drying. The waiting time is different, it is indicated on the package. Primers resist cracking, do not change color and rescue delamination.

How to use a nail primer - step by step instructions

What is a nail primer and what is it for, a real professional knows very well and actively uses it in his work. But even a beginner, having studied the instructions, can master the correct application technique, and then he will bring the desired results.

1. First, a regular manicure is done and the cuticle is pulled back. A warm bath is prepared beforehand. Next, you need to remove the glossy shine with a buff. Do not remove too much, otherwise the plate could be damaged and weakened. Dust is removed with a brush. The primer is now applied.
2. A small amount of the product is collected, excess liquid can be removed with a napkin or brushed into a bottle.
3. The brush is placed in the center of the nail plate, the primer must be allowed to flow. A thin layer is applied, and the nail should be touched pointwise. Do not leave areas untreated. But an abundant layer will also lead to the opposite effect, the scales of the nail will close.
4. If the primer gets on the skin, you must carefully and carefully remove the product with a napkin or rinse the area under running water.
5. The drying phase remains. There are several options: naturally, in a UV or LED lamp. Information on use can be found on the bottle or in the instructions. An acidic primer, when dry, gives a pale gray coating, an acid-free product should dry well and not leave wet traces. The surface becomes rough to the touch.
6. The decoration can now be distributed.
7. For gel extensions, the primer is applied prior to base coating. If the system consists of three phases, then this will be the first layer. If this is a single phase system, then the first coat is applied differently.
8. The brush should be half dry, apply the product with rubbing movements. Then dispense the gel and place the hand in the lamp.
9. If tips are used, then a primer is also applied in front of the bonder.
10. The system is as follows: first, degreasing is done with an ultrabond, then a thin layer of acid-free agent is applied and glue is applied.
11. After application, the primer retains its active properties for 40 minutes, therefore it is recommended to apply it on 2-3 nails in stages.

Whether to dry the primer in a lamp

Self-curing and light-curing primers are distinguished.

Self-curing nail plate primers dry quickly. Everything is individual, depending on the manufacturer and the saturation of the product - on average from 5 to 60 seconds. There is no need to dry them in a lamp.

Some manufacturers produce products that are dried in a UV lamp. This is usually indicated in the accompanying information. Such primers have a thick and viscous texture, while the rest are liquid like water.

It is important to observe the duration of exposure in the lamp indicated on the product, otherwise you can harm your nails. Some primers take a long time to dry.

The main thing is not to spread the next layer until the primer is dry.

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Professional advice for working with primer

What is a nail primer and what it is for should now be clear.

But it remains to learn a few more tips from the masters of the manicure industry:

1. If the master injured the cuticle and bleeding, and there is no styptic at hand, you can use a primer, but there will be a strong burning sensation.
2. Applying too much of the product may result in a 3rd degree burn.
3. Before applying the finishing layer, you can lightly walk the cuticle with the product. This will get rid of micro cracks, detachments, and the nails will look good until the next build-up.
4. When using an acidic primer, the periungual skin can be lubricated with a greasy cream. This will protect against possible irritation and burning.
5. Avoid getting the primer on the tips when building.
6. Apply the product with a brush.
7. If the nails are too elastic, they pass along the end part and along the free edge with an acid-based agent, the rest with an ultrabond.

What can replace the primer for gel polish

If you know what a nail primer is, you can find a replacement for it. However, what it is for is not known to many. Homemade options are only able to dry and disinfect the surface to be treated, adhesion properties cannot be achieved.

Vinegar (9%) removes residual fat and promotes the evaporation of excess moisture, but it does not lift the scales of the nail, therefore it does not increase the tenacity of the materials. Boric acid (3%) has antiseptic properties and slightly increases tenacity, but only gel is suitable.

Nail polish remover, if it does not contain acetone, will dry nails and increase the adhesive properties. You can work with it instead of a primer only if the composition does not contain oils.

You can also wash your hands thoroughly with laundry soap.This will help remove the greasy layer, but the skin of the hands will suffer. 96% pure alcohol or lemon juice will do. All of the options listed are applicable, but will not give a significant effect, such as a special tool.

The primer protects nails from diseases, allows you to prolong the joy of a first-class manicure. Nail art beginners need to learn in detail what a nail primer is, how to choose it in accordance with the tasks, what it is for and how to apply it.

Helpful Videos on Choosing and Using a Nail Primer

Which primer to choose for beginners: acidic or acid-free:

The subtleties of using a primer for nails: