All About Builder Gels

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Understanding Builder Gels for Natural Nails

When should I use builder gel on natural nails?

Soft Builder gel is ideal for correcting nail structure and enhancing appearance. It helps:

  • Fill ridges and repair minor fissures or chipped corners.
  • Create a smooth, even surface for color gel application.
  • Lightly strengthen natural nails, improving product adhesion and resistance to mechanical damage that natural nails alone might not withstand.

Hard gels, on the other hand, are designed for nail enhancements such as:

  • Correcting the arch and missing lateral sides.
  • Extending the free edge.
  • Building structured enhancements that require more durability.

What should soft builder gel (Base Builder) not be used for?

Soft builder gels (Base Builder) are formulated for overlaying short natural nails. They should not be used for:

  • Correcting nail shape, such as lifting downward- or upward-growing nails.
  • Extending the nails.
  • Overlays on medium-length natural nails extending beyond 2-3mm.

What should hard builder gel not be used for?

Hard builder gels are not suitable for overlay techniques typically done with soft gels. Their rigid nature means they will crack when applied in thin layers. However, some brands, including Gellifique, offer specialised hard gels formulated for various applications.

SOAK OFF BUILDER GELS

 Can I Learn More About Gellifique Soak-Off Builder Gels?

Gellifique soak-off builder gels are designed to reinforce short, natural nails by creating a strong but non-rigid enhancement. A rigid overlay on natural nails is more prone to lifting. That’s why all of our base builders are formulated to be elastic yet durable. While these products are not base coats, they are also not file-off builder gels, as true soak-off builder gels do not exist chemically.

Each category in our range differs in formula, texture, and flexibility, allowing nail technicians to choose the best option for each client's nail type and provide a tailored, prescriptive approach to nail enhancements.

All of our base builders are HEMA monomer - free and soak off in just 10 minutes, unlike many competitor formulas. For best results, application should be thin and even, following Gellifique’s official instructions.

Types of Gellifique Soak-Off Builder Gels

1. Smart Base (Medium to Thick Texture) – A flexible builder base with a medium to thick viscosity that holds a bead well, allowing for natural nail overlays.

  • Ideal for clients with thin, weak, damaged, or brittle nails, offering both strength and flexibility for enhanced comfort and durability.
  • Enriched with Vitamin E for added nail conditioning.
  • Requires 90 seconds (LED) to cure due to its viscosity and unique formulation.
  • Available in semi-sheer, natural-looking colors.

2.  Apex Build (Medium Texture) – A high-strength, structured builder gel with self-leveling properties for overlaying and light shaping.

  • More rigid than traditional builder bases, providing extra support.
  • Available in a variety of full-coverage colors.

 3. Fibre Base Coat (Medium Texture) – Specifically formulated for nail repairs and oily nails.

  • Does not contain fiberglass but features a blend of nylon fibers and silica, reducing heat build up during polymerisation.
  • Best suited for soft, peeling nails.
  • Currently available only in clear.

 4. Armour Base (Thin Texture) – A versatile, high-adhesion formula designed to balance strength and flexibility.

  • Has a runnier consistency, similar to a base coat, making it ideal for reinforcement under gel polish.
  • Does not hold a bead, making it perfect for quick French manicures and clients with product retention issues.
  • Available in multiple colors.

Gellifique’s soak-off builder gels provide versatile solutions for different nail types, ensuring optimal adhesion, strength, and durability without excessive rigidity. Choosing the right formula helps nail technicians create enhancements that support and protect the natural nail while minimising lifting and peeling.

Are your products 2 in 1? Do I need to use a base coat and primer?

There is often confusion surrounding 2-in-1 products that claim to combine base coat and primer to be more affordable and versatile. However, this is a marketing gimmick.  

Modern base builders (e.g., BIAB) are hybrid products that are semi-rigid, with rigidity varying by brand. Since these are base products, they naturally have some built-in adhesion, which is why such claims exist.  

We always recommend applying a clear base coat under colored base builders. This protects the natural nail plate from discoloration and provides a safety net against any under-cured pigmented product.  

Our primers are all acid-free. A primer is not necessary for base builder products, as they already offer strong adhesion. Primers are more relevant for hard gel systems. Before using a primer, we recommend trying a prescriptive manicure approach with our base builders.  

Which Base Coat Should I Use?

Clear Base Products are designed to improve flexibility and impact resistance under base builders, hard gels, or gel polish. They provide a protective cushion between the natural nail and rigid or semi-rigid base builders, acting as a safety net against mechanical damage, under-cured products (lamp failure), discoloration, and yellowing.

  • Microcrystal Base Coat – Suitable for all nail types. Ideal for pedicures and as a base under sculpting products. Thin, elastic formula with excellent adhesion.
  • Rubber Base Coat – Best for normal to flexible nails needing extra shock absorption. Rubberised formula provides flexibility and impact resistance.

Choosing the right base coat ensures better adhesion, flexibility, and durability.

How Should I Apply My Base Coat for Best Adhesion?

There are two key factors to applying a base coat for maximum adhesion:

  • Time to React Chemically – A base coat needs a few seconds to bond with the natural nail before being cured.
  • Correct Application Method – Apply a scrub layer to penetrate the nail surface, then glide over it lightly to create an even coat.

FILE OFF BUILDER GELS

Can I learn more about Gellifique File Off Builder Gels?

At Gellifique, our file-off builder gels are designed for different nail services and client needs. In some cases, we use a dual sculpting technique, combining two types of hard gels in one service or pairing a hard builder gel with a soak-off gel. This approach ensures maximum retention and prevents reliance solely on adhesion.

Types of Gellifique File Off Builder Gels for Natural Nail Strengthening:

1. Light Structure Builder Gel is a highly elastic hard gel available in two consistencies:

  • Medium viscosity – Ideal for nail technicians who work at a slower pace.
  • Ultra-light viscosity – A runnier formula, perfect for colder months when gels naturally thicken, eliminating the need to pre-warm the gel.

Best suited for:

  • Medium-length nails in almond, oval, and square shapes.
  • Flexible natural nails that struggle with product retention.

2. Pro Care Builder Gel is a medium-viscosity gel with an ultra-hard structure and excellent self-leveling properties. It is:

  • Ideal for all types of extensions and dual form applications.
  • Suitable for strengthening long and very long natural nails in any shape.
  • Best suited for normal natural nails that don’t flex excessively or for very damaged nails, thanks to its gentle formula.

💡 For highly flexible or damaged nails, use Pro Care Builder Gel in combination with Smart Base Coat for maximum retention. 

Types of Gellifique File-Off Builder Gels for Nail Repairs, Extensions & Sculpting:

1. Speed Sculpt Builder Gel is sculpting gel with thixotropic properties and a mousse-like consistency that self-smooths upon application. It allows nail technicians to:

  • Quickly correct nail arches and architecture.
  • Repair chipped corners or damaged nails.
  • Extend nails using any type of form.

This 100% gel alternative to Acrylic Gel is also elastic enough for overlays on flexible nails, though it should be refined due to its unique texture.

2. Acrylic Gel System combines the best of both acrylic and gel systems, offering:

  • A nearly odorless formula with minimal heat-spike during curing—making it comfortable for clients with weak, brittle nails or sensitivity issues.
  • Unlimited working time for shaping and perfecting extensions before curing.
  • Easy filing with significantly reduced atmospheric dust, improving the technician’s work environment.

💡 Perfect for both beginner and advanced nail technicians!

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