How to Use Builder Gel: Guide & Tips

Builder gel is essentially a type of gel nail that comes in soft and hard forms.

Soft gel is perfect for creating a beautiful and robust natural nail, while the hard gel is used with nail tips to create nail extensions.

Knowing how to use builder gel at home will allow you to create stunning manicures right from home, without the sky-high prices.

Keep reading to find out how to apply soft and hard builder gel polish.

How to Apply Soft Gel Polish (For Your Natural Nail)

Soft gel is the ideal option for natural nails. It can be painted on just like any other regular nail polish using a brush (that may or may not come with the builder gel kit).

To apply builder gel on your natural nails, do the following:

1. Prep the Nail Plate

Always begin by prepping your nails. This will include the following:

• Remove any nail polish. Don’t try to place builder gel polish on top of existing nail polish. It just doesn’t look good.
• File to the desired length and shape. You can do touch-ups on your soft gels later.
• Push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher. You don’t want this thin layer of skin at the base of the nail interfering with adhesion, precision, or appearance.
• Buff the nail surface. A bit of abrasiveness is ideal for all types of polish.

2. Apply Base Coat, Primer, or a Dehydrator

The great thing about applying builder gel is that you do not technically need a base coat with soft gels, although they can be used.

The better option is to stick with a primer or dehydrator to eliminate any unwanted moisture or natural oils.

3. Apply the Builder Gel

Now it’s time for the fun part - applying the builder gel! To do this, simply paint it on like normal nail polish with a brush.

When you’re satisfied with the coat, let it self-level for a few seconds.

When you’re satisfied with the appearance and every free edge is covered, place your fingers under a UV or LED lamp for approximately 1-2 minutes (or whatever the package recommends).

4. Style

After your nails have cured, you can use a lint-free wipe soaked in isopropyl alcohol to remove the tacky layer. Then, file down any uneven areas using a nail file.

Last but not least, create the look of your dreams by adding colorful nail polish or nail art, complete with a robust top coat.

How to Remove Soft Gel

When you’re tired of your polish, you can simply wipe it off using a cotton ball soaked in acetone - just like how you would remove any other kind of polish.

Easy-peasy!

How to Apply Hard Gel Polish (For Nail Extension)

If you want to lengthen your nails, you need to build nail extensions using hard gel.

Don’t worry - the process is still surprisingly simple, and even beginners will be able to be successful.

Let’s check out the easy steps.

1. Prep the Nail

Just like the method above, you will need to prep the nail. This includes removing any nail polish, filing the nail to the desired length and shape, pushing the cuticles back, and buffing the surface.

2. Apply a Primer and Base Coat

The most significant difference between soft and hard gel is that the hard variety requires a base to work. That said, do the following:

• Apply a primer and wait for it to dry.
• Then, apply the base and cure it under a UV lamp (typically 1-2 minutes, but check the packaging for specific times).

3. Apply the Nail Form/Tip

To create ultra-long and beautiful gel nails, you will need to use a nail tip or form.

3. Apply the Builder Gel

You want to start by applying builder to the nail tip (only), then curing.

This will give you better structure and is the standard way to apply hard gel by nail techs.

After it’s cured, you can apply the builder gel to the remaining nail.

Don’t forget to cure for 1-2 minutes under a nail lamp (or for however long is stated on the packaging).

Once cured, remove the nail extension.

4. Style

Just like the soft version, you will want to wipe off any tackiness using isopropyl alcohol.

If you’re using hard gel, it’s recommended to apply gel polish on top of the extension for longevity. To do this, apply the gel polish and cure it, then coat it with a top coat.

However, you can always opt for “normal” nail polish. Apply it with your nail brush and allow it to try before stepping out and showing off your glamorous new manicure.

How to Remove Hard Gel Polish

It’s a bit trickier to remove builder gel that’s hard. Since it is more durable than its soft-style cousin, you will need an electric drill or e-file to remove the nails.

If you don’t have one, you can purchase one or ask your local nail tech to remove them for you professionally (recommended).

FAQs

How many coats of builder gel do I need?

You should only need to apply 1 or 2 coats of builder gel. That’s because this type of polish is much thicker than other varieties, so you don’t need to use as much.

How long does builder gel take to cure?

Most builder gels will only take around 60 seconds to cure. However, you should always follow the instructions for the type of gel you’re using to be successful.

Does builder gel stay sticky?

Builder gel will not stay sticky. If you’re struggling with any signs of undesirable stickiness, you can simply wipe it off using alcohol on a cloth or cotton ball.