Rubber nail coating as a base for gel polish: what it is, application and removal

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Author of the article

Svetlana Pavlikhina

Reading time: 5 minutes

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Rubber coating is a new direction in creating manicures. The varnish is durable and resistant, allowing you to quickly restore the surface of the nail plate.

General information

Rubber nail gels are products consisting of elastic natural material. This base has a thick, dense consistency; when applied, it has a preventive effect, strengthening the nails, preventing brittleness and splitting.

The coating does not form cracks, does not chip and lasts up to 4 weeks.

The active components in the gels protect the plates from damage, allow you to grow your own nails under a layer of shellac, and enhance the tint characteristics of colored gel polish.

A rubber base for manicure differs from a universal base or top. Dense gels require careful preparation of the plate before application and compliance with all necessary recommendations.

Advantages

Advantages of an elastic base for shellac compared to other coatings:

1. Creates a durable layer that is not damaged, cracks and chips do not form on it.
2. Strengthens nails, preventing them from splitting and brittleness.
3. Allows you to create a coating of any thickness due to its elastic consistency.
4. Forms a smooth and stable surface. Due to the elastic fibers, gel polish fits well even on thin and damaged nails.

The benefit of rubber products is their durability.

Flaws

Rubber gel also has disadvantages:

1. Due to the dense material, bubbles and swelling sometimes appear on the surface of the plate when dried in the lamp.
2. After air enters the package, the gel thickens, and the material then does not fit well on the nail plate. A base that is not completely screwed in may become unusable.
3. Gels must be applied with careful, precise movements, otherwise bumps and streaks will appear on the surface of the plate.

The main feature of elastic manicure bases is the obligatory sticky layer after applying the gel . This principle allows the layers of shellac to be firmly bonded.

The disadvantages of rubber products are minor, but for a high-quality result you need to have experience in applying such products.

Why do you need a nail base, what is it?

Nail base is a product that is applied first to a plate treated with a file and a buffer when performing a manicure with gel polish, followed by drying in a special lamp. Sometimes a primer must be applied before using it. The product looks like a transparent thick liquid, the texture varies depending on the purpose, type of nails and many other factors.

The base for gel polish is sold and stored in a bottle with a screw cap, to which an application brush is attached.

Nail base is a product that can not only make the coating more “long-lasting”, but also protect the plate from negative influences. In order not to confuse it with other liquids used in professional manicure, on the packaging you should look for the designations basec oat (regular substrate) or rubberbase (rubber), UV/LED Base, liquid polygel, UV gel polish, pale base, etc.

The base coat for nails is selected according to their type; it should also not conflict with the polymerizing varnish. Apply with a brush to the prepared plate, then dry in a lamp.

Compound

The exact composition depends on the type of product, but each contains keratins, polymers, vitamins, and a small percentage of water. Additional components are available in the following databases:

• rubber contains rubber, which provides it with elasticity, thickness, and the absence of involuntary flow onto the skin when applied;
• gel contains more polymers of different types, making the product durable after drying, glossy, and universal;
• acrylic contains acrylic, which provides nail plates with hardness and strong adhesion of the base and gel polish to the surface;
• silicone is characterized by the presence of silicones, which provide softness, elasticity, reliability, a gentle effect on nails, and easy removal.

What is it for?

A base is needed for professional manicure to ensure:

• strong adhesion of gel polish and nail plates, that is, necessary for long-term wear of the design without chipping or peeling;
• nail care, protection from penetration of the coloring components of the varnish;
• strengthening the plates if they are prone to brittleness or are too flexible or soft;
• straightening nails, hiding defects in the form of pits and bumps, cuts, microcracks, which also ensures long-term wearing of manicure;
• painting over external imperfections of the plates, for example, stains and uneven color or overgrown free edges;
• strong connection between the artificial material and the nail itself when performing extensions.

In addition, applying gel polish to the base makes the color brighter and more durable throughout the entire period of wearing the manicure.

Top or base first

It’s easy to guess from the names whether the top or base is applied first during a manicure - this is, of course, the second product. The base has more pronounced adhesive properties and less harmful effects on the nails. The final coating does not provide the necessary care, strengthening, or leveling.

And with shellac, first the base is applied to the treated plate, then the top comes. This type of decorative product also needs to strengthen the adhesion to the nails, despite its lightweight composition compared to gel.

Misunderstanding whether the first layer should be top or base arises from the external similarity of the products: both are transparent and have a thick consistency. But after application, the difference becomes obvious - the base looks less glossy. In addition, it can be laid in a thicker layer than the top coat.

Is it possible to use a base instead of a top?

You can use a base instead of a top, but you need to be prepared for the fact that such a manicure will deteriorate faster. The base will not provide the protection of gel polish from external influences that the top coat provides, because it is intended for something else. In addition, the glossy top shines brighter, and this property remains throughout the entire wearing of the design. And the matte top coat will provide the necessary dull texture longer. The top will protect the color of the varnish from fading, which cannot be said about the base.

True, recently “two-in-one” products have appeared, that is, combining a base and a top coat. They can be used simultaneously as a gel base and finish.

The difference between a rubber base and a regular one

The base coat is necessary for tight adhesion of the layers of gel polish and top coat. Without it, the manicure will not last long and will be fragile. There are several types of foundations, each of them has features and disadvantages.

Rubber products have become popular in recent years. Manicurists prefer to work with just such coatings.

The elastic base differs from conventional products in the following qualities:

1. The dense texture of the rubber gel allows you to create any nail shape and fix the thickness of the surface. Conventional bases have a more liquid consistency and do not have similar properties.
2. The rubber base fits tightly onto the surface and does not spread, facilitating the process of creating a manicure.
3. Gels with rubber contain active substances that protect the coating from staining, abrasions and cracks.
4. Rubber provides dense coverage, while traditional bases apply in a thin layer.
5. Rubber manicure products have a preventive effect, strengthening the surface of the nail; simple ones do not have this property.
6. Products dry faster in a lamp - up to 1 minute. It takes about 5 minutes for a regular base to harden.

Gels with elastic components allow you to wear a manicure for up to 1 month without damaging the nail plate.

How to apply rubber base

I talked about the intricacies of applying and distributing a base with rubber above. And here I would like to talk about the preliminary manipulations to prepare the nail plate for gel polish coating.

They can be divided into stages:

1. Using a file, we even out the shape and length of the nails.
2. Soften, push back and remove the cuticle.
3. We remove the natural shine from nails using a polisher,
4. We use a degreaser or disinfectant.
5. Apply the base for gel polish.

Well, then the nails are usually covered with gel polish, if desired, a drawing is made and covered with a top coat.

Next, I propose to consider all this in practice using the example of several rubber bases I have: UNO, In'garden and Premiere.

Kinds

There are two types of rubber products, which are suitable for different nail conditions. They are selected after examining the hands.

Leveling base

The base helps to give the nail a certain shape; it is able to level the surface of the stratum corneum.

This base hides unevenness, cracks, and creases. Its distinctive feature is its thick, dense consistency, forming a thick layer on the surface of the nail.

Leveling bases are suitable for brittle and damaged nails.

Colored

The product has a barely noticeable pinkish tint and is used primarily to create a French manicure. The colored base is not durable or dense, so it stays on your hands for no more than a week.

What is the base for gel polish: main types and recommendations for choosing

The base for gel polish can be liquid, thick in consistency and medium in texture. This indicator depends on the purpose of the product - whether it was created to strengthen, more firmly fix the flower garden, hide defects, level, etc. There are the following types of bases for gel polish of different thicknesses:

• regular or gel, liquid texture, it has the designation base coat;
• rubber rubber base, thicker, laying down in a noticeable layer;
• self-leveling, that is, it does not require much effort to distribute on the plate;
• camouflage – hiding defects and the free edge of the nail;
• silicone, necessary for uneven plates, is gentle on them and can be easily removed;
• acrylic, that is, intended for nail extensions with gel or used for soft ones that are prone to breaking off.

They all have pros and cons regarding both applying and wearing manicure. You should choose according to the characteristics of your nails. For example, silicone is suitable for leveling out bumps and pits on them; it is also hypoallergenic. Rubber will help with short, chewed plates, “springboards”, and will not bake in a lamp. The regular one is good for healthy and even nails, but it spreads and causes discomfort when drying.

Watch this video for a review of base coats for gel polish:

Dairy

The milk base belongs to the category of camouflage, that is, it reliably covers stains on the plates and gives them a fashionable shade. Therefore, it can be used without subsequent coating with gel polish, and also as a base color for a nude manicure. Usually it is rubber. Therefore, to improve adhesion under the base, a substrate is often made from a regular base.

This type of product can be hard, soft, or flexible. The first subtype includes:

• Grattol Base 01,
• Envy Base 04,
• Beautix Milk,
• One Nail White.

Softer and more elastic:

• UNO R7,
• Klio Natural White,
• Nail Passion,
• Ju. Biley White.

Camouflage

The camouflage base can be one-, two- and three-phase, respectively thick, medium and liquid texture. Its difference from other types is that the product contains a tint, so it:

• perfectly masks stains on nails;
• closes the boundary between its base and the free edge.

Therefore, the colored base for gel polish can be used independently without a second tint layer. This material is beige, pink, latte, peach, very delicate tones and translucent. It can be used to create a French or nude manicure, and is also used as a substrate for light-colored flower beds. Thanks to the base they become brighter.

Acidic

The acid base means that the gel polish is firmly fixed on the nails, even without the use of a primer, but in the absence of length. This occurs due to drying the surface of the plates and loosening. After all, the composition contains a large percentage of methacrylic acid, which gives the product a pronounced smell.

This base is not suitable for damaged and fragile nails. It is suitable for healthy and short ones, since with long ones the free edge will “walk” under it. After all, this product is elastic. Another disadvantage of high acidity is the rapid loss of brightness of the shade of the varnish. Acid types include:

• Tartiso Base Coat,
• NeoNail,
• In Graden Ideal Nails,
• Diva Rubber Base.

Thick

The thick base is usually rubber, it can be hard, soft or elastic, that is, among this type you can find a product for any type of nails. This texture is good because it does not spread. But there is a danger of laying it in too thick a layer, and the nails will be “potbellied.” In such cases, the solid base can be partially sawed off. There are two more problems - it can bubble and take longer to polymerize. Among the thick foundations of different companies, the following deserve attention:

• Extra Clio,
• Supernail Arnelle,
• Kodi Ruber Base,
• Rubber Diva,
• Rubber UNO.

Solid

A solid base is needed if your nails are long or break frequently. It will come in handy short and soft, thin. Do not use the product if there are uneven surfaces on the plates. Hard bases are acrylic or rubber:

• UNO Rubber Base,
• Rio Profi,
• Oxxi Ruber base coat,
• Proffessional Nail Boutique from PNB (biogel).

This type of product may be labeled structure or builder.

Liquid

Liquid foundation or base coat:

• applied in a thin layer, that is, there will be no “pies” on the nails;
• does not sag during polymerization;
• dries quickly in a lamp.

Usually it does not have any special qualities; it is applied only for adhesion of the plate and varnish. But it also helps strengthen the coating, allowing you to wear your manicure longer. This type of product is suitable for problem-free nails, short or short in length. It can be difficult to apply; you have to do it quickly, otherwise the product will spread. Most popular in category:

• Bluesky,
• CosmoLac
• Dia D'oro.

Silicone

The silicone base is intended for brittle, thin nails; they do not need special preparation for its use. It is a viscous liquid that dries in air in a couple of minutes. The surface is thus protected from any negative influence; the base does not even need to be dried in a lamp.

Gel polish is applied over it and polymerized. The design will last up to 2 weeks. And you can remove everything in one motion: pick up the film with tweezers and pull it off the nail. The following product brands are used:

• Irisk Peel off base,
• Kodi Easy off base,
• Naomi Silicone base,
• Fresh Prof Silicone base.

Matte

A matte base for manicure design has not yet been invented. All bases give a glossy effect, some to a greater extent, others less noticeable. The top coat gives the nails a matte finish. This is for example:

• Bluesky Top Coat Matte,
• TNL Top Coat Matte without sticky layer,
• Rio Profi Matte Top,
• Lianail Matte Top.

Self-leveling

The self-leveling base is easy to apply, effortlessly models the smooth surface of the nail plates, but does not spread. It's important not to use too much of it. Among these products there are also caring ones, that is, containing vitamins, therefore suitable for weakened nails and easy to remove.

Self-leveling bases usually have a thick or medium-density texture because they contain rubber. Popular:

• UNO Rubber Base,
• Nano Profassional NANLAC Gum,
• Runail Elastic Rubber Base,
• In'garden Base gel Super easy off,
• TNL Rubber Gel Polish.

Hypoallergenic base and top

Hypoallergenic base and top are necessary for those who are intolerant to formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate and other rather aggressive components found in the composition of the products. They must be marked 3-Free or 5-Free, 7-Free, 9-Free, indicating the absence of allergens. The properties of the products are different: they can be thick or liquid, strengthening, elastic, hard. Allergies are not caused by the following bases:

• UNO Lux,
• Rio Profi Hypoallergenic,
• Grattol IQ Rubber Base Gel,
• CND Base Coat
• ONIQ Odissey Strong adhesion base,
• ONIQ Grand Strong adhesion base.

Hypoallergenic tops:

• CND Creative Top Coat,
• Grattol No Wipe UV Filter Top Gel,
• Rubber gel finish option.
• PUF Base Coat.

For problematic nails, for thin and brittle nails

For problematic, thin and brittle nails, rubber bases should be used, possibly with a backing made from a fortified similar product. They will strengthen the plate, make it visually thicker and denser. Among rubber bases, it is better to choose those that harden to form a durable frame:

• TNL Rubber Gel Polish,
• In'Garden "Perfect Nails"
• Patrisa Nail Kautschuk-Basis.

Under them, you can apply one of the following products in a thin layer:

• TARTISO Vitamin Base Gel,
• MASURA Vitamin Base,
• In'garden Base-Hybrid So Naturally.

Features of the application technique

Liquid rubber can be applied at home. There are recommendations that must be followed, otherwise the coating will be uneven and bubbles will appear.

How to do a manicure correctly:

1. Before applying the gel, it is recommended to carefully prepare your hands and hold them in a special soap bath, then treat the cuticles and give your nails the desired shape.
2. The surface of the nail must be degreased with a special product to better secure the base. If you don’t have a specialized product at hand, nail polish remover will do.
3. After the plate is processed and filed, an acid primer is applied to its surface.
4. You can start with the rubber gel. Correct application is based on the application of two layers: the first thin, the second dense and leveling. It should be smooth, without cracks or streaks. To avoid unevenness, you need to turn your hand palm up and hold it in this position for 5-7 seconds.
5. Treated hands are placed in an LED lamp for 50 seconds. After drying, degreasing is not necessary; you can immediately proceed to colored gel polish.

In an ultraviolet lamp, the gel polish dries a little longer - about 2 minutes.

The base is also used to strengthen nails. To do this, it is applied in several layers to the nail plate, dried and degreased.

Rubber is also used for nail extensions. This technique makes the coating durable.

What to replace with gel polish

The product can be replaced for gel polish if you have an allergy or the required material is missing:

• acrylic powder, which has a strengthening effect;
• colored biogel, which is applied to the primer in 1 layer and polymerizes;
• a biomix designed to strengthen brittle and peeling nails and works like double-sided tape.

You can get a manicure using a single-phase gel polish that does not require a base coat. It contains substances responsible for adhesion to the surface of the nails and protection from external influences. That is, you won’t need a top either. The brands Haruyama, CND, Patrisa Nail and others have such products.

How to remove shellac

The main advantage of a rubber base is the ability to be easily removed. This coating is bonded with other means and removed in one piece. Beginners often have questions about how to remove shellac.

To do this, you need to use a solvent and follow the instructions:

1. Cut off the top layer using a hard file.
2. Apply shellac dissolving agent to a cotton pad, apply tightly to the gel surface, repeat the action with all fingers.
3. Hold for 1 minute, wrap the areas of the fingers with the disks in foil.
4. Wait 20 minutes, remove the coating using an orange stick.

When removing shellac, it is necessary to perform actions on each finger in turn: due to the entry of air, the gel polish can harden again and become dense.

To remove the coating, you need to use sticks or a file that can easily pry off the shellac.

The best

Kodi

The best-selling rubberbasecodi is sold in mega-volume – 35 ml. It ensures a long-lasting coating, smoothes the surface of the nail, and prevents flaws - chips, cracks, and detachment. Has a dispersion layer. The viscous consistency makes it easy to apply and does not allow it to spread. One of the best rubber bases used before gel polishes. Economical consumption is a plus of this product. Recommended for thin nail plates with imperfections. Removed using TipsOff. A small drawback is the lack of a brush on the lid.

UNO

Another of the preferred, according to customer reviews, laconic bases with information printed on the bottle for use in the nail industry is a product from this company. It is best used for naturally brittle nails. How is it different from the usual:

• large volume for a low price;
• dense, viscous consistency;
• easy to use, does not flow onto the side rollers;
• durable, without peeling or chipping;
• goes well with varnishes from other companies;
• does not cause allergies;
• A suitable brush for a narrow nail plate.

Removal is not easy, you have to pay for durability. Sometimes it is impossible to do without preliminary filing. Suitable for ordinary users and professionals who do not know how to create perfect highlights.

Vogue Nails

The company produces bases, tops, finishes. These are low-cost, broad-spectrum rubber-based coating products with the following characteristics:

• durability and safety up to 3 weeks;
• the optimal consistency of the gels does not allow dripping and is easily distributed;
• uniformity is ensured by a convenient brush;
• the compositions do not harm the nail plates;
• not a pronounced odor;
• It is advisable to carry out polymerization under a UV lamp;
• can be removed without any problems using standard means.

Nail Passion

Almost odorless, transparent, applying the base to your nails is a real pleasure. The product is made in Russia, so all the inscriptions on the bottle are in Russian. A comfortable brush with short, dense bristles and an even cut. The consistency for basecoat is average and does not spread over the plate, rollers or cuticles if applied sparingly. The coating lasts up to three weeks even on thin nails.

Pros:

• affordable price;
• sufficient volume (10 ml);
• easy to use.

TNL

If you think about what a nail base of this brand is needed for - correcting deep unevenness, getting perfect highlights, since the material applies easily. It does not contain resins or harmful compounds, therefore it is safe for health and corrects peeling and broken plates. Does not require special storage (the main thing is away from sunlight). Does not deform when dried. The brush is flat, wide, medium length, with dense, soft bristles. Subject to simple rules:

• applying the first layer as thinly as possible;
• the second portion of three strokes (in the center and sides) is thicker - it will retain its excellent appearance for up to 4 weeks.

Haryama

Advantages: price, availability, ease of processing, self-leveling property, can act as a biogel - used to strengthen the nail plate.

Disadvantages: pungent, pungent odor.

Small jar: 8 ml. The consistency is medium, liquid.

Uskusi

According to user reviews, it is the best base for coverage. The combination of thickness, durability, volume (15 ml), and price is perfect. Levels and protects from chipping. Rhinestones and other decorations are firmly attached and remain in place for up to 4 weeks. Saving time spent on manicure is also not the last link in the chain of positive qualities of this product made in Japan.

Of course, there are as many opinions as there are people. Experimentally, through trial and error, you can determine which base to choose, the most suitable for a particular gel polish.

Exist:

• single-phase – a “3 in 1” bottle is used;
• two - requires applying a top coat to the enamel that combines color and coating.

The maximum service life is 2 weeks. These types are not suitable for soft, weakened nails.

Three, which involves the use of several means, is the most persistent type.

One of the reasons for peeling, chipping, and cracking may be an incorrect foundation. There are three main types. How are they different, which one should you prefer?

Popular means

Based on the results of surveys, a rating of the most popular rubber products was compiled.

Kodi

Kodi tops and bases are popular products for creating manicures. Regular users note the strength of the base, durability, and gentle effect on the nail plate.

The manufacturer took care of the packaging of the gel and made it durable and protected it from air.

This approach allows you to keep the product in a usable form for longer.

The Kodi base does not sag and has a thick consistency that allows you to smooth the surface of the nail.

The disadvantages of the product include the rather complicated process of removing the coating. Due to its dense consistency, shellac is difficult to dissolve.

Uno

Uno gels have a thinner consistency and can be removed using solvents. You can use the base on brittle, damaged nails; the product provides a durable and long-lasting coating.

TNL

The base and top from TNL have a medium density consistency. These products allow you to level the nail plate and protect it from brittleness .

TNL products have a specific smell and dry in a lamp for about 2 minutes.

The best base for nails: how not to get confused when choosing

Nail base is a product applied first after a degreaser or primer to strengthen and align the plates, protect them and extend the life of the manicure. The bases contain polymers; depending on the type, there are rubber, acrylic, and silicone. They can also be transparent or camouflage, thick, liquid, hard after drying or elastic.

The choice is determined by the quality of the nail plates, but the best products are CND Creative Play Base Coat, UNO Base Gel, Beautix Royal UV base gel. There are also more affordable, but also durable products from the brands TNL, UNO, Kodi, Oxxi and many others. You can buy a base at a price of 150-1500 rubles, but it is more reasonable to choose those that cost 350-600 rubles. per bottle.