The World's Biggest (and Best!) Nail Knowledge Centre

Exploring Nail Primer in UV Gel

Exploring the Role of Nail Primer in UV Gel Nail Applications

551 Views

In the realm of nail care and beautification, one recurring question perplexes both professionals and enthusiasts alike: Can nail primer serve as a suitable bonding layer for UV gel nails?

The practice of applying a nail primer pen on the natural nail, curing it, and subsequently applying the building gel has sparked curiosity regarding the necessity of a specifically formulated product.

Below Doug Schoon delves into the intricacies of nail primer usage in UV gel nail applications, shedding light on its effectiveness and the potential need for specialised formulations.

Addressing Concerns with Nail Primer Pens

There are several issues here, but I will try to address them all. First, I don’t recommend primer pens, since these are multi-use devices that can become contaminated with nail oils.

In my view, it is better to use a brush and bottle to be disposed of after use- not refill. Refilling allows oily contaminants to be transferred from the nail plate to the brush and into the product in the container.

Importance of Nail Bonders in UV Gel Applications

If UV gels require a nail bonder or primer layer which improves adhesion of the nail coating, then it should be used.  Otherwise, I would not recommend this to be done.  It is easy to see that too little adhesion causes lifting problems, but nail professionals often don’t stop to think about the problems caused by TOO MUCH adhesion.

Using a primer, when it is not needed can create too much adhesion, which makes removal more difficult, time-consuming and can increase the risks of nail damage related to removal processes.

Preventing Nail Damage: Proper Removal Techniques for Nail Coatings

Improper removal of nail coatings are top causes for nail damage.  Many become impatient and use forceful techniques to more quickly remove the nail coatings. When this occurs and nail damage results, many explain away the damage by fooling customers into thinking their nails are just dry, when actually the nail surface has been damaged due to improper removal.

My main point is this, if the directions for the UV gel don’t “specifically” mention the use of a nail primer, then a primer should NOT be used.

Avoiding Nail Coating Lifting: The Role of Proper Technique over Nail Primers

Many times, a nail primer is used as a crutch to hide improper techniques. If the nail technician does a poor job preparing the nail plate, or they incorrectly apply the product, or they improperly cure with the wrong nail lamp, these can all result in lifting- premature loss of adhesion.

In these cases, the solution is NOT to use primer, instead, the best solution is to correct the issues that are causing the nail coatings to lift. If the UV gel doesn’t require the use of a primer in their directions or instructions, then don’t use one or this can create excessive adhesion and the nail coatings will be much more difficult and time consuming to remove.

Preventing Nail Damage: Alternatives to Nail Primers

Many nail technicians will forcibly remove the nail coatings- which leads to nail plate thinning, pitting, splits, cracks, peeling and surface white spots. Instead of using a nail primer, it would be wiser to seek out the reason for the low adhesion and solve the problem. Maybe the client’s nails need more careful cleaning and preparation. Or perhaps, the professional needs to invest in purchasing and using the correct nail lamp, the one designed for use with the UV gel.  Or maybe they should take a manufacturer’s class to learn the proper application techniques. 

Responsibility and Corrective Actions in Nail Care

Nail technicians are responsible for their actions and any harm caused by their inappropriate actions. Making up their own procedures and ignoring directions is a common reason for nail problems. Instead of using primers to correct problems created by incorrect use, nail professionals should address and solve the problem correctly. 

Concerns with Nail Primer and UV Gel

Allergic Reactions and Industry Challenges

For instance, nail primer may improve adhesion when nail coatings aren’t fully cured, but then nail technicians or clients could develop allergic reactions to improperly cured dusts. The nail technician is not likely to realize they’re improperly curing, so they won’t take any steps to solve the real problem. Don’t make up your own directions/instructions. This is one of the greatest challenges facing the nail industry and a leading reason why most women are afraid of nail salon services and refuse to go to salons. Improper use of nail coatings, is the main reason why the nail industry isn’t growing and attracting more customers.

Related Terms:

Courses and eBooks

You Might Also Like

Gel Polish After Chemotherapy
Gel Polish After Chemotherapy
March 26, 2025
Gel Polish After Chemotherapy
The Art and Science of Evaluating Nail Polish Brands
March 25, 2025
Evaluating Nail Polish Brands
Is Acetone Harmful for Removing Nail Coatings?
March 14, 2025
Is Acetone Harmful for Removing Nail Coatings
Is Acetone Pure?
March 7, 2025
baack-to-top-Nailpedia
en_GBEnglish
pt_BRPortuguese es_ESSpanish viVietnamese en_GBEnglish
Shopping Cart
\n

An individual who is qualified to provide a wide range of nail services.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_5c525ee1d52bc291bccb4abb30f8d973":"

Nail technician<\/div>
\n

Someone who is qualified to provide a wide range of nail services.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_b194e98c35f4b702f309014939ccb864":"

Natural nail<\/div>
natural nails\n

The nail that is produced by the nail matrix and covers the end of the finger or toe.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_a656a2a40632c1e29663156211bbc0bd":"

Nail coatings<\/div>
\n

Any product used to coat a finger or toe nail for strength or to add length and\/or colour.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_d0f1ec027a1fbd229cfbb457151e05df":"

Gel nails<\/div>
Gel nails\n

A system of nail enhancements using any UV cured nail products.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_41c571c79217923abf005c4e3cc1ced0":"

Nail primer<\/div>
\n

Nail primer - a bonding agent applied to the natural nail before the application of acrylic or gel enhancements to improve adhesion.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_1246a1b7fb9bed3e4702bd0168f71114":"

Nail plate<\/div>
Nail Plate\n

Hard layers of modified and keratinised skin cells, bonded together, to form a protective plate on the end of each finger and toe, that prevents damage to the underlying bone and allows for manual dexterity.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_fd7643ea3e2121bcf63b92a2783f377f":"

Nail care<\/div>
\n

Nail care refers to the maintenance and upkeep of the nails and surrounding skin. It includes regular cleaning, moisturizing, and trimming of the nails, as well as protecting them from damage and infection.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_c3ce64241c1538f666db5f898e0b3a78":"

Nail lamp<\/div>
\n

Nail lamp - a specialized UV or LED light used to cure gel or gel polish<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_e0d97b219a649705c5dec1e4bd630cd2":"

Allergic<\/div>
\n

Describes an individual whose immune system has adversely reacted to a chemical of any kind.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_045b376e7d4612af2edbd543cb1f20c6":"

Lifting<\/div>
\n

When adhesion of a nail coating to the nail plate breaks down because the nail coating has reached the end of its lifecycle.
When the nail coating has also been applied to the nail plate but touched the skin, the movement of the nail plate causes a fracture in the coating and water and or oil can get underneath the coating and lift it from the nail plate.
When the client has had some kind of accident \u2013 banged his\/her nail coating and caused it to fracture or break allowing water and or oil to get underneath.
When the nail plate is not properly cleaned or prepared before application then the nail coating will not adhere well to the nail plate and lift away.
It\u2019s important to spot this in time and replace or repair the nail coating to prevent infections from 'Pseudomonas Aeruginosa' or White Superficial Onychomycosis taking hold.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_028573aa40ce1f3cceb26ad80ad33592":"

Cure \/ Curing<\/div>
\n

This is the term used to describe the polymerization process for the acrylics (whether uv gels or l&p systems) used in nail coatings. A 'proper cure' is what should be achieved which is when, at least, 80% of the coating has been polymerised. Anything less than this is considered to be 'under-cured' and can cause an allergic reaction. \"Over-curing\" would be when the nail coating is cured in a lamp that has a stronger output than what the manufacturer recommends, and it will make the nail coating brittle.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_4eb428598c1d8f289e6897779124e77d":"

UV Gel<\/div>
\n

A nail product that cures (or polymerizes) under a UV lamp.
There are various types of UV gels, categorized by the way they can be removed, or by the way they can be used.

<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_be3931e712d61dbc905165a4257ef0c9":"

Brush<\/div>
Brushes\n

There are many different brushes needed by a nail professional. e.g an L&P brush which needs to be a natural Kolinsky sable brush so it can hold the monomer liquid and pick up the polymer powder as a bead; UV gel brushes are usually nylon or other man made fibre. Nail art brushes are usually a variety of natural fibres. All have different uses and all much be kept clean to provide long usage.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_854e6ded0cfde48ba8f7b678cb9d4f07":"

Bonder<\/div>
\n

A bonder is a product used in many systems and brands. It is a liquid formulated to enhance adhesion between the nail plate and the overlay. As with any nail product always follow manufacturers instructions.<\/p>\n<\/div>"}}; -->