Acid or acid-free nail primer: which one to choose

Acid-free primer works gently: it does not etch the natural nail plate, it only changes its pH to neutral and gives the base coat better adhesion. It is the choice for thin, sensitive and weakened nails, where an acid primer would be too strong.

For difficult, oily nails, the Acid Primer works better. Using the right primer stops nail sets from lifting and genuinely affects how long a manicure lasts.

Acid Free Primer and SuperBond 10 ml: how these products differ

Acid Free Primer 10 ml degreases the nail plate and dries it before the gel polish base coat, builder gel or acrylic. You apply it in a thin layer on the surface of the natural nail plate, and it evaporates within a dozen or so seconds.

SuperBond 10 ml is a bonder: a layer that links the nail plate and the product. We recommend it for a problematic nail plate, when you want maximum adhesion of builder gel and acrygel. Many stylists use both products interchangeably, depending on the condition of the client's nails.

How to apply acid-free primer in a gel polish manicure

Start nail preparation by working on the cuticles and matting the nail plate with a buffer block. Brush off the dust, degrease the nail plate with nail cleanser and remove moisture with a nail dehydrator.

Wipe the brush on the neck of the bottle and apply the primer to the nail plate, avoiding the cuticles. Wait until it has evaporated completely before moving on: a layer that is too thick can trap air under the nail set and shorten the wear of gel polish.

Using acid-free primer: warnings

• ♥ For professional use only
• ♥ Avoid contact with skin: the product may cause an allergic reaction and irritation
• ♥ Apply in a thin layer to a dry, degreased nail plate
• ♥ Store at room temperature, out of reach of children

A well-chosen primer is the foundation of nail set adhesion: without it, even the best product will lift after a few days.

Both products are universal and work well in gel polish manicures, gel extensions and acrylic work. You will find other nail plate preparation products in the nail prep category.