Applying Press-On Tips with UV/LED Gel Glue

Step by step guide

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply Press-On Tipper using UV/LED Gel Glue, so you know exactly how to use our Gel Glue.

There are different ways to extend your nails. If you have short nails, using Press-On Tipper is an ideal option. However, we do not recommend applying Press-On Tipper if you already have long nails, as an air pocket may form between the free edge of the nail and the tip. If you want to add length to nails that are already long, we recommend using our guides for extensions with nail forms.

Products used in this guide:

Press-On Add-on

€18,99

Nailster Starter Kit

€93,99

Electric Nail File - including 4 bits

€120,49

Barbie · 108

€17,99

Step by Step

1. Prepare the nail tips

When applying Press-On Tips, start by finding the tip size that fits each nail. It is important that the tip covers your entire natural nail plate and fits from edge to edge.
Once you have found the correct tip size, buff the inside of the tip. You can do this with your electric nail file or a 100-grit hand file. After filing the inside of the tip, wipe it with a Lint-Free Pad soaked in Cleanser to remove any dust and debris created during filing. This step is important, as it helps our Gel Glue adhere better to the tip, increasing wear time.
To make application easier, we recommend laying out all your tips and filing them in advance before you begin applying them. This is important because you need to apply one tip at a time.

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2. Prep Your Nail

Before applying your Press-Ons, it’s important to prepare your nails. You can find our full guide on how to prep your nails here.
If you’re already experienced with doing your own nails, you probably know the routine: Wash your hands, push back your cuticles, use a cuticle nipper, buff, wipe with Cleanser, apply pH-Bond and Primer.

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3. Apply your Base Coat

Start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat to the nail. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush, then place the brush head in the middle of the nail and press the product down towards the cuticle while keeping the brush almost horizontal along the nail plate. Then glide the product up along each side of the nail towards the tip, making sure to seal the tip.
It is important that your Base Coat is applied close to both the base and sides of the nail, without touching the skin around the nail.
If you accidentally get product on the surrounding skin or your cuticles, remove it before curing. We recommend using one of our Micro Brushes dipped in Cleanser to remove the product.
Cure the Base Coat in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds.
Please note that Base Coat leaves a sticky layer after curing. This is completely normal and must not be removed or touched.

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4. Turn the UV/LED lamp around

Once you have cured your Base Coat, turn the top section of your UV/LED lamp upside down so the cable points up towards the ceiling. This creates enough space to place both hands inside the lamp.

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5. Apply Gel Glue to your nail tip

Once the lamp is turned around, apply Gel Glue to the filed area of the tip. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it may run into the cuticles or onto the skin around the nails.

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6. Place the nail tip on your nail

Next, place the tip on the nail. Exactly how far down you place the tip is entirely up to you. Some prefer it to sit right by the cuticle edge, while others prefer it a few millimetres away from the cuticle, as this makes it easier to file the transition between your tip and the natural nail. When applying your Press-On Tip, place the base of the tip near the cuticle at a 45-degree angle, so that only the base of your Press-On Tip is in contact with the nail plate to begin with. It is important to maintain this pressure so your Gel Glue does not flow into the cuticle. Then slowly press the tip down onto the rest of the nail plate. Once you can see your Gel Glue reaching the free edge, hold the pressure and flash cure the tip for 20 seconds in our UV/LED lamp while holding the tip in place with your other hand, ensuring it sits exactly as you want it.

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7. Cure your nail

Once you have applied all your tips and flash-cured them in our UV/LED lamp, return the lamp to its normal position and cure all the nails for an additional 60 seconds.

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8. Shape your nails

Once your tips are securely attached, you can trim them to your desired length and shape. For this, use a 100/180 grit hand file. Once you have achieved the exact look you want, use the 180-grit side of your nail file to gently remove the shine from the surface of the tip. Then buff the nail with a buffer, so the tip is ready for product application.

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9. Finish

Your nails are now ready for the next step, where you can apply any of our products on top of your Press-on Tips, whether that’s Gel Polish, Liquid Builder Gel, Rubber Base, or Polygel. You can find guides for all of these in our guide section.
If you do not want to apply a strengthening product underneath your Gel Polish, we recommend applying a layer of Base Coat to your tip. This gives the nail a smooth surface, so your Gel Polish sits evenly and beautifully on the tip.
Here, we have applied a Gel Polish color. You can find our guide to applying Gel Polish here.

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