Rubber Base is a flexible and strong base that is perfect for both strengthening natural nails and for use as a base under Gel Polish. In this guide, we'll show you two different methods for applying Rubber Base, depending on the result you want to achieve.
Whether you're a beginner or already experienced, you'll find step-by-step guidance to help you create a beautiful, long-lasting result.
Products used in this guide:
1. Prep your nail
Before applying Rubber Base, make sure your nails are properly prepped. You can find our full guide on how to prep your nails here. But if you’re used to doing your own nails, you’ll know the routine: wash hands, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, buff, wipe with Cleanser, PH-Bond, Primer.
So, with the prep done, let’s take a look at how to apply Rubber Base.
2. Apply your Rubber Base
Once you have prepped your nails, you can start directly with Rubber Base. When using Rubber Base, you do not need to apply Base Coat underneath, as Rubber Base is actually a tinted Base Coat.
You can use Rubber Base in two ways: you can either apply thin layers or build up a thicker reinforcement. However, Rubber Base can only provide your natural nail with slight reinforcement, as Rubber Base is a softer product than, for example, Builder Gel, and therefore moves with the nail.
Method 1 (Thin layers): Apply Rubber Base by first laying down a thin layer of Rubber Base over the entire nail. Do this by positioning the brush in the center of the nail and gently pushing it down toward the cuticle area. Once you have reached the cuticle area, pull the product up along the side of the nail toward the tip, sealing the product along the edge of the nail. It is important that you do not get product on the skin around the nail, either near the cuticle or along the sides.
Once you have applied a thin layer over the entire nail, cure it for 90 seconds under our UV/LED Lamp.
Method 2 (Build-up): Apply Rubber Base by first laying down a thin layer of Rubber Base over the entire nail. Do this by positioning the brush in the center of the nail and gently pushing it down toward the cuticle area. Once you have reached the cuticle area, pull the product up along the side of the nail toward the tip, sealing the product along the edge of the nail. It is important that you do not get product on the skin around the nail, either near the cuticle or along the sides.
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.
Once you have applied a thin layer over the entire nail, do not cure it yet. This is your slip layer.
3. Build up your Rubber Base
Method 1 (Thin layers): Once you have cured your Rubber Base, apply another thin layer. Gently push your Rubber Base towards the cuticle without touching the skin, then slowly and carefully pull it towards the tip. Use the brush to gently press the product towards the cuticle area and around the entire cuticle edge. It is important that you do not touch the skin at any point. With slow, controlled movements, pull the product towards the tip of the nail. Remember to seal the free edge.
Method 2 (Build-up): Once you have applied your uncured slip layer of Rubber Base, you can apply a thicker layer on top if you want stronger reinforcement or a more pigmented colour. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush. The amount of Rubber Base should be enough to cover the entire nail without the product running onto your skin.
Take a small bead of Rubber Base and place it on your slip layer. Gently push your Rubber Base towards the cuticle without touching the skin, then pull it towards the tip using curved movements. It is important that you do not touch the skin at any point. With slow, controlled movements, pull the product towards the tip of the nail. Remember to seal the free edge.
You can use a liner brush dipped in your Rubber Base to apply the colour evenly and neatly around the cuticle area and along the edge. It can be difficult to achieve a precise result with the included brush without touching the skin around the nail.
When you are happy with your Rubber Base, cure it in our UV/LED Lamp for 90 seconds.
If you are not completely happy with the shape of your Rubber Base, you can easily file it into shape. Simply remove the sticky layer left on top of the nail with a Lint-Free Pad and our Cleanser. Then file the shape using either an electric nail file or the 180-grit side of a 180/220 grit nail file.
Once you have finished filing the shape, buff the nail. After buffing, clean the nail again with a Lint-Free Pad so it is left completely clean and ready for the application of your finishing products.
When you are completely happy with the shape of your Rubber Base, it is time to finish the nail.
4. Finish
You can now apply either a Gel Polish, as a solid colour or nail art, or simply a Top Coat. Be careful to avoid getting product on your skin. Apply it as close to the cuticle and sidewalls as possible, without letting the product come into contact with the skin. See how to do it in our guide: Applying Gel Polish.
Once the product has been applied, it must be cured under our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds. Remember that every layer you apply must be cured under our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds.
And remember the rule of thumb: Better four paper-thin layers than two thick ones!
