What’s the Difference Between Builder Gel and Acrylic Gel?

We’ve received lots of questions about what our Builder Gels actually are, what they’re used for, and what sets our popular Builder Gel apart from the well-known Acrylic Gel. That’s why, in this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what each of these two products is intended for, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. We hope this makes the decision a little easier for you if you’re sitting at home on the sofa, feeling a bit frustrated and unsure which one to choose.

What is Builder Gel?

Builder Gel is designed for anyone who wants to stop struggling with weak nails that constantly break and bend, making it difficult for them to grow long. It is incredibly frustrating, and it can feel like there is almost nothing you can do about it – almost being the key word ;-) Our Builder Gels are some of our bestsellers, and we completely understand why. They are ideal for helping prevent weak, brittle nails that break easily. Thanks to their extra-thick consistency, our Builder Gels help protect your nails from breaking and make your natural nails up to 30 times stronger. This means you can enjoy long, beautiful nails in no time when using our Builder Gels.

Our Builder Gels should be applied to the nail after you have completed a thorough nail prep and applied a base coat. After that, all you have to do is choose the shade you cannot live without. We have seven different and beautiful shades, so you can wear our Builder Gels on their own. But if you have fallen head over heels for one of our many Gel Polish shades, you can apply the color afterwards. In other words, you are free to get creative! As Builder Gels have a thick consistency, it is especially important to apply a thin, even layer. It can be a good idea to apply the product to just a few fingers at a time to prevent it from moving before it is cured.

Even more benefits of using our Builder Gels


Still with us and loving what you’re reading? Then keep going, because our Builder Gels come with even more amazing benefits. You can use Builder Gel to extend your nails and create the nails of your dreams. It’s simple to work with and, for many, a great stepping stone to Polygel, as it can be easier for beginners to control – especially when using tips. Once you have filed your tip into shape and glued it to your natural nail, buff the nail plate and the join between the tip and your natural nail with our buffer. This helps ensure the join is not visible once you have finished creating beautiful nails at home. Next, take our base coat and apply a thin, even layer to your tip. Then take your chosen Builder Gel colour and apply a thicker layer to the tip. Because of the thicker consistency, it’s important to work carefully and make sure the product is evenly distributed. Once you have applied the right amount to the tip, turn your finger upside down for approx. 5-8 seconds to create a natural apex. This helps make your nails extra strong, so creating a natural apex with your Builder Gel is very important. Now cure the nail in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds, and finally apply top coat. Extending your nails with Builder Gel and tips is a great option for beginners or anyone who prefers an easy method. However, you can also try extending your nails with Builder Gel and our nail forms. Here, it’s all about being patient and remembering that practice makes perfect.

What is Acrylic Gel?

Acrylic Gel is a paste that is applied to your nail to make it stronger than your natural nail. Acrylic Gel is therefore designed to strengthen your natural nails, even when applied in a very thin layer. This is why acrylic nails have been a popular choice for many years among those who want incredibly durable artificial nails. And what could be better than being able to decide the shape and length yourself? Creating your own nail extensions has become an increasingly popular hobby. When working with Nailster Acrylic Gel, remember that the product must be cured in a UV/LED lamp — it will not harden on its own. The thick paste is easy to shape before curing, and once cured (and after wiping off the tacky layer with cleanser), the nails are incredibly durable, and you usually do not need to do anything to them until your natural nails have grown out so much that the acrylic nails need to be removed, replaced, or filled. This gives you a wonderfully durable result without having to spend a fortune at a professional nail salon or spend hours doing your nails every week.

How to Do Acrylic Nails

You’ve probably heard of a million ways to extend and shape your nails. And yes, that’s absolutely true. There are many methods, and we always recommend that our customers try out the different techniques. It’s the only way to find out what feels easiest and works best for you. Your friends may be drawn to a particular method, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best fit for you. You can also read our other blog post here, where we take a closer look at the different methods we recommend for Acrylic Gels.

We hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of Builder Gels and Acrylic Gels, including their pros and cons. In short, we recommend trying the methods at home or with a professional to see what works best for you. It really comes down to personal preference — what you find easiest and what lasts longest for you. Below, you can watch some of our videos featuring Builder Gels and Acrylic Gels.