What is nail prep and why is it important? Everything about Multi Mist, Primer, and Bonder

What is nail prep and why is it important? Everything about Multi Mist, Primer and Bonder

Prep is by far the most important step when it comes to getting nails that last. Many skip or rush through the prep step, but this is where the foundation is laid for a long-lasting and professional result. In this post, we explain why prep is so important and what happens if you skip it.

Why don't gel and acrylic stick on their own?

For builder gel, fiber gel or acrylic to be able to adhere properly to the nail, the right preparation is required. Natural oils and a smooth nail surface make it difficult for the nail product to get a proper grip. Without prep, the product has nothing to adhere to, which leads to lifting and shorter durability.

Sanding bands, create the right surface

By using sanding bands, you roughen the surface of the nail plate and file away the outermost layer that contains oils and dirt. This creates small irregularities that give the gel and acrylic something to grip onto. It is one of the most important steps in nail prep and something that should never be skipped, whether you do nails at home or in a professional salon.

Skin on the nail plate, a common cause of lifting

Another important part of prep is to remove all skin that is attached to the nail plate and around the cuticles. This skin is a natural layer of skin that will come off over time. If you apply gel or acrylic on top of this skin, the product adheres to the skin layer and not directly to the nail plate.

Because the skin layer is not particularly firmly attached to the nail, the product will sooner or later loosen. Even a small lift puts the product in a vulnerable position and the problem worsens every time you knock or use your hands. Therefore, careful cuticle care is a crucial part of a good nail prep.

Multi Mist, Primer and Bonder, what do they do?

Once the surface is prepared, it is time for the prep products. Each product has a specific purpose.

Multi Mist is a dehydrating and cleaning spray that removes all filing dust, any oils and moisture from the nail plate. It is important that you do not just spray and let it dry. You need to actively scrub the nail to really get rid of all dust and dirt. With an electric file, a cleaning brush bit is used for the best results. Without an electric file, a manual scrubbing brush or a lint-free pad works just as well. The important thing is that you actually scrub, not just wipe.

Bonder works by further dehydrating the nail and making the surface slightly sticky. This sticky surface helps the gel or acrylic adhere even better and significantly reduces the risk of lifting.

Primer contains acid that chemically creates small irregularities in the nail plate. This gives the product an extra strong grip and is especially important for nails that are difficult to work with.

Prep is not everything, but it is the foundation

A good nail prep is crucial, but it is not the only thing that matters for a long-lasting result. The choice of products depending on nail type and desired result, the application of gel and filing technique also play a big role. Want to know exactly how to do it? Read our guide Nail prep step by step.