When doing your own gel manicure at home, using the right products is key to getting a perfect, long-lasting result. But with so many options on the market, it can get confusing. What’s the difference between a gel nail bonder and a gel base coat? And which one do you actually need?<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: While both products prep the nail, the key difference is that a gel base coat helps gel polish adhere to the nail, while a gel bonder (also called a primer or dehydrator) preps the nail surface and removes oils for better polish bonding<\/b>.<\/p>\nWhat is a Gel Nail Bonder?<\/h2>\n
Purpose and Function<\/h3>\n
A gel nail bonder, sometimes called a gel nail primer, serves an important adhesive purpose when applying gel manicures. The bonder works to chemically prepare the natural nail plate for gel polish application<\/b>, allowing the gel to adhere properly so that it lasts as long as intended without lifting or peeling.<\/p>\nKey Ingredients and How They Work<\/h3>\n
Gel nail bonders contain key ingredients like methacrylic acids, acrylates, and silicones<\/b> that work to roughen and penetrate the nail surface for better gel adhesion. The methacrylic acids gently etch the nail plate to give gels something to grab onto, while the acrylates act as bonding agents.<\/p>\n
Finally, the flexible silicone molecules help fill in irregularities in the nail<\/b> to create a smooth surface.<\/p>\nWhen and Why a Bonder is Used<\/h3>\n
Unlike regular nail polish which only requires a base coat, gel manicures require a bonder before gel color application for several reasons:<\/p>\n
A gel nail base coat is an important first step when applying gel nail polish. Its main purpose is to protect the natural nail and help the gel polish adhere properly. The base coat creates a tacky surface that the gel polish can grab onto.<\/p>\n
It also acts as a buffer between the nail and the gel polish ingredients.<\/p>\n
Some of the key ingredients found in gel base coats include:<\/p>\n
There are a few main varieties of gel base coat:<\/p>\n
Most basic gel manicure kits come with a standard bonding base coat to ensure proper application. But there are also specialized options like nourishing treatments or peelable bases depending on your nails’ needs.<\/p>\n
The main purpose of a gel nail bonder is to help the gel polish adhere properly to the natural nail plate. It creates a tacky surface that the gel can grab onto. Base coats, on the other hand, are designed to protect the natural nails from staining and damage that gel polish can potentially cause over time with repeated use.<\/p>\n
Gel bonder is made up of methacrylate monomers and oligomers that allow it to bond well with gel polishes. It usually does not contain many additives. Base coats tend to have more ingredients like vitamins, calcium, herbs, tea tree oil etc. that nourish and strengthen the natural nails.<\/p>\n
Some common ingredients are vitamin E, biotin, hydrolyzed wheat protein<\/b>.<\/p>\nThickness of Product<\/h3>\n
Bonders form a very thin layer on the nails in order to maximize adhesion. According to nail care experts, the bonder coat should be thin enough that you can still see the natural nails underneath. Base coats tend to be slightly thicker to provide a protective barrier between the gel polish and the nail plate.<\/p>\n
Using too much can prevent proper curing.<\/p>\n
Gel bonder is applied first before applying gel polish. It preps the nail bed for the gel application. Base coat is applied after the bonder layer but before polish. So the order is: bonder – base coat – color gel – top coat.<\/p>\n