Primer for regular varnish. Primer: what is it, how to use

The difference between an acid primer and an acid-free one: composition, advantages

To choose the best option for the job, it is important to understand the difference between an acidic primer and an acid-free one. As part of Acid Based products (based on acids), one of the main ingredients is methacrylic acid, which belongs to the category of moderately toxic substances. But it is harmful only in high concentrations, and in the primer intended for treating nails, it is included in a diluted form, and even supplemented with other components.

The difference between an acidic primer and an acid-free one is its following features:

Provides strong adhesion of materials to the nail due to the fact that it makes the plate rough, opening the scales.

Recommended for those with oily nail plates.
Suitable for women whose hands often sweat.
Apply under acrylic nails (acid-free primer is more suitable for gel extensions; its bond with acrylic will not be strong enough).

When choosing an acidic or acid-free primer for gel polish, it is important to understand: both products dehydrate the nails and dissolve sebum, due to which the beneficial environment for the development of microbes disappears, and the surface becomes porous and rough. But the acid-based product acts more aggressively, while the acid-free version (Ultrabond) gently and gently degreases the plate. You cannot do extensions without using them - this can lead to the appearance and development of fungal nail infections.

What is the difference between acid-free primer and acid primer: components, features of use

To understand which primer is better - acidic or acid-free, it is worth studying the composition of the second product. Ultrabond does not contain methacrylic acid; it has been successfully replaced by ethyl acetate. This substance is also a solvent, but it is safer, and unlike the components of Acid Based products, it does not cause allergic reactions.

What is the difference between acid-free and acid primer? In what can be classified as universal:

Suitable even for weak, sensitive nails prone to splitting.
Does not change the acidity level of the nail plate and does not thin it.
Does not affect the color of the base coat.
Dries quickly, which speeds up the work process.

How to distinguish an acid primer from an acid-free one? It’s all very simple: the first option, after drying, creates a white tint on the nails - this indicates that the product has completely dried and you can proceed to the next stage of extension. Ultrabond does not leave such a “trace”, so the master will have to focus on the presence of wet areas - if they have disappeared, then you can continue working on the manicure.

Important nuances when working with acidic and acid-free primers

When choosing which is better - an acidic or acid-free primer, you need to focus on the characteristics of the skin and nail plate, which will help you choose the best option. Craftsmen will also find other recommendations useful that need to be taken into account when working with any type of primer:

Both products are dangerous, so when working with them you must wear a respirator or a mask with high-quality protective filters, and also prevent primers from getting on your skin.
Even an acid-free primer should be applied in minimal quantities, while being very careful.
Any manipulations with the nail plate are carried out only after the applied primer layer has completely dried.

So, after all, which primer should you choose - acidic or acid-free? A professional doing extensions should purchase both options, selecting the product in accordance with the characteristics of the client’s nail plate. Those with oily nail plates are more suitable, and acid-free products are recommended for people prone to allergies and suffering from excessive dry skin. Each option has both advantages and disadvantages, so you should focus on personal preferences and body characteristics.

Well-groomed hands with neat, strong nails are an important component of the image. Unfortunately, not every woman is endowed with such a gift from nature. The situation is easily corrected by extension. Coating with the drug is one of the stages of the procedure, followed by the application of gel or acrylic to the nail plate.

What is a gel polish primer?

Being a colorless substance with a jelly-like consistency, the drug has a pronounced “chemical” odor. Do you need a primer for gel polish? The product is used for any extension or as a base for shellac coating. The composition is in many ways similar to the base used for varnish. However, a nail primer has capabilities that a regular base cannot.

What is a primer for shellac used for?

A special coating is applied by a master to the plate immediately after leveling its surface. What is a gel polish primer used for? Regardless of the type and manufacturer, the composition performs the following functions:

Safety. The drug protects extended nails from the appearance of unaesthetic yellowness and delamination of the plates. The liquid degreases, dries, and prevents the penetration of microbes that cause fungus.
Fixing the subsequent coating. The nail primer makes it possible to effectively adhere the top layer of the plate to the materials used for extensions. Applying liquid prolongs the manicure's stay in good condition.

Which primer is best for gel polish?

There are several types of liquid. Each composition has its own characteristics and is suitable for use in a specific situation. The choice of drug depends on the materials used in the extension. In addition, nail primer has different effects on the condition of the plate. The choice of composition depends on the characteristics of the nails. One type or another may be optimal in one case and contraindicated in another.

Acid

The liquid contains methacrylic acid. The proportion of the substance ranges from a third to 100 percent. Why do you need a primer for gel polish? The acid makes the plate softer. The horny scales rise and “hold” the artificial turf more reliably. The downside of acid drugs is increased toxicity. Contact of the liquid with the skin leads to burning, redness, and in some cases, a chemical burn. The drug is suitable for healthy, strong nails. If the plates are weakened, it is better to replace this composition. Acidic liquid is used for acrylic extensions.

Acid-free

The composition does not contain acids, is safe, and is successfully used even for not very strong plates. The drug protects nails and does an excellent job of degreasing them. The composition ensures reliable fastening of artificial materials to the surface of the plate. Nothing terrible will happen if a certain amount of the product ends up on the skin, cuticle, or nail fold. This option can be used for pedicures.

Pre-primer

This is a “lightweight” version of the product, called “bond” or “bonder” by specialists. The drug has a mild, delicate effect due to the absence of aggressive substances in its composition - dyes, flavors. The prep does not affect the deep layers of the plate and maintains water balance. The downside of the product is that it does not have enough power to ensure reliable adhesion between the materials and the plate. Another thing is the use of a bonder as a base for other primers. The dehydrator provides additional protection, for example, for brittle, weakened plates.

Price

The composition used for extensions can be purchased in a specialized department or purchased inexpensively in an online store by ordering from an electronic catalog. When choosing a drug, you should be guided not only by the price of the product. The quality of the product is guaranteed, in addition to its cost, by the fame and reliability of the manufacturer. The price of the composition varies from 129 to 790 rubles.

How to use nail primer

The technology for using the product is simple, but requires dexterity. In addition to the composition itself, you will need a lint-free cloth used to remove excess from the brush. When applying it is important:

Cover the plate with a thin layer of the product. An excess can reduce the effectiveness of the action to zero.
Prevent liquid from getting on the skin and cuticle. If this happens, you need to blot the area with a damp cloth.
Apply two layers of product.

How to apply

The coating process with the product is described in the instructions for use of the composition. How to properly apply primer to nails? The technology is standard and involves the following actions:

Unscrew the lid.
Squeeze the brush against the edges of the bottle. The amount of product applied to the plate should be small. If necessary, you can remove excess with a napkin.
Apply the brush to the center of the plate. Allow the liquid to distribute itself over the nail surface. It is important not to allow the substance to come into contact with the skin or cuticles.
Coat the plate with the compound.
Move on to another nail.
Close the jar tightly.
Throw away the used tissue.

Nail extension is a complex procedure consisting of several stages. During preparation for modeling artificial tips, the master uses many different preparations that help prepare the nail plate for the application of a gel or acrylic coating. For those who have never encountered the process of extensions or applying gel polish before, it is very difficult to understand the professional terminology. You can get confused about concepts such as degreaser, dehydrator, bonder and nail primer. We will reveal the main meanings of these funds, and you will get a comprehensive understanding of their properties.

Degreaser or dehydrator?

A degreaser and dehydrator are necessary to dry the surface of the nails. Many people mistakenly call a dehydrator a degreaser, and vice versa. In order to understand how these two drugs differ, you need to understand what functions each drug performs.

The degreaser removes natural deposits (dust and grease) from the surface of the nails, while preparing the plate for better adhesion to the modeling material. Most often, after the fat layer is removed from the nail, a primer is applied. The dehydrator removes excess moisture from the natural nail plate and dries it deeply. Thus, we can conclude that both products solve the same problems, only the degreaser is superficial, and the dehydrator is more thorough.

To decide which of these drugs is necessary in your particular case, you need to take into account some characteristics of the body. For example, if you have a tendency to sweat a lot and have oily skin, then it is better for you to use a dehydrator before applying hair extensions. Without such pronounced problems, you can remove natural deposits and dirt from the surface of the natural plate using a nail degreaser. Both products are applied after disinfecting the hands, pushing back the cuticle and filing the natural plate. Instructions for use, usually located on the back of the bottle, will help you understand the details of using any product for preliminary preparation for extensions.

There is a misconception that a regular nail polish or gel polish remover can replace a drug for degreasing the nail plate. Professionals do not recommend conducting such experiments. Of course, a product designed to remove decorative coating from nails actively dries the surface of the natural plate. However, it often contains aggressive components, which subsequently have a negative effect on the condition of the ends. Any instructions for extensions consist of several stages when it is necessary to remove the sticky layer from the surface of the nails. A dehydrator and degreaser can also be used for this purpose.

Types and features of nail primer

Faced with such concepts as “primer” and “bonder”, many girls who are inexperienced in matters of nail extension can easily get confused. Some manufacturers give these names to products that have different effects. To understand what functions these drugs perform, it is necessary to study the etymology of the terms. In addition, for beginners in nail art, the instructions, which are intended to help make a choice, will be very instructive and useful.

The word “bonder” (“to bond”) is translated from English as “to tie,” “to connect,” “to fasten.” That is, during the extension process, the bonder is designed to enhance the adhesion of the gel or acrylic to the natural plate. In addition to the fact that such a preparation improves the adhesion of the modeling material to the surface of the nails, it also prevents the occurrence of detachments of artificial tips.

"Primer" is translated as "primer". This liquid helps prepare the natural plate for application of modeling gel or acrylic. Depending on the composition, nail primers can be acid-free or acidic. Let's take a closer look at each of these options.

An acid primer is applied to the nail before the base gel or acrylic material. The function of this product is to lift the keratin scales of the nail plate for better adhesion to the artificial material. When applying the drug to the nail, make sure that the primer does not come into contact with the skin, since the content of aggressive components can cause burns. After the liquid dries, the nails acquire a whitish tint, which indicates that the drug has completely evaporated. The acid primer also acts as a dehydrator, further drying the nail plate. For girls with increased sweating, before applying modeling material, it is recommended to use this particular product, which will prevent the occurrence of detachments.
The acid-free primer acts as double-sided tape, providing reliable and strong adhesion of the natural nail to the artificial surface. It is recommended to apply it to dry nails that do not require additional drying. This product gently cleanses the nail plate without destroying or damaging its structure. Since this product does not cause allergic reactions, it can also be used to treat sensitive nails.

At the end of our article, we invite you to watch a fascinating and educational video from Alina Bykova. The brief instructions contain useful information about preparing nails for extensions or applying gel polish.

The technology for applying decorative coatings contains a preparatory liquid, which is called differently depending on the manufacturing company. These are bond, bonder, ultrabond, primer, pro-bond, prime, nail prime and others. This creates confusion when combining products from different brands. In a word, this is a nail primer. What is it for?

“Primer” translated means primer. It is applied to the nail to increase adhesion with subsequent material. It comes in several types and has different functions: a degreaser, a dehydrator, double-sided tape and a product that lifts the scales of the top layer of the nail.

Primer for varnish coating

In their line of varnishes, many companies produce a primer for better adhesion of the base and nail keratin. The use of this special product can extend your manicure for a week. It is usually called an air conditioner and is produced for both professional and home use. The leader in the production of nail polishes, the OPI concern, has two products called differently: Chip Skip and Bond Aid.

Their difference lies in the method of application and the presence of a varnish component in the first product. In addition to acetic acid ester, the composition for home use includes wheat proteins and vitamins. In the salon, a professional primer is usually used for all procedures, and a composition for home use is offered to clients. It requires degreasing the nail before application.

Essentially, the professional composition of Bond Aid is an acid-free primer. It is used for all nail operations before applying decorative coating, including gel polish.

Pre-primer, acid and acid-free primers

There are three types of primers: pre-primer, acid-free and acidic.

The first one may be called a "dehydrator". It cleanses the nail from shine, removing all grease and moisture. It usually consists of alcohol and has the desired acidity, like that of a natural nail (it is higher than that of skin). This product does not penetrate deep and does not dry out. For wet nails, apply it several times to thoroughly dry the surface of the nail for better adhesion to the material. It is applied to cover with varnish and to prepare the nail for gel polish or extensions. It is often applied before another primer, so the name pre-primer is very appropriate.

The second is often called “bond”. This is a composition based on ethyl acetic acid. It acts like double-sided tape. Some brands leave a sticky coating on the nail. It is used before applying gel polish and extension gel. Each manufacturer has its own nail primer for polishes, gel polishes and gels. It fills microvoids between keratin cells and ensures a tight fit of the material, thereby increasing adhesion.

The third primer contains methacrylic acid. To avoid chemical burns, it is applied in very measured doses, with a semi-dry brush, barely touching the surface of the nail. It has a high concentration of acid; it says Acid Based on the bottle. The upper keratin scales of the nail, treated with this product, rise upward. The surface becomes even more adhesion than an acid-free primer.

Primer for gel polish coating

In order for the gel to stick well, a nail primer is necessary. The gel has large molecules that by themselves will not provide good adhesion to the nail. Therefore, an acid-free primer is used, which fills all the unevenness of the keratin fibers. And the first layer of the three-phase gel polish system, the base, is attached to the nail prepared in this way.

During the drying process in the lamp, long polymer chains are built. This process is called polymerization. And the primer acts in this case like double-sided tape: one side holds the keratin, the other holds the base.

Acid-free nail primer can be different: it leaves an oily residue or not, it air-dries quickly or within a few seconds. The manufacturer usually indicates exactly how to apply it on the bottle. Almost always it is applied to the entire nail plate, sealing the end. It does not harm the skin, so it is not scary if it gets on the roller or cuticle.

Primer for gel extensions

In gel extensions, an acid-free primer is also used. It is applied before coating with the base, the first phase of a three-phase system. If the coating is single-phase, then the first layer is applied differently. Using a semi-dry brush, using rubbing movements, achieve a thin layer coverage of the entire nail. After this, apply the gel, as when painting with varnish, and send the hand into the lamp. This method increases grip and prolongs the wear of the artificial turf.

If extensions are made using tips, then before applying the adhesive, the surface is also treated with a nail primer.

How to use a primer when sticking tips:

Degrease the nail with pre-primer.
Apply a thin layer of acid-free primer to the entire nail plate and air dry.
Apply glue to the contact area of the tip and glue it to the nail.

Acid primer for acrylic nail extensions

Only acidic primer is used. They treat the nail carefully, without touching the skin and tips.

To prevent gel polish from chipping from the tips of the nails, the end of the nail is treated with it. In some cases, with hyperhidrosis, it is applied under a decorative gel polish coating. So it has its place in the manicure salon.

Public concern about harmful ingredients used in the nail industry has led to much controversy regarding methacrylic acid, which is part of the acid primer. This is a toxic substance, but if acidic nail primer is so dangerous, what is it for?

Is acid primer harmful?

In reality, one must distinguish methyl methacrylates from ethyl methacrylates. The first are truly toxic substances that are prohibited for the production of cosmetics. The latter are a completely different substance.

In addition, a highly diluted composition is used to treat nails, which, however, if used incorrectly, can cause a chemical burn to the skin. With the careful work of the master, this is excluded, since the primer acts on dead keratin cells. The same composition is used in dentistry and does not cause any complaints.

If a drop of acid primer accidentally gets on your skin, you should immediately wash the area with plenty of running water and soap. If a burn occurs, consult a doctor immediately to prevent possible allergies in the future.

Since acid nail primer is a professional product, it has no place in a home with small children. It is better for an adult to use it only when taking acrylic extension courses. This technology is used the most. The instructor will teach you how much to put on the brush, how to burn it off on the edge of the bottle, and when to wet the brush again. Professionals can stretch the material over all ten nails in one go with a semi-dry brush.

Replacement options

How to replace nail primer? Craftsmen, especially in our country, invent many ways to replace technologies. They also tried to replace the primer. Liquids suggested at home included vinegar, lemon juice, hand washing with soap, vodka and others. It must be said that degreasing can be achieved by thoroughly washing your hands with oil-free soap. That is, laundry soap or bleaching soap when washing. But this will harm the skin, and you will also have to dry your nails. The coating is not applied to wet nails.

As for degreasing with vodka instead of pre-primer for nails, this is not only useless, but also harmful. The water in its composition will be absorbed into the nail and it will have to be dried. It is better to use 96% pure alcohol, it is more like a pre-primer.

Regarding acidity, it should be noted that in a natural nail it is close to 7, alcohol has an acidity of 6, and skin has an acidity of 5.5. Any addition of organic matter will disrupt the sterility of the coating process, and the addition of acid is difficult to calculate correctly. So don't experiment. No one tries to fill a tooth at home. The manicurist's materials came from the dental office and require respectful treatment.

When applying the coating for the first time, the entire nail is treated with primer. Subsequent corrections also require applying a primer, but only to the regrown part of the nail near the cuticle. You especially need to try not to get it on the tips: they will then crack. Here are some tips on how to apply primer to your nails:

If the nails are soft and flexible, then along the end and free edge they are treated with an acid primer before applying gel polish. The entire plate is treated with an acid-free primer beforehand. After two to three weeks, this edge of the nail is simply filed down when applied again. This is done so that the gel polish on the tip of the nail becomes insoluble. If you apply an acid primer to the entire nail plate, the material will also become insoluble. They don't do that.
If nails are susceptible to hyperhidrosis, an acid primer is applied to them under gel polish. Due to the large nail effusion, the material will not adhere as well as on regular nails. But using an acid primer will extend the life of your manicure. Opponents of using an acid primer in gel polish technology advise treating the nail several times with an acid-free primer.
When correcting, after filing the detachments, open areas of the natural nail are treated: with gel extensions - with an acid-free primer, with acrylic - with an acidic one, but only near the cuticle.

Which primer to choose

For the starter kit, the master usually buys the materials with which he has worked before and on which he was trained. There is a difference in materials made in the USA and China. They may not be in contact with each other. Therefore, it is best to buy a full line of products from one manufacturer.

It could be a domestic company - Tatnail, for example. Or "Formula Pro". Belarusian “Severina” or “Runeil” with Chinese materials. The main thing is that all the compositions fit well with each other. And this is ideally ensured by products of one brand. The manufacturer always meets the buyer halfway and informs in detail about the technology of applying his brand on the website.

An important aspect is to purchase only those products that can then be easily purchased again. Our country is so large that sometimes local stores are not able to satisfy all the needs of nail product buyers. Even if they agree to place an order, they will have to wait for it, and this is inconvenient. Therefore, local manicure schools will tell you which primer is best for you.

Warning

There are many nuances to using nail primer. But the most important thing is not to confuse one remedy with another. To do this, you should understand the composition of the product, which the manufacturer usually prints on the bottle. If in front of you is a jar with the inscription “primer” and the absence of any other identification marks, this is dangerous.

Purchasing a product from old warehouse stocks from the days of methyl methacrylates in extensions - what could be worse? If there is no voluntary certification mark on the bottle, it may be an artist's primer and not a medical grade one. Once on the skin, it can permanently cause an allergy to acrylates.

Conclusion

All well-known brands undergo voluntary certification and have documents for providing copies to the buyer. Counterfeits do not have them, so you should be careful when purchasing through online stores.

Take care of yourself and purchase only proven products with certificates in special stores.

Hands are the part of the body that is constantly in sight. Therefore, it is very important that the nails are neat. Unfortunately, not all women can boast of such a gift from nature.

But now the situation can be easily and simply corrected with nail extensions. It is not surprising that such a procedure, the effect of which is immediately noticeable, enjoys continued popularity. And one of the most important stages of any extension is coating the nail plate with a primer. What is it?

Nail primer - what is it for?

A primer is a special product that the master applies to the nails immediately after processing them and filing off the top layer. This is probably why it got its name: the word “primer” is translated from Latin as “first, initial.”

It is a colorless gel-like substance with a distinct, “chemical” odor. Those women who see it for the first time often have a completely logical question: “What is the difference between a primer and a nail base?” Yes, the primer is in many respects comparable to the base that we apply under varnish, but still it is a more modern product that has capabilities that are not available to a regular base.

What exactly are the functions of a primer?

The first is protection. Moreover, it provides comprehensive protection of the nail - from the appearance of unaesthetic yellowness (this is especially true for ladies who smoke), delamination of the plate and the penetration of microorganisms that cause fungus into it.

The second function is the effective adhesion to the nail surface of the materials used for extensions. So the primer directly determines how long artificial nails on women’s fingers will last.

And finally, the third function is dehydration and degreasing of the top layer of the nail. This role of the primer is closely related to the previous two. After all, degreasing promotes better adhesion of materials and protection of the nail from various diseases.

These functions are characteristic of all primers, without exception, regardless of the type and specific manufacturer.

Types of primers for nail extensions

Several types of primers are used in cosmetology: prep, acidic and acid-free. Each variety has its own characteristic features.

Pre-primer

This is the so-called “light” version of the product; experts also call it “bond”. The prep contains no aggressive substances such as dyes and flavors. That is why this type of primer has an unusually soft, delicate effect. It does not affect the deep layers of the nail, does not disturb the water balance in it and, accordingly, the nails do not risk becoming dry and brittle after using such a primer.

When building up, prime is not always used. The fact is that this substance does not have enough “strength” to ensure reliable adhesion of the gel or acrylic to the nail. But as a base for other types of primers, bond is excellent. Most often it is used for additional protection of weakened nails that are prone to brittleness, or for people with excessive sweating, which can cause the artificial coating to peel off.

Prep is also good as a base coat for regular nail polish - it will last much longer.

Acid

It will definitely contain methacrylic acid. And there is quite a lot of this substance in acid prime - 30-100%. The acid softens the nail, its horny scales begin to rise easily and “hold” the artificial coating more reliably.

These primers also have disadvantages. The most significant of them is toxicity. Methacrylic acid is highly active, so it is highly undesirable for it to come into contact with the skin. This will inevitably lead to severe burning, redness, and in the most severe cases, to a chemical burn that will have to be treated for a long time.

Acid primer is suitable for healthy and strong nails. It can completely ruin the delicate and sensitive ones. And such an aggressive primer is used mainly for acrylic extensions; you can do nails on tips without it.

Acid-free

As the name suggests, this primer contains absolutely no acids. So it is absolutely safe even for not very strong nails. This primer does an excellent job of degreasing and protecting the nail, and ensures high-quality adhesion of artificial materials to the surface of the natural nail.

Nothing bad will happen if a little product gets on the skin, cuticle or nail fold. Acid-free primer can also be used for pedicures.

Which brand of nail primer is best to choose?

There are many brands of professional cosmetics, in the line of which you can find various options for primers. The most popular brands among nail extension specialists are LeChat or RuNail. Products from Lady Victory are perfect for biogel.

When choosing a primer, be guided not only by price - by the way, their spread is not that wide. It is necessary to take into account such factors as the popularity and reliability of the manufacturer. By purchasing products from little-known companies, you risk not only not improving the appearance of your nails, but also causing serious harm to their health.

When and how to apply primer on nails correctly (video)

There is nothing complicated about using primers. First, you need to push back the cuticle and treat the surface of the nail with a nail file to remove the natural shine. Then apply the primer with a brush (it is located on the cap of the bottle) as follows: place the brush on the center of the nail and allow the product to spread. Remember that the layer must be very thin! To do this, first wring out the brush using the edge of the bottle or a paper napkin. How long does it take for primer to dry? Just a couple of minutes - and everything is ready, you can start building up! For more information about the primer application procedure, see here:

What can replace the product?

If we talk only about degreasing, then acetone or vinegar can handle this. But these substances are not capable of lifting scales, as any primer does. So there is no need to talk about any full-fledged replacement for this product.