Collection: Nail Prep Products

Quick choice: nail prep products help create the right conditions before applying gel polish, gel or acrygel. They do not all perform the same function: some work on the cuticles, some on the nail plate, and others improve adhesion or cleansing. Using them correctly can help reduce lifting, improve durability and support a more professional workflow.

Which nail prep product to use and when

Preparation is not a single step. First work on the manicure and nail plate, then decide whether Nail Prep, Bonder or Acid Primer is needed according to the type of nail and treatment. The goal is not to apply as many products as possible, but to use only what is actually required.

Cuticle Remover: to soften cuticles

Cuticle Remover 15ml with dropper and Cuticle Remover 15ml with brush help soften and remove cuticles more easily during the manicure. They are used before preparing the nail plate, not as adhesion promoters.

Nail Prep: dehydration and pH

Nail Prep Cactus 10ml is applied before Bonder or Primer when the nail plate needs preparation. Its purpose is to dehydrate the nail and stabilise the pH, helping the adhesion of gel polish, gel and acrygel. Allow it to air-dry.

Nail Bonder: acid-free adhesion

Nail Bonder 10ml is an acid-free primer that promotes adhesion between Base Step One and the natural nail. It creates a very light, slightly sticky layer, similar to double-sided tape, without adding thickness to the surface. It is not always necessary: on well-prepared nails and with good technical application, the system can also perform effectively without additional prep products.

Acid Primer: only when it is really needed

Primer Acid Cactus 10ml is a methacrylic-acid-based adhesion promoter. It is used after Nail Prep and only in specific cases, such as difficult or very oily nails or when adhesion problems occur. It is a professional product that must be used carefully, avoiding contact with the skin. It should not be treated as a standard step for every client.

Cleanser and Acrygel Solution

Cleanser and Acrygel Solution 250ml is a professional cleansing solution used to clean the nail plate, remove the inhibition layer and shape acrygel during application. It is a technical product to be used according to the stage of the service, not as a substitute for Nail Prep or Bonder.

Recommended practical sequence

• 1. Manicure and cuticles: use Cuticle Remover when the cuticles need to be softened.
• 2. Mattifying: prepare the nail plate with a file or buffer, without thinning the nail.
• 3. Cleaning: remove dust and residue.
• 4. Nail Prep: apply over the entire nail plate and allow it to air-dry.
• 5. Bonder or Acid Primer: choose according to the individual case rather than automatically using both.
• 6. Base: apply the gel polish base suited to the service.

When to use Bonder and when to use Acid Primer

Bonder is the gentler option when you want to improve adhesion without using acids. Acid Primer is more aggressive and should be reserved for difficult cases where adhesion is a genuine issue. If the nail is normal and preparation is correct, there is often no need to use additional prep products.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using Acid Primer on every client without assessing the nail plate.
• Allowing acidic products to touch the skin.
• Applying too many prep products and creating unnecessary steps.
• Not allowing Nail Prep or Bonder to air-dry.
• Confusing Cleanser with Nail Prep.
• Skipping mechanical preparation of the nail plate.
• Applying base or colour to a nail plate that is still damp or dirty.

Quick technical guide

• Cuticles that need softening: Cuticle Remover.
• Nail plate that needs dehydrating and stabilising: Nail Prep.
• Extra acid-free adhesion: Nail Bonder.
• Very difficult or oily nails: Acid Primer, for professional use only.
• Removing the inhibition layer or shaping acrygel: Cleanser and Acrygel Solution.
• Base of the treatment: Base Step One or another suitable gel polish base.

FAQ

What is the difference between Nail Prep and Bonder?

Nail Prep prepares the nail plate by dehydrating it and stabilising the pH. Bonder creates a slightly sticky layer that promotes adhesion between the natural nail and the base.

Should Acid Primer always be used?

No. Acid Primer should be used only when it is genuinely needed, on difficult or very oily nails, and with professional care. It is not a standard step for every client.

Are Cleanser and Nail Prep the same thing?

No. Cleanser is used for cleansing, removing the inhibition layer or shaping acrygel. Nail Prep is used to prepare the nail plate before adhesion.

When is Cuticle Remover used?

It is used during the manicure to soften and remove cuticles. It is not an adhesion product for gel or gel polish.

Can I use Bonder and Acid Primer together?

They should not automatically be used together. The choice depends on the type of nail, the technique and the adhesion issue that needs to be addressed.