A gel manicure works a lot like building your house: the decor or furniture may bring the style, but it’s the act of preparing and securing that makes everything last. Your bonders, primers, base coats, and top coats play that exact role. Without them, the manicure simply won’t hold up, no matter how intricate and gorgeous your 3D textured nail art is. In this article, we are taking a closer look at each of these gel foundations, explaining why they matter and how they work together to create a durable, long-lasting finish for every nail session. What are Gel Liquids and why are they essential? The most common gel liquids nail techs work with are bonders, primers, base coats, and top coats. As their names imply, they’re designed to protect the natural nail, prevent lifting, control adhesion, and seal in the color. But when these products are applied incorrectly or in overly thick layers, your manicure can wrinkle, peel, or lift in just a few hours or days. And without them, even the best gel polish in the market simply won’t stand a chance. In essence, they’re the key to achieving your dream nails. The Gel Manicure Essentials Breakdown: From Bonders to Top Coats Bond Our iGel PH Bonder and PRO-X PH Bond - 0.5 oz are equally made to gently dehydrate your natural nail plate and sweep away oil and debris while balancing the nail’s pH level. This process creates a strong and stable adhesion for the prep stage of your manicures. Primer Best paired with the bonders, the iGel Ultra Bond Primer promotes superior retention and durability by enhancing the bond between the natural nail and the enhancement. If you prefer a sensitive skin-safe variant, the PRO-X True Bond (HEMA & ACID FREE) - 0.5 oz offers a no-sting, no-damage alternative for Step 2 of your nail prep routine. Base Coat The stand-alone gel foundation that lays all the groundwork. Our iGel Gel Base Coat - 0.5 oz (available in 8 oz: iGel Gel Base Coat - 8 oz) is formulated to protect natural nails while providing the perfect surface for color or nail tip adhesion. It is lightweight yet durable and is widely considered the first step in simple nail prep. Pro Gel Base When it comes to our Pro Gel Tips, you would need a slightly thicker and specialized base coat. Included in our Pro Gel System is the iGel Pro Gel Base, also available in a convenient pen form, that creates an adhesive bond between the nail plates and the Pro Gel Tips. It promises your nails' safety and durability for weeks. Gel Extender Designed to easily adhere the expertly sculpted PRO-X Soft Gel Nail Tips to your natural nails, the PRO-X Gel Extender - 0.5 oz (thickest base coat) features an advanced formulation that delivers long-lasting wear and reliable hold without damaging your nail plate. For a skin-safe solution, we recommend PRO-X Gel Extender (HEMA FREE) - 0.5 oz to build, extend, and secure your nail tips comfortably. Top Coat Whether you prefer a glossy shine or a soft matte finish, we’re confident that you can shop the best Top Coat in iGel Beauty, as we have 4 variants for gel application available, suitable for any of your needs! Top Coats lock in your colors or designs while adding lasting shine and protection. They seal your manicures to prevent scratches, chips, and dullness. Types of Gel Top Coat:• iGel Original Gel Top Coat - 0.5 oz - Cured, then wiped with alcohol after its final curing. Available in 8 oz refill bottle: iGel Top Coat - 8 oz.• iGel No Cleanse Top Coat - 0.5 oz - Cured only (no wipe), and the type of top coat that has the best shine. Available in 8 oz refill bottle: iGel No Cleanse Top Coat - 8 oz.• iGel Matte Top Coat - 0.5 oz - Cured only. We highly recommend using No Cleanse Gel Top Coat with the iGel Matte for the best results.• PRO-X No Cleanse Top Coat (HEMA FREE) - 0.5 oz - Cured only (no wipe), and has a glass-like shine. Specially crafted for sensitive nails and skin. Sets/Bundles We offer iGel Gel Base Coat and iGel No Cleanse Top Coat sets for nail techs and nail salon owners! Shop the following pairs and refill bundles: • iGel Dual - Gel Base Coat + No Cleanse Top Coat• Refill Bundle - iGel No Cleanse Top Coat - 8 oz + 12 Free 0.5 oz Bottles• Refill Bundle - iGel Base Coat - 8 oz + 12 Free 0.5 oz Bottles How Do You Properly Layer Each Gel Product? 1. Prep your nails. 2. Measure or estimate the size of your nails with the tips, then lightly etch the bottom of your clear tip with a hand buffer or E-File to prep it for the next step! 3. Apply the iGel PH Bonder or PRO-X PH Bond - 0.5 oz to dehydrate your nail beds of any natural oils (let it air dry for 60 seconds), then add a layer of our iGel Ultra Bond Primer or PRO-X True Bond (HEMA & ACID FREE) - 0.5 oz to enhance the adhesion between the natural nail and the enhancement. 4. Apply iGel Gel Base Coat - 0.5 oz, then cure.Cure Time: 30 seconds for LED, 60-90 seconds for UV/LED, 2 minutes for UV, depending on lamp wattage. 5. Apply iGel Pro Gel Base or PRO-X Gel Extender - 0.5 oz or PRO-X Gel Extender (HEMA FREE) - 0.5 oz to the underside of your Pro Gel Tips or PRO-X Soft Gel Nail Tips, then attach. 6. Flash cure individually for 3-5 seconds using your PRO-X Mini Lamp or Hybrid - X UV/LED Lamp. 7. Then, fully cure each nail and lightly file and buff the surface of the nail tip to recover shine and create a smooth, natural transition. This step also helps your gel polish adhere more evenly.Cure Time: 30 seconds for LED, 60-90 seconds for UV/LED, 2 minutes for UV, depending on lamp wattage. 8. Apply your chosen nail medium (e.g., Gel polish, Builder in a Bottle, or Sculpture Gel). 9. Top it off with iGel No Cleanse Top Coat - 0.5 oz or PRO-X No Cleanse Top Coat (HEMA FREE) - 0.5 oz, then cure.Cure Time: 30 seconds for LED, 60-90 seconds for UV/LED, 2 minutes for UV, depending on lamp wattage. Note: You can use iGel Matte Top Coat - 0.5 oz (Cured only, similar to No Cleanse Top Coat) or iGel Original Gel Top Coat - 0.5 oz (Cured, then wiped with alcohol after its final curing) for the finishing touch. Gel Manicure Articles To Help You In Your Journey We encourage you to read our insightful articles regarding gel manicure. We tackle all things nail and share expert tips every week. • Beginner's Guide to Gel Polish• 9 Gel Nail Polish Mistakes You Should Avoid• The Effect of Temperature Changes On Nail Products• Why Is My Nail Polish Fading And Changing Color?• How To Restore And Prevent Thick, Dry Gel Polishes• Sunscreen And Gloves To Protect Skin During Gel Manicure• You Asked, We Listened: Say Hello to PRO - X Series• Pro Gel Tips: Everything You Have to Know About our Pro Gel System These Gel Essentials or Gel Liquid Foundations are the core of a long-wearing manicure. When you understand what each product does and how to use it correctly, your nails increasingly become smoother, stronger, and more reliable over time. Which nail prep product from iGel Beauty is your favorite, and how did it refine your nail techniques? Share your experience in our official community to inspire others to improve their nail game! Always remember, nails last longer when the basics are done better. 😉 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on November 20, 2025 Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With a diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the latest trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
