If you want to achieve gel-enhanced nails that add structural support while looking and feeling like natural nails, refinement after product application is essential. Some builder gels may self-level like a dream. However, if you’re working with gels that take longer to self-level, such as hard gel, refining the shape after application is typically needed to prevent a bulky appearance and achieve a smooth, even, and natural-looking finish.
Rather than spending more time trying to perfectly level and direct the gel to create the ideal apex shape, it is more efficient to refine the surface after application. Refinement allows you to create a more precisely curved shape, with sufficient product thickness at the apex and a thinner application at the cuticle area, sidewalls, and free edge. It also creates a smooth, even surface that helps the finished nails look and feel more natural.
In this concluding blog post of our four-post series on e-file bits, we cover the CALLA e-file bits that can be used to refine gel enhancements to create crisply shaped and smooth nails.
Whether you’re building structure on natural nails with builder gel or creating gel extensions with dual forms, refining product in the cuticle area or under the nails is sometimes needed. The Sharp Blade can be used to remove gel that has cured in the cuticle area or on the underside of the nail free edge.
At 10,000-15,000 RPM, this bit is gentle yet versatile to remove calluses on the sides of the nails as well as loosen up nail parts during removal. When refining nail enhancements, the Sharp Blade bit is effective at smoothing out product in tight areas such as the sides, cuticles, and underneath the nails for a seamless appearance.
When refining the surface of the nail after product application, a carbide bit or mandrel bit with a sanding band can be used to refine the shape of the apex and smooth out any uneven areas on the nail surface. The Super Fine Off bit comes in a tapered barrel shape with fine grit abrasiveness to smooth out the artificial nail surface at recommended speeds between 10,000-15,000 RPM. Slightly higher speeds between 15,000-20,000 RPM can be used for areas with more product bulk.
Unlike conventional tapered barrel bits, the Super Fine Off bit is specially designed with cross-cut patterns, allowing the bit to be used in both forward and reverse directions, and perform more smoothly with less vibration. The bit also features a softened edge at the tip, reducing the possibility of cutting into the nail or sides of the finger when used at appropriate speeds.
Alternatively, an e-file mandrel bit and sanding band can be used to smooth out the artificial nail surface. CALLA Professional sanding bands are made in Korea with ceramic and aluminum oxide materials. Ceramic provides excellent heat dissipation, minimizing heat buildup and heating sensations on the nail. The sanding bands are crafted for durability, lasting up to three times longer than comparable sanding bands.
The #180 medium coarse sanding band can be used to reduce bulk while the #240 and #400 fine grit sanding bands can be used to refine and smooth out the artificial nail surface. They can also be used to prep the natural nail surface and gently smooth out calluses on the sides or corners of the nail.
When refining long nails, the Slim Long mandrel and sanding bands can be used to cover more nail surface area. This mandrel features a length of 0.75 inches of contact area with the nail, which is slightly longer than the standard mandrel length to quickly shape and refine longer nails.
Investing in specialized and high-quality crafted e-file bits isn’t about having fancy tools at hand, but it’s about being equipped with purposeful and reliable tools to perform nail service work efficiently and safely for smoother workflow and quicker nail services. E-file bits specially designed for specific purposes and knowing how to use them effectively reduce friction in the process of nail work and can result in better services and better crafted nails. For more on e-file bits for cuticle care and gel nails, check out our other posts featuring CALLA Professional e-file bits:
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