GEL COLOUR - Product Information - Back to Basics - Nail Prep - Gel Application

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Ezra

GEL COLOUR product information provides practical, step-by-step guidance for achieving a long-lasting manicure. It emphasizes proper natural nail preparation, including removing non-living tissue, maintaining a 1 mm gap around cuticles and sidewalls, capping the free edge, and avoiding direct skin contact. It outlines safe working practices using nitrile gloves, a dust mask, and the recommended Magpie UV LED lamp. It also covers overlay application layers and points to Magpie education options, including live online, classroom, and pre-recorded workshops.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Back to Basics

Nail Prep

Gel Application

Natural Nail Prep

Cuticle Work

Etch and Dehydrate

Overlay Application

Base Coat and Strength

Structure/Builder Gel and French Tip

Magpie Education

Live Online and Classroom

Pre-Recorded Workshops

GEL COLOUR Product Information BACK TO BASICS | NAIL PREP | GEL APPLICATION BACK TO BASICS NATURAL NAIL PREP | HAND PLACEMENT | PPE PERFECT PREP IS VITAL to a long-lasting manicure, if there are any specs of dust, oil or dead skin left on the nail no matter how small, the product will start to lift. You must always LEAVE A 1MM GAP around the cuticle and side walls free of product- if nails have any bleeding of product, this will make nails lift. You need to lightly CAP THE FREE EDGE COMPLETELY on every gel application layer to prevent chipping. Also pay attention to HAND PLACEMENT in the lamp making sure clients fingers are positioned correctly-ensure the thumb is pointing up towards lamp or cure separate if clients can 't do this. AVOID DIRECT SKIN CONTACT-this includes top/base gels, gel colours, primers and acrylic monomer/polymer, acrygel and hard gel. Repetitive contact with nail products may cause overexposure which can build up slowly over time, putting your own and your clients ’ health at risk. As a nail technician, your exposure to products is much greater than your clients. You should wear NITRILE GLOVES to protect your hands and a DUST MASK to prevent inhalation of dusts. MAGPIE UV LED LAMP should be used to ensure our products are fully and safely cured. Other branded lamps may cure our products, however we cannot guarantee any other lamps effectiveness with Magpie products. NATURAL NAIL PREP CUTICLE WORK | ETCH | PREP & DEHDRATE The main thing that is ESSENTIAL to product longevity is dry natural nail prep. Ensure you REMOVE ALL NON-LIVING TISSUE from the cuticle area and nail plate prior to any product application. High quality sharp tools must be used to ensure a perfect prep. We have a wide range of ROYAL TOOLS available to suit different nail prep requirements here. Once full cuticle prep has been completed, lightly etch the nail plate with a fresh 240 GRIT ZEBRA FILE (not a buffer). Using a harsher grit than 180 will cause unnecessary damage to the nail plate. Finally, use MAGPIE PREP & DEHYDRATE liquid prior to product application (not acetone or any other liquids). Thoroughly scrub the side walls and under the free edge with prep liquid too. The Magpie system has been tested to work in perfect unison-you must be using the COMPLETE MAGPIE SYSTEM (liquids, lamp & gels) ifyou do not, this may lead to service breakdown. OVERLAY APPLICATION NATURAL NAIL PREP | GIVE ME STRENGTH | TOP COAT After dry natural NAIL PREP has been completed apply your chosen BASE COAT to the natural nail, making sure to seal every free edge and cure for the correct time in your magpie lamp. Give Me Strength is not a baseless product so must be used alongside one of our other base coats. Apply chosen BASE COAT and cure. Next apply a thin layer of STRUCTURE OR BUILDER gel but DO NOT CURE. This will act as your 'slip ' layer to help the next layer to be manoeuvred around the surface. Place a larger bead of structure gel on to your nail in to the apex location. Use your brush to lightly move the product in to place, make it nice and neat around the cuticle without touching the skin and then feather the remaining product down towards the free edge. Apply as many layers of GMS as the natural nail requires. Finish file then apply your ARTYgel french tip, ENCAPSULATE WITH GMS & TOP COAT. MAGPIE EDUCATION LIVE ONLINE | CLASSROOM | PRE RECORDED At Magpie we pride ourselves on offering the highest standards of education both in salon and online. We have a wide variety of ABT ACCREDITED Masterclasses, as well as live online and pre recorded workshops available to book with our talented Educators. Our CONVERSIONS cover our fantastic Gel Colour, Structure Gel, Builder Gel, Acrygel, Acrylic, E-File & Full On Tips systems and are suitable for technicians who are already qualified. All of our ABT accredited Masterclasses (Manigel, Gel Colour, Builder Gel, Perfect PolyAcrygel, Acrylic, Acrygel &

FAQs

Why is perfect nail prep essential for long-lasting results?

Perfect prep is vital because any dust, oil, or dead skin left on the nail can cause lifting. Dry natural nail prep and removing non-living tissue are essential before application.

What precautions should be taken to avoid product issues and health risks?

Leave a 1 mm gap around the cuticle and side walls, and cap the free edge completely on each gel layer. Avoid direct skin contact and wear nitrile gloves and a dust mask to protect against overexposure and inhaled dusts.

How should gel application and curing be handled with the Magpie system?

Use the complete Magpie system (liquids, lamp, and gels) to ensure products cure safely and effectively. Seal every free edge and cure for the correct time in the Magpie lamp, then apply layers as required, finishing with the specified top coat steps.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Ezra