Nail bonder. What is it, the difference with a primer. What is it for, how to use for gel polish, types. Top best: Lisa, Cody, Ingarden, Ibd, Glenio

Bonder is an effective assistant to the master in the fight for a long-lasting and long-lasting manicure with gel polish. It has a semi-liquid and slightly viscous texture. The composition includes paraffins, resins, alcohols and other chemical components that provide adhesion between the nail and the polymer coating. The bonder forms a film that is adhesive to the touch on the surface of the plate, which can be compared to double-sided tape. Many people confuse it with a primer, although they are completely different products. We will tell you what a bonder is for and how to use it correctly in our article.

What is a nail bonder and what is it for?

A nail bonder is a tool that allows you to attach an artificial plate to a nail plate during the extension process, improve the quality of fastening and prolong the result of the procedure. The product is applied to the nail carefully, without going beyond and without getting on the cuticle and skin. Otherwise, the process will have to start over.

Bonder features include:

uniform distribution of the product over the surface of the nail plate due to the sticky gel structure;
maximum contact of artificial material with the surface of the nail;
smooth connection between the nail and the subsequent extension material.

The product is thick, the consistency is similar to glue, hence the good adhesion effect. Use bonder as double-sided tape for strong bonding. When adding extensions, a primer is additionally used - a protective substance. Both products complement each other and cannot be used alone or interchangeably.

What is an acid primer used for?

Other names:

acid primer

An acid primer is needed for reliable adhesion of the nail plate and artificial coating. The composition of this type of product includes methacrylic acid, which lifts the keratin scales of the nail and penetrates into the deep layers, due to which the adhesion of the materials will be very reliable, and the wear of the coating will be as long as possible even on the wettest, oiliest and hyperhidrotic nails.

By the way, as you know, it is on wet nails that the risk of the appearance of various bacteria and microorganisms is very high, and the acid primer has bactericidal properties, and accordingly, blocks the appearance of microbes between the artificial coating and the nail plate. This is a huge advantage of working with this type of primer!

You will find a decent option from the NeoNail brand. This primer can easily be considered one of the top ones among masters, since it is compatible with acrylic and gel textures - this is very rare on the market, because manufacturers most often create primers for each of the textures.

Acid primer NeoNail 10 ml
IMPORTANT!
Methacrylic acid in acid primers is an aggressive substance that causes burns, so you need to work with such a primer carefully! Apply it in a thin layer, moving away from the side sinuses and cuticle.

LIFE HACK:

Use the product only for extensions, or for nails with hyperhidrosis (very wet nail plate).

Advantages

The result of a manicure directly depends on the quality of the product - the bonder should not be cheap.

The specialized composition has important advantages:

prevents further peeling;
creates a protective layer, thanks to the product the nails are protected from the negative effects of manicure layers;
ensures uniform fit of both surfaces;
firmly connects the nail plate to the material;
Covers the surface evenly thanks to the gel structure.

Nail bonder is a tool that you cannot do without when doing extensions. It has no analogues.

If you do not use a bonder in the process, the result is poor-quality application, peeling and damage to the nail. The durability of the manicure will be minimal.

Main advantages

Some masters mistakenly underestimate this product, preferring outdated formulations. This is all due to the fact that he appeared on the nail industry market not so long ago, but has already managed to win the trust of professionals. Every year new formulas appear, the product is improved and allows you to achieve amazing results. New generation bonders can be found in the Royal Gel online store. The list of their main advantages:

provide maximum adhesion to any base - regular or rubber, transparent or colored;
have a convenient brush with which you can evenly distribute the product over the nail plate;
are universal in use - can be used for natural and extended nails;
economical in consumption - one bottle is enough for several months of daily use;
Unlike gel polishes, the special texture of the bonder eliminates the formation of lumps and unevenness - its application does not require special skills.

Flaws

Bonder has minor disadvantages, but such a tool is still necessary.

The disadvantages include:

it is not a universal remedy, the bonder cannot be used without a primer, this will lead to destruction of the nail plate;
when used, a special ultraviolet lamp is required; the bonder does not dry in the usual way;
additional expenses for the purchase - many manicurists prefer not to use the product, but as a result, the savings lead to a poorly performed manicure.

Varieties

Having determined the need to use a bonder, many women are faced with a choice, since there are several varieties of the product. In some stores, a dehydrator - degreaser is also passed off as a bonder, but the compositions should not be confused, since they are used for different steps.

There are two main types of bonder available from any manufacturer:

Acid. Used for damaged, weakened nails that are very thin and susceptible to breaking, cracking or other defects. The composition also protects the surface from the formation of fungal infections, because it has disinfectant properties. But be careful - when creating a transparent (for example, aquarium) manicure, when the top coat is transparent, it is not recommended to use this option, since it creates a yellowish tint.
Acid free. A more gentle option, having a light structure, used for healthy, strong nails, normalizing the water balance of the matrix and removing the fat layer. It does not create a yellow coating on the surface, however, it does not protect against fungus, so it is recommended to use an antiseptic before applying it. Many salons use an acid-free solution for all clients, regardless of nail type, but keep in mind that applying it to a problematic nail bed can lead to deterioration in its health.

Primer and bonder: differences, similarities

Many beginners, in order to save money, replace the bonder with another product - a primer. But this is not even an analogue, but a means for preparing the nail for subsequent layers of manicure. The primer is responsible for the health of the nail plate, creates a protective film, thanks to which harmful substances do not penetrate inside. Without a bonder, nails break and peel, and the gel polish applied later quickly wears out.

The composition of a bonder differs from a primer; they have different functions and techniques of use. The very first layer is a primer; it creates a water-alkaline balance and protects the nail from chemical exposure. The substance is used as a primer to level the nail plate.

Its functions are not only protection, but also cleansing, disinfection, and removal of excess moisture. Without a primer, your manicure will turn out uneven. In addition, it dries naturally without additional equipment.

The bonder prevents further delamination due to its good adhesion characteristics. The product fixes the material to the nail after the first layer has dried. If you use a bonder without a primer, the nail plate is damaged. After application, the product must be dried under a special lamp.

The distinctive features of these products are as follows:

the primer acts as a primer, the bonder acts as glue;
the primer has a liquid consistency, the bonder has a sticky gel-like consistency;
drying process and time: for a primer - naturally, for a bonder - under a lamp.

You cannot use the funds separately or completely ignore them. The primer is the basis for further application, the bonder is the substance for fastening the decorative coating. It is prohibited to replace both products with regular glue, as the result will be short-lived, and after removing the manicure, the nail surface will be severely worn out.

How does a bonder differ from a primer?

Both products improve adhesion - they work very similar, but the compositions and textures are different. In addition, the application technologies are also different. This is taught in manicure courses - if the master is inexperienced, you must definitely take one. Or watch video tutorials on the Internet to avoid the most common mistakes in using bonders and primers. Here are some important nuances:

they can be combined with each other, but cannot be replaced with each other. If you can do without a bonder, then the primer is a mandatory step;
the primer not only creates a film on the surface of the nail, but also shifts the acid-base balance, kills dangerous microorganisms (if it is acidic) and has a dehydrating effect;
The primer dries on its own - it is enough to apply it in a thin layer on a previously buffed plate. Wait 10–20 seconds and proceed to applying the following compounds. But some types of bonder need to be dried under ultraviolet light;
The primer has a liquid texture that visually resembles clear water. Bonder is rather gel-like due to the content of viscous chemical components;
Some manufacturers produce primers called Bonder. This is nothing more than a mistake. Please read the ingredients carefully before purchasing.

It is recommended to use both products for best results. This way you can achieve gel polish durability of up to four weeks without premature chips, cracks and detachments. The main thing is to follow technology and give preference to quality cosmetics. Apply products in the correct order - first primer, then bonder. Apply a minimal amount of composition to the brush so that the layers are thin and dry quickly. Nobody needs excess moisture - once it gets under the coating, it will ruin it just a few days after the procedure.

Should I give up the bonder? It may not be necessary for clients whose nails tolerate gel polish well, are strong in themselves, and the coating remains on them until the next visit to the master. In this case, you can get by with a primer. In the rest, if you refuse a bonder, the durability of the manicure suffers due to insufficient adhesion of the base to the nail plate.

Types of bonder

In extensions or when using gel polish, one type of bonder is used - acidic and acid-free.

Characteristics	Acid	Acid-free
Which nails is it suitable for?	Damaged, greasy.	With normal fat content.
Compound	Methacrylic acid, butyl acetate, ethanol.	Ethyl acetate.
Peculiarities	Gives the surface a smooth appearance, disinfects, prevents the development of bacteria, degreases, and dehydrates.	More gentle, forms good adhesion, degreases, removes harmful bacteria, and dries.
What is it used for?	For acrylic extensions.	For extensions on tips, shellac, gel polish.

A nail bonder will help the nail become stronger and not break.
Many experts include dehydrate as a type of bonder - the product cleanses the nail, but does not protect against the effects of fungal infection. It does not affect the color of the subsequent coating, does not deplete the nail plate, and prevents brittleness and peeling. Well suited for people with allergic diseases.

How to use for gel polish?

The most common coating for manicure is gel polish. It differs from conventional varnish in the application time, drying method, composition and shelf life of the coating. Gel polish can also be applied, but it must be dried under an ultraviolet lamp. A well-done manicure can last and maintain lasting color for 3 weeks.

Nail bonder is a universal product that is equally suitable for gel polish, tips or other extensions.

Creating a manicure using gel polish proceeds sequentially:

nail preparation - removing hangnails, filing edges, cuticles;
buffer treatment to level the surface;
removal of dust residues;
applying primer and bonder;
applying a base coat;
drying under a lamp;
applying the first layer and further drying;
if necessary, cover the nail with another layer of gel polish, dry under a lamp;
coating with a special agent to prevent chipping and impart a glossy shine.

Top best producers: Lisa, Cody, Ingarden, Ibd, Glenio

Affordable and varied gel polish has good durability. It is used in the salon and at home, the technique is not complicated, the main thing is to have all the necessary tools and a UV lamp in your arsenal. Perfect nail alignment, good protection and high adhesion depend on the base.

Among the variety of products, the following bases for coating are recognized as the best:

“Lisa” - the original name - Venalisa combines affordability and good quality. Dries quickly, lasts a long time and is easy to remove. The product has a dense consistency and no pungent odor. The material is practically harmless; thanks to the convenient brush, the base is applied easily. There is a lot of choice of color palette; Venalisa is much cheaper compared to other analog bases.
Kodi is valued by manicurists for its decent quality and durability, and a wide color palette. The product is hypoallergenic with a uniform consistency, without inclusions or strong odor. The base has a convenient flexible brush, thanks to which the product is applied quite easily. One of the most relevant and popular professional coatings, used even on nails prone to severe brittleness;
Ingarden is a composition that allows you to achieve the perfect manicure. A convenient brush makes the work pleasant and easy, the consistency is thick, which ensures uniform application without streaking. It is practically odorless, does not cause allergies, and smoothes the nail plate well. Ingarden strengthens nails, preventing the formation of chips and cracks, provides high durability and is easy to remove;
Ibd is an affordable and protective product that strengthens nails. There are many colors and shades in the assortment, the product is of high quality and good durability - up to 3 weeks. The coating has no pungent odor, is harmless and safe. Equally well used both at home and in beauty salons;
"Glenio" is an affordable product with good user properties. It is applied evenly, provides decent durability, and a beautiful, even color. The coating in the arsenal has a lot of shades, is harmless and does not have an unpleasant odor.

A base for applying gel polish is a must. It prepares the nail for further layers of manicure, leveling it and protecting it from the negative effects of coloring pigments. After application, the base hardens in an ultraviolet lamp. Only then can you apply gel polish or other coating.

What is an acid-free primer used for?

Other names:

soft-bond, ultra-bond, bond, bonder, non-acid primer

An acid-free primer works like double-sided tape, leaving a sticky layer on the nail plate. Due to this sticky layer, the product guarantees reliable adhesion of materials. Like the previous product, it should be used in combination with others, since it does not have a disinfecting effect and does not remove excess moisture.

When choosing a primer, it is important to consider that different brands have different names. So, for example, Nail Club calls it Bond Primer, and InGarden calls it Bonder.

Acid-free primer Bond Primer Nail Club 18 ml

IMPORTANT!

Acid-free primer is safe for skin and nails. It does not disturb the pH balance and does not penetrate into the deep layers of the nail.

LIFE HACK:

It is necessary to use an acid-free primer only on the free edge of the nail, and it should be applied in a thin layer, otherwise there will be detachments. Interestingly, this type of primer is suitable for creating various designs: you can print foil on it, attach rubs, sliders, and even do stamping.

Bonder review Lisa

Bonder Venalisa has 60 shades in its assortment, thanks to which it can be used in everyday life or for a special occasion. The coating is used as a basis for a plain manicure or a decorated version, followed by the application of paintings, drawings, and rhinestones.

Venalisa smoothes nails well, creating a solid base for the next layer. The volume of the bottle is 7.5 ml; the medium-sized brush with high elasticity distributes the product evenly.

It is best to apply bonder in 2 layers - multi-layering removes streaks and adds brightness to the color. Each layer is dried under a UV lamp.

The product does not cause allergies, protects nails from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and toxic substances contained in manicure products. The procedure takes about an hour, the effect lasts up to 3 weeks. Venalisa, according to numerous reviews, is recognized as the most affordable and good product for coating gel polish.

Rules for applying bonder

After the primer has dried, you can begin applying the bonder. Be sure to carry out the process with a flat, thin brush. Do not try to level the surface; the purpose of the product is to ensure reliable adhesion to subsequent layers.

Dry the applied substance for half a minute under UV rays. You should not exceed the duration of manipulations - this will not affect the quality of the manicure. Before covering the bonder layer with gel polish, it is not recommended to remove the sticky layer - it is this layer that provides effective adhesiveness.

Cody

The American brand is popular due to its variety of advantages. The high quality of the coating is ensured by a unique composition that is odorless and does not harm the nail plate. Use the product at home and in salons.

A nail bonder is a must-have product when creating a manicure. Codi base has a volume of 7.2 and 30 ml. The application brush is quite elastic and hard, the consistency is optimally thick.

The substance does not spread during the application process, but is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the plate.

The durability of the product reaches 3-4 weeks. A rich color palette allows you to experiment and create bright patterns. After applying the coating, you can decorate the surface with rhinestones, apply drawings or apply regular gel polish. The product stays on the nails for a long time without cracking or damaging the nails after removal.

Types of primers

Today there are two types of primers. The acidic agent serves to slightly fluff up the keratin scales, which will provide a significant increase in adhesion and better bonding with the artificial nail. It is worth noting that this type of composition is quite chemically aggressive and must be applied exclusively to the nail itself. Acid-free types of primers designed for already dry nails. Here the composition is more gentle, however, it is still necessary to follow certain rules and application techniques.

Ingraden

The innovative Ingarden coating combines:

ease of use;
long lasting effect;
safety of use.

Using the product, you can strengthen the nail plate - it contains useful components - silicone and resins that help restore the nail. The substance is used even in cases of increased sensitivity, on nails prone to brittleness and splitting.

The color palette includes 180 shades, so women can choose gel polish to suit any mood. The result lasts more than 4 weeks. For rich color use 2 layers. The American product is recognized as a universal primer for subsequent coating with gel polish, biogel, acrylic, and shellac. Bottle volume – 11 ml.

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Why do you need nail bond?

In fact, the bond performs many functions besides protecting the nail plate. When applied, the product protects nails from harmful substances of acrylic or gel polish, while preventing the appearance of yellow and white spots on the nails. The primer also strengthens the nail plate, and this is especially important when the entire top layer of the natural nail is cut off before extensions. And finally, the primer removes the oily film from natural nails, which promotes better adhesion of the nail to the artificial coating. Thanks to this property, the formation of bubbles and other irregularities that can cause peeling of the artificial coating is eliminated.

The primer is also used to prevent the appearance of fungal and other types of infections. Therefore, girls and masters who say that a primer is not needed are performing the procedure incorrectly; there is a risk of infection or rapid peeling of the artificial plate.

IBD

The innovative product is used in salons and at home. It is easy to apply thanks to its elastic brush and thick consistency, evenly covering the entire surface of the nail. The product does not spread, adheres well to the next layer, and provides long-lasting results.

The advantages of the gel include:

the substance is harmless - it contains only a gel that does not cause allergic reactions. The product is odorless and not hazardous to health;
fast drying, which ensures a high speed of the procedure;
accessibility - the cost is lower than its analogues, but not inferior in quality;
easy application;
variety of color palette;
long-lasting results – up to 4 weeks;
strengthening nails, nourishing them, protecting them from the effects of subsequent layers and ultraviolet radiation.

Manicurists highlight the main thing among all the advantages - Ibd is removed quickly without injuring the nails.

The material dissolves for 10 minutes, after which a film is formed that easily rolls off the surface. In this case, the nail plate is not damaged.

Other brands

Other effective bases are:

CND Base Coat is an American brand recognized as the reference base for extensions. The price is more expensive than its analogues, but the quality corresponds to the price. The consistency is economical, which allows you to significantly reduce its consumption during application. Thanks to the convenient brush, the job is done quickly and effortlessly.
Beautix UVBase - a French manufacturer ensures long-lasting results of up to 2 weeks. Good wearability of the material, high adhesion, due to which the base does not peel off from the surface of the nail for a long time. The bottle volume is 15 ml, the price is lower than previous analogues. The only drawback is that Beautix UVBase is not recommended for leveling the nail plate.
UNO Rubber Base is a product intended not only for healthy, but also thin nails that are prone to splitting. The base is removed without a grinding machine or a special file. The product evens out the nail plate and is economical, but many women experience discomfort during the drying process.
Vogue nails is a rubber base for further application of gel polish. The product is suitable for French manicure. It is economical due to its thick consistency. Bottle volume – 10 ml.
KLIO is a foundation from a Russian manufacturer with medicinal properties. Thanks to it, nails are strengthened and nourished, the product is compatible with many gel polishes. The price is higher than that of foreign manufacturers.
Bluesky Rubber Cover is a brand from a Chinese manufacturer with a dense consistency. The foundation lasts a long time, the result lasts 3-4 weeks. The product is wear-resistant. Its cost is below average, but the bottle is not stored for a long time - its shelf life after opening is no more than 6 months.
Lianail SOBS-02 - a domestic brand that does not weigh down the nails and is easy to apply due to its fluid structure. The bonder layer is removed with a hard file or mechanical soaking. To even out the nail plate, one layer may not be enough.
TNL BASE GEL - a Korean manufacturer offers a product that has a medicinal and harmless composition, which contains only natural ingredients. The low price of the product is the main advantage. The only drawback is that the consistency is not thick; if applied carelessly, the product flows further than the nail plate.

Comparative table of the cost of bonders from different manufacturers

Brand	price, rub.
CND Base Coat	1700
Beautix UVBase	900
KODI	600
UNO Rubber Base	650
INGARDEN	600
Vogue nails	550
KLIO	650
Bluesky Rubber Cover	320
Lianail SOBS-02	400
TNL BASE GEL	300
Ibd	400
Venalisa	400
Glenio	300

The best brands of bonders according to customer reviews

Nail bonder is an indispensable tool without which extensions cannot be done. This is a substance that binds the material to the nail plate, which has no analogues.

According to numerous reviews, the brands Ingraden and Kodi are recognized as the best - these products are affordable and provide long-lasting results.

Important in the extension process is the consistency of the bonder and the shape and quality of the brush - CND Base Coat, Venalisa and Ingarlen are considered universal, professional brands.
Bonders under the brands Kodi, Glineo, KLIO, UNO Rubber Base ensure ideal alignment of the nail plate.
Quick removal of the base with a minimum of effort is provided by bases from Lianail SOBS-02, Ibd, Kodi, Ingarden.

A variety of nail bonders allows nail artists to turn the most intricate manicure design ideas into reality.

The product ensures long-term adherence of the artificial material to the surface of the nail. Therefore, this is a product that no extension can do without.

Author: Tatyana Makoveeva

Article design: Mila Friedan

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