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How To Apply & Remove CND Plexigel

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CND Plexigel is a versatile and convenient brush-in-a-bottle gel nail enhancement system that provides up to 3+ weeks of strength, length & shape. There are 4 components to the system: Bonder, Shaper, Builder & Protector Top Coat. Each of these products serves a different purpose, so let's break it down.


CND Plexigel Bonder

Bonder

The CND Plexigel Bonder provides the first step in the CND Plexigel System. It's a bonding agent that anchors the CND Plexigel to the natural nail for secure adhesion for 3+ weeks of wear.

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CND Plexigel - Shaper

Shaper

The CND Plexigel Shaper is a crystal-clear brush-on gel enhancement that provides strength, protection & free-edge length to the natural nail for 3+ weeks of wear.Β 

What it does:

  • Protects & adds a layer of strength to the natural nail
  • Provides shape to shapeless, flat nails
  • Booses wear of CND Shellac Gel Polish
  • Builds short free edge length when sculpted on a form


CND Plexigel - Builder

Builder

The CND Plexigel Builder is a clear brush-on gel enhancer that provides strength, architecture and moderate/long length to the natural nail.

What It Does:

  • Creates strong, clear, lightweight, medium to long enhancements
  • Provides versatile service options; can be used over a tip or a sculpting form for customizable length
  • Repairs broken nails for longer lengths
  • Allows for building an apex and architecture on nails requiring more shape or length transformation


CND Plexigel - Protector Top Coat

Protector Top Coat

The CND Plexigel Protector is a clear, high-gloss protective top coat designed to complete the final layer of CND Plexigel enhancements.

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Now that we know what each of the products does, let's take a look at how to use them. Below is a tutorial on how to do a Shaper-Natural Nail Overlay using the CND Plexigel system.


How To Apply CND Plexigel Shaper-Natural Nail Overlay

Step 1: Perform a Manicure

1. Have the client wash their hands with soap and running water for 20-30 seconds and towel dry.

2. Massage COOL BLUE Hand Cleanser into the client's hands.

3. If necessary, remove any existing nail color from the natural nail using an acetone-based polish remover (OFFLY FAST Moisturizing Remover) and a plastic-backed lint-free pad.

4. If necessary, trim the length from each nail, using clippers.

5. Shape the free edge of each nail with a 240-grit file (Kanga File or Koala Buffer).Β 

6. Gently slide a cuticle pusher along the nail plate toward the proximal nail fold (cuticle area) and along each lateral fold (sides of the nail) to lift and loosen any cuticle (non-living tissue) from the nail plate.Β 

7. Gently guide a curette along the nail plate to remove non-living tissue on the nail.

8. If necessary, use a manicure nipper to carefully remove any loose pieces of skin or hangnails.Β 

Remove Shine

9.Β Remove shine from the natural nail surface with a fine 240-grit buffer in the direction of the natural nail growth. (Optional: Use an enhancement prep bit at low speed with very gentle pressure with E-File.)

Eliminate Surface Contaminants & Purify Nail Plate Layers

10. Thoroughly cleanse and temporarily dehydrate nail plate layers with Scrubfresh using a lint-free, plastic-backed pad. Pull back the skin and scrub the nail as if removing nail polish.


Step 2: Apply CND Plexigel Bonder

1. Gently roll the bottle to blend.

2. Apply a thin layer of CND Plexigel Bonder to all five nails, sealing the edges after each application. Always leave a tiny free margin around the perimeter of the nail to avoid the skin.

3. Cure for 10 seconds in the CND LED Lamp using the preset button 1. Do not Remove the top film after removing nails from the lamp.


Step 3: Apply CND Plexigel Shaper

1. Apply a thin, even layer of CND Plexigel Shaper to the natural nail, sealing the free edge after application. Always leave a tiny free margin around the perimeter of the nail to avoid the skin.

2. Apply to all 5 nails for one minute in the CND LED Lamp using preset button 2B. Do not remove the top film after removing the nails from the lamp.Β 

3. Apply a second layer of Shaper to perfect the shape, using a light touch to float the gel over the nail.

4. Apply Shaper to all five nails and cure for one minute using preset button 2B.


Step 4: Perfect The Shape (optional)

1. If shape refinement is needed, remove top film with a cotton pad saturated with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol.Β 

2. Buff the surface of the nail to smooth out any imperfections using a 180-grit file or buffer.

3. Remove dust and cleanse the nail with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol.


Step 5: Apply CND Plexigel Protector Top Coat

1. Roll the bottle gently to blend.

2. Apply a layer of CND Plexigel Protector Top Coat to all five nails sealing the free edge after application.Β 

3. Cure for one minute in the CND LED LampΒ using preset button 3.

4. Lightly wipe to remove top film with a lint-free pad or cosmetic sponge saturated with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol.


Step 6: Add Color

If using CND Shellac Gel Polish, skip the Protector Top Coat and use the CND Shellac Base Coat.

1. Shake CND Shellac Color vigorously to blend.

2. Apply two thin layers of color coat to all five nails.

3. Cure each layer for one minute in the CND LED Lamp using preset button 2S.

4. Apply a layer of CND Shellac Top Coat to all five nails.

5. Cure for one minute in the CND LED Lamp using preset button 1.

6. Lightly wipe to remove top film with cotton pad or cosmetic sponge saturated with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol.

7. Apply a drop ofΒ CND Solar OilΒ to condition nails.

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How To Apply CND Plexigel Builder-Sculpted On A Form

Step 1: Perform a Manicure

Repeat the same prep process above.Β 

Step 2: Apply Plexigel Bonder

1. Roll the bottle gently to blend.

2. Apply a thin layer of CND PLEXIGEL Bonder to all five nails, sealing the edge after each application. Always leave a tiny free margin around the perimeter of the nail to avoid the skin.

3. Cure for 10 seconds in the CND LED Lamp using the presetΒ 

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12 comments

Can you use nail tips with the plexigel system?

Cheyenne Ward

Hi Marsha,

Thanks for stopping by our blog. Yep! It is like removing gel polish.

XO,
Christina
Beyond Polish Team

⭐ Christina ( Beyond Polish Team ) ⭐

How do you remove the plexigel builder or shaper ? Is it the same as removing gel polish ?

Marsha

Hi Sandae,

Thanks for stopping by our blog. It all depends how long you like to leave your plexigel nails and if you would like to either remove or reapply. Feel free to contact us at hello@beyondpolish.com if you have any other questions. Happy to answer them for you. Have a nice day@

XO,
Christina
Beyond Polish Team

⭐ Christina ( Beyond Polish Team ) ⭐

Do you have recommendations on how long to leave on plexigel? Should it be removed and reapplied?

Sandae
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