If you want flawless Gel-X® sets that last, there’s one step you absolutely cannot skip: etching your tips. This simple step makes all the difference in how well your extensions stay put.

Etching vs. Not Etching—What’s the Big Deal?

Skipping the etch? Your nails might look great—but without that crucial grip, they’re prone to lifting. Think of etching as the handshake between your natural nail and the Gel-X® Tip. Without it, that bond is weak and likely to fail. Etching roughens up the smooth surface of the tip, giving the Extend Gel extra bite—no slipping, no lifting, just sets that last.

How to Etch Your Gel-X® Tips Like a Pro

There are two easy ways to etch: chemically with Gel-X® Prep or mechanically with an e-file.

• Gel-X® Prep: Apply this magical solution to the underside of the tip and scrub until the surface turns tacky and dull or the logo disappears. This preps and primes the tip in one smooth step.
  

• E-file: Grab our ceramic cone bit and carefully etch grooves into the underside of the tip. Then, use a hard bristled brush to remove all dust and apply Non-Acidic Gel Primer over the etched portion.

*With either method, be sure to etch enough of the underside of the tip to cover the entire length of the nail bed.

Lock It In

So next time you prep your Gel-X® Tips, don’t skip the etch—it’s your not-so-secret weapon for stronger, longer-lasting sets that slay for 3–4 weeks. Ready to get that perfect grip? Grab your Gel-X® Prep or e-file, and let’s get etching!