If your nails are starting to grow, but you don't want to go to the salon, just remove the gaps between your fake nails and your real nails at home! Purchase a nail filler kit at a beauty store or stock up on the tools needed to fill gaps in acrylic or gel nails. Remove the top coat of acrylic or gel polish before filing or filling nail gaps. Once the top coat is clean, fill in the gaps with a mixture of acrylic paint or gel primer. Allow nails to dry before applying nail polish.
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Method 1 of 3: Preparing the Nails
Step 1. Fill the nail gap every 2-3 weeks
Since the natural nail under the acrylic false nail will continue to grow, there will be a gap between the cuticle and your artificial nail after 2-3 weeks.
You will need to fill in the gaps more often if the nail is growing faster
Step 2. Use a nail polish remover to get rid of the old polish
Dip a cotton swab in non-acetone nail polish remover. Press the cotton directly into your nails. Rub a cotton swab into each nail until the old nail polish wears off.
Avoid using acetone-based nail polish, as this can damage the acrylic
Step 3. Wash and dry your nails
Wash your nails with a mixture of water and soap to remove any traces of nail polish. Use a dry cotton swab or soft towel to dry your nails.
Cleaning your nails can prevent infection
Method 2 of 3: Filling Gaps in Acrylic False Nails
Step 1. Use a nail polish to smooth out the remaining acrylic
Rub the nail polish onto the part of the acrylic that is in contact with your natural nail. Keep scrubbing your nails until the surface is smooth. Make sure you are only smoothing the acrylic layer, not the real nail surface.
Step 2. Apply 1 to 3 coats of nail primer
Dip the brush in the nail primer, then apply a drop of the liquid to your natural nail. Allow the primer to dry before adding another 1-2 coats, if desired. The primer will protect the nails and make the surface of the artificial nails appear smoother.
Don't let the nail primer touch your fingers or cuticles, as the liquid can irritate the skin
Step 3. Mix acrylic powder with acrylic liquid using a brush
Place the acrylic liquid in 1 small bowl and the acrylic powder in the other. Dip an acrylic nail brush in the liquid, then dip it in the acrylic powder. Repeat this 4-5 times so that the acrylic flakes stick to the tip of the brush. Use the mixture to fill in the gaps in your nails.
Step 4. Apply the acrylic mixture to the natural part of the nail
Dip an acrylic brush into the mixture so that the tip is wet. Sweep the acrylic mixture into the center of your natural nail and use a brush to pat it evenly. Use the side of the brush to fill in the gaps at the tips of your nails and cuticles. Wipe the remaining acrylic liquid all over the nail to cover the previous layer.
If you apply too much acrylic mixture, it will be difficult to spread the liquid. Use a cotton ball and nail polish remover to wipe off the acrylic, then try again
Step 5. Allow the gaps in your nails to dry
The drying process takes about 5-20 minutes. Don't touch your nails until they are dry.
Step 6. Rub or file your nails until they are smooth
Use a file or nail polish to smooth and shape the tips of the nails. If you want, you can also scrub the surface of your nails to make them smooth.
Step 7. Apply 1-3 coats of polish to each nail
Apply a base coat over the acrylic nails and allow it to dry before applying the nail polish. This process takes 25-30 minutes, depending on the type of paint used. For a lighter color or stronger nails, add 1-2 coats of paint. After the paint coat dries, apply a top coat to protect the nails.
Method 3 of 3: Filling Gaps in Gel False Nails
Step 1. File the top surface of the gel nail
To prevent the gel from clumping, use a 180 grit file to smooth the surface of the nail. Try to smooth the top layer of the nail only. Use this method to smooth your entire nail.
Step 2. Smooth the part of the nail gel that is directly adjacent to the natural nail
Prepare an extra fine file or a fairly fine polish, then rub it against the edge of the nail gel that is adjacent to the natural nail. Continue to swipe until there are no clumps and the nails appear smooth.
Your nails shouldn't be shiny after you've finished scrubbing them
Step 3. Wipe your nails clean with a soft, lint-free cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol
Rub rubbing alcohol into each nail to remove dust. Cleaning your nails will make them ready for a new coat of nail polish or gel.
Step 4. Use a nail brush to apply the gel primer on each nail
Dip your brush in the gel primer, then run a small amount into the center of your natural nail, near the cuticle. Pat the primer evenly all over your natural nail, then pull the brush all the way up to the surface of your artificial nail.
Step 5. Warm your nails for 1 minute under UV light
Place your nails under UV light for 1 minute to allow the primer to dry. Since UV light is the only way to dry nail gel, you'll only need to wait for your nails to dry if you don't have a UV lamp. Wait about 15-30 minutes before applying a new coat.
Step 6. Apply 1-3 coats of gel nail polish
Put a small amount of gel polish on the center of the nail near the cuticle. Use a brush to coat all layers of the nail with a thin layer of gel.
If the surface of the nail feels sticky or lumpy, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub it over the surface of the nail to remove it
Step 7. Dry the nails completely in UV light for 3 minutes for one coat
If you want, you can apply a top coat to protect the nail gel.
