Buff it beautifully with our nail buffers!
Buffing is important in more ways than one. A manual nail buffer or file is an essential tool for prepping, shaping, smoothing, and cleaning your nails. Preparation sets a stable foundation that your nail polish can adhere to and shaping frames your fingertips and may even change the whole course of your design. When buffing is neglected, nails often lift, chip off, or even crack!
Our Buffer Kit of 6 contains every grit you will ever need. It comes packed with strong and smooth grits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buff my nails?
Depending on what you would like to do with your buffer, filing may vary. For prepping, simply use a gentler buffer. When removing a rough product, use a stronger file.
What are grits and which one do I use?
Strong Grits - Rough and abrasive
150 Grit
The grit with the most grit, the strongest file! This is often used for deep buffering and would need to be smoothened out with 180, then 240.180 Grit
This file is great for medium-rough filing. It can contour, shape, and shorten the free edge. Since it isn't as rough as the 150 grit, it's perfect for getting medium-thick layers off before acetone soaking.240 Grit
The medium grit is less harsh than the other hard files. It shapes natural nails, Pro Gel Tips, Builder Gels, and Sculpture Gels.
Pro Tip! Hard Files are strong, and may be too sharp! Be extra careful if you have sensitive skin. Alternatively, you may prep the edges of your nail with a smooth grit file.Smooth Grit Buffers - Soft, Double-sided Grits
Smooth buffers have two sides divided by a spongy center which causes the softness. It's essential to use them in the order from lowest number to highest number. They are called "buffers" because they polish and smoothen (buff) the rough files.
100/180 Grit
The strongest buffer is used to smoothen artificial nails. It's great for prepping before placing mediums such as gel polish, builder gel, and sculpture gel. Since it's more gentle than strong grits, it buffs off the scratches and creates a smoother surface.220/280 Grit
This medium smooth grit is used after the 100/180 grit. Similarly, you may also use this to remove the ridges from natural nails, smoothen the surface of your nails during prepping, and application of gel polish, acrylic, builder gel, and sculpture gel. It's great for those that like to apply thinner layers.1000/4000 Grit
The finest buffer! These thousand grits bring out your shine. The green is the 1000 grit that finely buffs your nail. On the other side is the white 4000 grit. It makes a cute little squeaky sound and gives your nails that extra shine.
How do I clean my buffer?
1. Remove the dust or grime before placing it in.
2. Plug your Sterilization box into the nearest socket or power bank.
3. Place your dry hand buffer in the UV sterilization chamber, then close the chamber and turn on the machine.
4. The UV sterilization machine will notify you that the cleaning process is complete by making a small beep.
How many nails can I buff until I throw my buffer out?
You can buff around twenty (20) nails before throwing them out.
Which is better, a nail buffer or an e-file?
Whether you use an e-file or a nail file, it depends on your personal preference and purpose. A nail buffer is a great in-expensive tool to have on hand. However, it is best for single-person use because of sanitary purposes. You may place it in the UV Sterilization Box for disinfection.
On the other hand, an E-file could be placed in a UV sterilization box, placed in solution, and in autoclaves without much worry. It speeds up the process of filing your nails. This is great for technicians pressed for time. If starting out, we highly recommend using a hand buffer for the natural nails and testing out the speed that you're comfortable with on a Nail Training Hand and/or Pro Gel Tips.
Still, buffing some questions? Kindly email us at cs@igelbeauty.com or join our iGel Beauty Facebook Community for more tips, tricks, and inspiration!