What’s The Difference Between Nail Primers vs. Nail Bonders?

The Difference Between Primer, Nail Prep, And Bonder

You may often wonder what the difference is between these three things that look the same and work together. We’ll help you find the answer. But first, let’s tell you how to recognize oily nails: People with oily skin often have oily nails. For people with normal nail surfaces, it’s okay to simply buff the nails and apply nail prep (oil remover). In stores, we see several types: acid-free primer, acid primer, nail prep, and bonder. Now we’ll tell you what each one is, and when to use it, so you can see the clear differences.

Bonders

Products like PH Plus or OPI’s Bond Aid® work for many purposes. These are liquid formulas that remove oils and raise the pH of the nail. Since the formula is basic, the pH is raised. This helps nail products adhere better. Our bonder is PH Plus. If an acrylic client is still lifting after using primer, use PH Plus before primer. If you are using polish on natural nails, clean with PH Plus to stop chipping. If you need better hold, PH Plus is the first step.

When Should You Use Bonder?

Before nail polish

Before gel polish

Before UV/LED gel

Use bonders with any nail product to help with hold.

Acrylic: Use before primer for client lifting.

Primers

Primers may look like bonders. But we keep them separate because:

They work in different ways

You can’t use one in place of the other

Acrylic almost always needs a primer. Bonder won’t replace it. Primer (acid or not) has one main job: prepare the nail for the acrylic. It’s stronger on the nail. Primer holds the acrylic in place, like a primer in clay. Non-acid primers are still strong, so use with care and don’t touch the skin. But they’re less harmful to skin than acid primers. If they spill, non-acid primers (like Magic Bond) are safer. Only use primer on nails.

When Should You Use Primer?

Always use before using acrylics (Noma Plus doesn’t require it, but use it for clients who lift)

Before UV/LED Gel

Pro Tip: Tape Magic Bond to the top of the nail to prevent gel polish from peeling—great for difficult clients.

Types Of Primers

Natural nail primers help products stick to the nails. Each brand has its own primer made for its products. It’s good to know about each type of nail primer and how it helps them stick better. There are three main types of primers:

• Acid-based
• Non-acid
• Acid-free

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Benefits Of Using Nail Primer

Take a look at a hand wearing black gloves, holding someone’s finger; the other hand uses a nail brush.

If you own a salon, you want every manicure to last for days so that customers are happy and keep coming back. If the polish starts to chip immediately after they get home, they may think your products are bad and won’t come back.

Low-acid primers are gentle on nails and make it less likely that stronger products will damage them. These primers also adjust the pH of the nail, which helps prevent yellow marks or stains from other types of polish.

Nail Bonders

Nail bonders are also used in nail work but they work differently than primers. Bonders create a sticky base so that the nail gel can stay in place. Think of the primer as the first layer and the bonder as the glue that holds it in place. They are not the same, and if you use both, always apply primer first, then bonder.

Purpose of Nail Bonders

The main purpose of a bonder is to create a sticky layer so that the gel polish can adhere during curing. It helps the gel hold better on the nail or base coat.

Bonders work well for a stronger stick when using gel polish or builder gel. They are good for clients who want gel nails or need gel tips.

Using Nail Bonders

Nail bonders are easy to use, but you have to apply them correctly. First, clean the nails, buff the top, and remove any oils. Then, apply a thin coat of bonder, avoiding the skin and cuticles.

Most bonders should cure under a UV or LED light. Place your hands under the appropriate lamp and wait the appropriate amount of time. Always check the label, as cure times can vary with each product.

Pro Tip

Some products may tell you to add primer before the bonder, but not all. Always read the label to see if primer goes on first.

Benefits Of Using Nail Bonders

Bonders help gel polish last longer because they provide a base for it to hold onto. The sticky feel helps keep the gel smooth and clean. When the layers adhere well, gel nails stay strong and don’t chip or lift too quickly.

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