What is Base Bond? How to max retention.

Think of this product as "The Middle Man" between your primer and base gel. Base Bond is a UV curing bonding gel that helps to aid with adhesion of any base gel to the nails.It works as an additional bonding layer, helping to optimise your manicure system before your chosen base is applied.

Whenever an innovative new product is introduced, it's natural to have questions about where it fits within your existing routine. To make things simple, we've broken down exactly how Base Bond should be used as part of your step-by-step manicure service.

Here's a visual guide showing where Base Bond fits into your application process:

Now let's compare Base Bond to some products you may already be using to help aid with retention, and explains where this new product fits.

Let's start by looking at what Ultima Gel actually is—a true multi-purpose gel designed to offer versatility within your manicure system.

Ultima Gel can be used as a strengthening rubber base (similar to Flexi Gel) to reinforce the natural nail or as a full-cover tip adhesive (similar to Xgel) for full cover tips application. Many of our customers also choose to use Ultima Gel beneath structure gels, such as Angel Builder Gel or Dura Gel Hard Gel, to help enhance overall retention. It also performs exceptionally well as a soak-off base underneath hard gel systems for nail techs who do not yet feel comfortable removing file off products close to the natural nail.

Here's how these two products differ in formula:

One of the most common questions we've received from nail technicians already using Ultima Gel to enhance retention is:

"Do I need to use Base Bond as well as Ultima Gel?"

Well, yes AND no... let us explain.

If you're already achieving excellent retention by using Ultima Gel as part of your manicure system as a rubber base for under builder/hard gel services, then there's no need to change a method that's working well for you. Base Bond isn't designed to replace successful techniques—it simply offers an alternative bonding solution for technicians looking to optimise adhesion in a different way.

If you find that your current method isn't delivering the results you want for certain clients, try using Base Bond instead of Ultima Gel as your additional adhesion step, rather than layering the two products together.

If you are using Ultima as a standalone strengthening base coat/rubber base service you could -if you wanted to- use Base Bond underneath.

Ultimately, both products are designed to aid retention, but they fulfil a similar role within the system. Choose the one that best suits your application method and your clients' needs.

Super Grip

Like Ultima Gel, Super Grip is another multi-purpose product within the Nail Order system. This unique 2-in-1 primer can be used for both natural nail overlays and full-cover tips services.

When applying full-cover tips, Super Grip is used as a primer on the natural nail and applied to the inside of the tip to prepare the surface before application.

For natural nail overlays, a very small amount should be applied sparingly to the natural nail and left to air dry until tacky before continuing with your service. Unlike our Standard Primer, which works by dehydrating the nail plate, Super Grip is a wet primer designed to leave behind a tacky bonding layer.

Because many technicians already use Super Grip as an additional adhesion step beneath their base gel, a common question is:

"Should I use Base Bond instead of Super Grip?"

Our recommendation is yes—if you're looking to incorporate Base Bond into your system.

Of course, like we said before, if you're already achieving excellent retention with Super Grip beneath your base gel there's no need to change a method that's working well for you. However, if you're looking to improve retention or you're troubleshooting lifting on certain clients, we'd recommend trying a different combination rather than simply adding Base Bond into your existing routine.

Instead of:

• Super Grip + Base Bond

Try:

• Standard Primer + Base Bond

The reason for this is simple. Super Grip is a wet primer, while Base Bond has a very thin consistency. Layering the two together can make product control more difficult, increasing the likelihood of flooding the cuticle area or sidewalls before curing.

Let's take a closer look at how the formulas differ:

The main difference to note here is that Base Bond is a UV cured Bonding Gel, and Super Grip is a Primer.

Rather than using both products together, think of Super Grip and Base Bond as two different approaches to improving adhesion. Each is designed to perform a similar role within your manicure system, so the best choice depends on your preferred application method and your client's individual nail type.

Why try Base Bond?

Base Bond has been designed to simplify your retention routine—not complicate it. Rather than adding another unnecessary step to your manicure system, it offers an alternative bonding solution for technicians looking to optimise adhesion and achieve even longer-lasting results.

If your current retention method is working well for you, there's no need to change it. But if you're troubleshooting lifting, working with clients who need a little extra adhesion, or simply want to explore a new approach, Base Bond is an excellent addition to your toolkit.

Ultimately, there's no single "right" way to achieve great retention. Every client's nails are different, which is why we always advocate for a prescriptive manicure—choosing the right products for the individual sitting in front of you. By understanding the role each product plays within your system, you can build a routine that works for both you and your clients.

We hope this guide has helped explain exactly where Base Bond fits into the Nail Order system, so you can use it with confidence and get the very best from every manicure.