Builder Gel vs. Rubber Base Coat

What is Builder Gel?

Builder Gel adds a layer of strength, structure, and support to your nails. It’s a thicker polish that cures into a durable coating, preventing breakages, supporting nail growth and long-lasting wear.

Best for

Nails that need extra strength, structure and support.

How it works

• Cures into a hard coating, forming a strong, durable layer that supports nail growth, long-lasting wear, and less breakages.
• Provides added structure.
• Doesn’t need to be fully removed each time, simply file back to the Builder Gel layer and backfill, starting with Base Coat as usual.

What is Rubber Base Coat?

Rubber Base Coat is perfect for nails that are soft, thin, or bendy. It’s a more flexible base that moves with your nails, helping prevent your manicure from lifting away.

Best for

Soft, thin or bendy nails.

How it works

• Flexible formula that bends and moves with your natural nails, helping to prevent lifting.
• Self-levelling formula smooths imperfections, creating an even base.
• Creates a strong bond between your nails and gel polish for lasting wear.

Key Differences Between Builder Gel and Rubber Base Coat

Consistency

• Builder Gel is thicker and creates a hard, rigid layer.
• Rubber Base Coat is thinner than Builder Gel, but thicker than regular Base Coat. Unlike Builder Gel, which creates a rigid layer, Rubber Base remains flexible.
  

Flexibility

• Builder Gel is more rigid. On bendy nails, the inflexibility of Builder Gel can cause it to lift, crack or pull away.
• Rubber Base Coat bends with your nails, helping to prevent lifting and cracking for those with flexible nails.
  

Durability

• Builder Gel offers a super strong, hard finish that delivers great durability. It’s well-loved for withstanding wear and tear.
• Rubber Base Coat adds support to flexible nails but doesn’t provide the same hardness and rigidity as Builder Gel, making it more prone to general wear over time.
  

Which One Should You Use?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Your nail needs will determine what works best:

• If your nails are soft, thin, or bendy: Start with Rubber Base Coat for flexible support that will help provide better adhesion and prevent lifting.
• If you need more strength and durability: Go with Builder Gel to add structure and support. You can start with a thin coat after applying Base Coat, then add an apex for extra structure as your nails grow longer.
• You can combine both: Many people find using both gives them the best results. Start by applying a thin layer of  Rubber Base Coat to add flexibility and help the Gel Polish adhere. If additional strength is needed, apply one or two thin coats of Builder Gel. As your nails grow longer, you can also build an apex with Builder Gel to improve structure and enhance durability. Keep in mind, if your nails are very weak and flexible, the firmness of Builder Gel may still cause lifting. If that’s the case, consider using just Rubber Base Coat until your nails grow stronger.

Factors to Consider

Your choice depends on your natural nail type, such as whether they’re soft, oily, or thin. Rubber Base Coat is great for flexibility while Builder Gel is ideal for strength. It’s all about finding the balance that works for your nails.

Prep Is Key

No matter what products you use, proper nail prep is key. Good prep is crucial for product adherence and ensuring your mani lasts longer. For easy prep steps, check out our Application Guide.