Polyacrylic gel – also known as polygel or acrygel – combines the strength of acrylic with the relaxed workflow of gel, making it ideal when you want to extend or strengthen nails. In this guide we show you in 7 steps how to build a strong, natural-looking set with polyacrylic gel, cleaner and nail forms – for the salon and for advanced users at home.

What is polyacrylic gel?

Polyacrylic gel is a firm, mouldable material that combines the benefits of gel and acrylic: it is stronger than conventional gels and at the same time more flexible than acrylic. Unlike acrylic sculpting, you work without powder and liquid – the gel only cures under the lamp. So you have as much time to shape as you need.

• Firm & pinchable: it stays in place and doesn't run into the cuticle or side walls.
• Odourless: pleasant for you and your clients.
• Minimal dispersion layer and a matte surface after curing.
• Easy to file: the shape is simple to refine.
• Curing: 120 seconds in a UV or UV/LED lamp.
• For all nail types and lengths – recommended for advanced users and professionals.

Still wondering which system suits you best? Then read our big comparison Acrylic nails or gel nails – which is better?

The 3 BNC polyacrylic gels at a glance

According to the product descriptions, Polyacrylic Gel Clear and Polyacrylic Gel white are vegan and HEMA-free. You'll find all shades in the polyacrylic gels category.

Materials list: what you need

• Polyacrylic gel: milky rose, white and/or Clear
• BNC Cleaner Clear – for degreasing and for moistening the brush while sculpting
• BNC Primer Ultra Bond – acid-free bonding agent, air-dries in approx. 30 seconds
• BNC Nail Form Roll Gold 500 pcs – self-adhesive forms for extensions without tips
• BNC Gel/Acrylic Brush No. 6 oval – for spreading and shaping
• BNC Zebra File straight 100/180 – for buffing and shaping
• BNC UV/LED 26 Watt Lamp – with a 120-second sensor mode
• BNC High-Gloss Finish Gel without sticky layer – for sealing
• Also: cuticle pusher, lint-free wipes, dust brush and a small spatula

You'll find more nail forms and accessories under nail extension & repair.

Polyacrylic gel tutorial in 7 steps

1. Prepare the natural nail

Push back the cuticle and gently remove the shine with the fine 180 side of the Zebra File. Remove the dust and degrease the nail with Cleaner Clear – don't touch it with your fingers afterwards.

2. Apply primer

Apply Primer Ultra Bond thinly to the natural nail only, not to the skin. It air-dries in about 30 seconds and leaves a slightly tacky bonding layer – no curing under the lamp is needed.

3. Fit the nail form

Place a form from the Nail Form Roll Gold snugly under the free edge – without a gap and in line with the nail. Always work one nail at a time. Whether forms or tips suit you better is explained in our comparison Extending nails: tips or forms?

4. Portion the polyacrylic gel

Pick up a small amount of gel with the spatula and place it in the centre of the nail. For a natural look, use Polyacrylic Gel milky rose; for the extension, Polyacrylic Gel Clear. Briefly dip the Gel/Acrylic Brush No. 6 into Cleaner Clear and wipe it on a tissue – the brush should only be damp, not wet.

5. Shape and spread

Spread the gel with short, gentle strokes towards the tip and towards the cuticle. Keep about 1 mm away from the skin and build the highest point (apex) in the stress area. Because polyacrylic gel stays in place, you can correct calmly before curing.

6. Cure and file

Cure each nail for 120 seconds in the sensor mode of the BNC UV/LED 26 Watt Lamp. Remove the form, shape the length and sides with the 100 side of the Zebra File and then smooth with the 180 side. Thanks to the minimal dispersion layer, you can file straight away.

7. Seal

Remove the dust, wipe with Cleaner Clear and apply a thin layer of High-Gloss Finish Gel without sticky layer. According to the product information, it cures in 120–180 seconds in a UV/LED lamp – no cleaner is needed afterwards. Close the bottle immediately, as the finish gel is very reactive.

Common mistakes – and how to avoid them

• Brush too wet: too much cleaner makes the gel smeary. Always wipe the brush well.
• Gel on the skin: product on the cuticle or side wall quickly leads to lifting. Keep your distance and correct with the brush before curing.
• Gap under the form: if the form doesn't sit tightly, weak spots develop in the extension.
• Cured too briefly: the BNC polyacrylic gels need 120 seconds. On the 26 watt lamp, use the 120-second mode instead of the 30 or 60 second timer.
• Primer on a shiny nail: without buffing and degreasing, even the best primer can't bond properly.

You'll find more causes and solutions in our overview Gel problems & solutions, and terms like apex or dispersion layer in the nail design glossary.

FAQ: Polyacrylic gel

Do I need a special slip solution for polyacrylic gel?

No. According to the product descriptions, BNC polyacrylic gels are sculpted with cleaner – for example with BNC Cleaner Clear, which you use to lightly moisten the brush.

How long does polyacrylic gel need to cure?

BNC polyacrylic gels cure in 120 seconds in a UV or UV/LED lamp. The BNC UV/LED 26 Watt Lamp has a 120-second sensor mode for this.

Is polyacrylic gel suitable for beginners?

The BNC polyacrylic gels are intended for advanced users and professionals. If you already have some experience with gel, it's best to practise on single nails first and work calmly one nail at a time.

Can I refill polyacrylic gel?

Yes. After a few weeks you file down the set, prepare the regrowth and fill in with Polyacrylic Gel Clear or milky rose.

Can I apply colour gel on top of polyacrylic gel?

Yes. After shaping, apply your colour gel and finally seal with High-Gloss Finish Gel without sticky layer. You'll find matching shades under colour gels.