Find out which grit to choose for gel nails with LuluNails Belgium in Liège. Grit 100, 180 or 100/180: learn how to shape, trim, smooth and prepare your nails for a gel application using the right professional nail files.
Professional Nail Files in Belgium: Which Grit Should You Choose for Gel Nails? | LuluNails Li&ge
Choosing a professional nail file is not just about its shape or price. The grit of the file determines its abrasive power and must besuited to the task at hand: gel application, extensions, finishing or preparation.
For a nail technician, using an unsuitable grit can make the job more difficult and, particularly on the natural nail, lead to unnecessarily aggressive filing.
At LuluNails Belgium in Liège, the range includes, in particular, professional files and buffers in 100/100 and 100/180, designed for gel, Acrygel and various stages of a manicure.
This guide explains in simple terms which file grit to choose for gel nails and how to use each type of file correctly.
What does the grit of a nail file mean?
The number marked on a nail file corresponds to its level of abrasiveness.
The basic rule is simple:
the smaller the number, the more abrasive the file.
So:
- Grain 80 → very abrasive
- Grit 100 → abrasive
- Grit 150 → intermediate
- Grit 180 → finer
- Grit 240 → fine
A file marked 100/180 therefore has two different sides: a coarser side with 100-grit and a finer side with 180-grit.
At LuluNails, the professional 100/180 Zebra file uses precisely this combination: the 100-grit side is designed to shape and reduce artificial materials, whilst the 180-grit side is used to refine and smooth.
Which grit should you choose for builder gel?
When working with building gel, the 100/180 file is particularly versatile.
It allows you to carry out several steps with a single file.
Grit 100: for shapingremove the gel
The 100-grit side is the most abrasive.
It is particularly useful for:
- shortening an extension;
- correcting a construction;
- removing excess material;
- redefine the parallel lines;
- refine the shape;
- roughing down gel or Acrygel.
The product description for the LuluNails Zebra Half-Moon File also specifies a 100-grit for sculpting and reducing gel, acrylic and Acrygel.
Grit 180: for refining
The 180 grit180 grit is gentler.
In particular, it allows you to:
- refining the build;
- smoothing out filing marks;
- to work more delicately;
- to prepare the surface before certain finishing stages.
Itis therefore the combination 100 180 that makes this file particularly practical for gel application.
Grit 100 or 180: what’s the difference?
Remember this rule:
100 = construction / correction
180 = refinement / smoother finish
If your piece requires a lot of material to be removed, start with 100-grit.
Once the general shape has been achieved, move on to 180 to refine the work.
This step-by-step approach ensures a smoother surfacesurface before the final finish.
&AWhat is a 100/100 nail file used for?
A 100/100 nail file has the samelevel of abrasiveness on both sides.
It is therefore particularly useful for working on artificial materials when more vigorous filing is required.
LuluNails offers, in particular, a 100/100 Zebra Half-Moon File as part of its professional range.
It can be useful for:
- trimming extensions;
- correcting a thick style;
- reworking the shape;
- quickly roughen the gel.
For natural nails, on the other hand, you need to work much more delicately and use an abrasive suitable for the stage and condition of the nail.
Can a 100-grit file be used on natural nails?
This is an important distinction.
A 100-grit file is relatively abrasive. It is particularly useful for artificial materials such as gel or Acrygel.
On the natural nail, excessive filing can unnecessarily thin the nail plate.
When preparing the nail, the aim is never to remove several layers of the natural nail: the aim is simply to carry out the preparation required by the system being used.
A softer buffer, used correctly, offers greater controlcontrol.
File or buffer: what’s the difference?
A file is mainly used to shorten, shape and correct.
The buffer, or polishing block, is more suited to smoothing and certain stages of preparation or finishing.
LuluNails offers, for example, a Premium 100/180 Buffer, designed to smooth and even out the surface before applying gel, semi-permanent polish or Acrygel.
The catalogue also includes 100/180 half-moon buffers suitable for variousstages of preparation.
Why choose a half-moon nail file?
The shape of the file matters too.
A half-moon file usually combines a straight side with a rounded side.
This shape is particularly useful for a nail technician.
The straight side allows you to work:
- the parallel lines;
- the free edge;
- some shape corrections.
The rounded edge makes it easier to work on contours and areas requiring greater precision.
The LuluNails Zebra 100/180 Half-Moon File is specifically designed to facilitate accesscontours and areas close to the cuticles.
Straight or half-moon file: which one should you choose?
Both are useful.
Straight file: excellent for working on the sides and the free edge, and for achieving even lines.
Half-moon file: very versatile and comfortable for working on contours too.
For a beginner looking to buy just one file for their projects, a 100/180 half-moon is a very versatile choice.
How do you file a gel nail extension correctly?
After curing, and depending on your protocol, start by checking the shape of the nail.
1. Adjust the length
Adjust the free edge to the desired length.
2. Shape the sides
Adjust the sides to achieve a balanced shape.
3. Finish the surface
If necessary, use 100-grit on the synthetic material to remove any significant excess material.
4. Finishing
Next, switch to 180-grit for a finer finish.
5. Check thestructure
Look at the nail from the front, from the side and from the tip.
The apex and the stress zone must remain proportionate to the length of thenail.
6. Removing dust
Before continuing with your application, carefully remove all dust produced by filing.
The LuluNails guide to gel application includes a 100/180 file and a polishing block amongst the equipment required to carry out a gel build.
Caution: do not file the apex too much
A common mistake made by beginners is to aim for such a thin surface that they gradually remove the structure they have built up.
The aim of filing is not to remove all the gel you have just applied.
You must correct the shape whilst retaining the necessary structure.
If you find yourself having to remove a great deal of material with each application, it is often best to work on improving your gel application technique as well.
Self-levelling gel: is filing still necessary?
Not always.
A self-levelling builder gel applied correctly can significantly reduce the amount of finishing work required.
However, even with a self-levelling gel, some touch-ups may be necessary in the following areas:
- the free edge;
- the parallels;
- the shape;
- of the architecture.
The more precise your build is before curing, the less work you’ll have to do when filing.
What grit should you use for removing gel?
To file down a gel build, a coarser grit can help remove the material more quickly.
However, as you get closer to the natural nail, you must work much more carefully.
Do not attempt to aggressively remove the final layer of product with a very abrasive file.
A professional removal should preserve as much of the natural nail plate as possible.
Which grit should a beginner choose?
If you’re new to gel nail application, a professional 100/180 file is probably the most versatile option.
You’ll immediately have access to:
100-grit → for correcting and shaping the gel.
Grain 180 → to refine and smooth.
Then add a buffer suitable for the preparation and finishing stages.
LuluNails also uses the 100/180 file as a reference in its equipment advice forapply gel nails.
Which file should you use for Acrygel?
Acrygel can also be worked with a professional 100/180 file.
The 100-grit side is used to correct the build, whilst the 180-grit side is used to refine the surface.
The LuluNails Zebra 100/180 Half-Moon File is specifically designed for gel, acrylic and Acrygel.
Which nail file should I use for semi-permanent nail varnish?
Semi-permanent polish does not usually require the same build-up process as gel.
The prereparation must be controlled and tailored to the natural nail and the product’s protocol.
Theaim is to prepare the surface correctly, not to thin the natural nail plate.
A suitable buffer may be used when specified in the application procedure. LuluNails sells, amongst other things, 100/180 buffers designed for preparation prior to gel or semi-permanent treatments.
Hygiene: can the same file be used on several clients?
In a professional setting, the hygiene of equipment is essential.
For abrasive accessories that cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the applicable requirements, opt for individual or single-use items.
A practical solution is to provide a file dedicatedfor each client or single-use consumables in line with your professional protocol.
LuluNails also offers packs of 10 half-moon files (100/180), marketed as suitablefor salons and for hygienic use.
When should you change your nail file?
A worn nail file becomes less effective.
This means you have to apply more pressure, which reduces the precision of your work.
Replace your file when:
- the grit is heavily worn;
- it no longer files evenly;
- it is damaged;
- It can no longer comply with your hygiene protocol.
For a professional who sees several clients a day, packs of nail files may therefore be more practical.
Why choose LuluNails Belgium nail files?
LuluNails is a Belgian brand specialising in nail care, with a range of nail files and buffers designed for both beginners and professionals.
The LuluNails catalogue includes, in particular:
- 100/100 nail files;
- 100/180 files;
- half-moon files;
- straight files;
- buffers;
- polishing blocks;
- professional sets.
The official LuluNails category presents these accessories for gel, semi-permanent polish and various nail art techniques.
Where can you buy professional nail files in Liège?
If you’re looking for professional nail files in Liège, Lulu Nails Nail Stylist is listed in Liège as a nail salon and beauty products shop.
You can therefore discover the world of LuluNails in Belgium and also order products available from the online shop.
Table: which file grit should you choose?
| Grit | Abrasiveness | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | Very strong | Thick synthetic material, technical use |
| 100 | Strong | Shaping and trimming gel/Acrygel |
| 100/100 | Strong on both sides | Construction and artificial extensions |
| 100/180 | Thick finer | Gel: correction refining |
| 180 | Finer | Controlled maturing and finishing |
| 240 | Fine | Careful work depending on the medium/protocol |
Key point: when working on a gel build, the 100/180 file is one of the most versatile options.
FAQ – Professional Nail Files
Which file grit should I choose for gel nails?
For gel nail extensions, a 100/180 file is very versatile: the 100-grit allows you to shape and correct the material, whilst the 180-grit allows you to refine the surface.
What is the 100-grit used for?
Grain 100 is an abrasive. It is mainly used to shorten, shape and correct artificial materials such as gel or Acrygel.
What is 180-grit used for?
180-grit sandpaper is finer than 100-grit. It is useful for refining the finish and achieving a smoother surface.
What is the difference between a 100/100 and a 100/180 file?
A 100/100 file has two sides of. A 100/180 has one abrasive side for rough work and a finer side for finishing.
Which file should you choose when starting out with gel nails?
A 100/180 half-moon file is an excellent, versatile choice for learning how to correct and refine a nail build.
Can you use a 100-grit file on natural nails?
A 100-grit file is very abrasive on the natural nail. You should avoid aggressive filing of the nail plate and use the grit/tool specified in the preparation protocol.
What grit should be used for Acrygel?
A 100/180 file is very well suited to many stages of shaping and refiningAcrygel.
Where can you buy a 100/180 file in Belgium?
LuluNails offers several 100/180 nail files and buffers in its professional nail files category in Belgium.
Where can you buy professional nail files in Liège?
LuluNails has a physical shop in Liège and also sells its nail files and accessories online.
Conclusion
The choice of grit for a professional nail file directly affects the precision and speed of your work.
For gel nails, the main points to remember are:
Grit 100 → to shape, trim and correct the artificial material.
Grit 180 → for finer, more delicate finishing and smoothing.
100/180 file → a versatile solution for professional gel application.
At LuluNails Belgium in Liège, a Belgian brand specialising innail care, you can find a range of files, forms and buffers to complement your nail technician’s kit.