WHAT IS GEL? UNDERSTANDING THE GEL FAMILY

Gel nails can be confusing — especially with so many product types on the market. The key thing to understand is that "gel" is an umbrella term covering several very different products. At Planet Nails, we stock the full gel family, and each product has been developed with a specific purpose in mind. Here's your plain-English guide to what everything is, what it does, and when to use it.

HARD GEL vs SOFT GEL vs POLYGEL — WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Hard gel is a file-off product. It is solvent resistant, meaning it cannot be soaked off in acetone — it must be filed or buffed off. Hard gels cure to a firm, durable finish and are ideal for strength, structure and extensions.

Soft gel (also known as BIAB — Builder in a Bottle) is a soak-off product. It can be removed by filing the surface to break the seal and then soaking in acetone. Soft gels are flexible and rubber-like in nature, making them kinder to the natural nail and easier to remove.

Polygel is a hybrid product — it combines the strength and workability of acrylic with the convenience and curing method of gel. It is a hard/permanent product that must be filed off, not soaked.

Rubber base is a soft gel that sits between a base coat and a builder gel. It bonds to the natural nail with a flexible, rubbery grip and soaks off with acetone.

PUG — PLANET ULTIMATE GEL (Hard Gel)

PUG stands for Planet Ultimate Gel. It is a single process hard gel that offers absolute control without the heat spike of traditional hard gels — little to no heat during curing. PUG applies effortlessly smooth and self-levels, giving you the ability to form nail extensions in one step. It can also be used as a three-step gel if preferred. PUG combines the adhesion of a base gel, the strength and durability of a hard builder gel, and the high gloss shine and scratch resistance of a top glaze — all in one product.

PUG offers superior adhesion to the natural nail, making it ideal for clients constantly exposed to water or chemicals such as nurses and hairdressers. It is light in feel and wear, providing up to 4 weeks of flawless wear. Available in multiple viscosities. Odour free. Comes in jars.

Is PUG soak-off? No. PUG is a hard gel and is solvent resistant. However, if you use a soak-off base like Lastik or Stick 'n Float under PUG, you can file through the hard builder layer down to the rubbery base and soak off from there with acetone.

Do I need a base coat under PUG? PUG works in perfect synergy with Lastik, which we recommend as a base coat under all PUG enhancements.

Can I use PUG over tips? Yes. PUG can be used over tip overlays and is easily filed or buffed off.

PUG Application — 12 Steps

1. Sanitise nails with The One Spray. Push back cuticles and buff to remove all shine.
2. Apply nail tips, cut and blend, or fit nail forms (optional).
3. Apply PN Nail Prep to natural nail only. Wait for it to dry (optional).
4. Apply PN Sticky Bond sparingly to natural nail only.
5. Apply a base coat gel (Lastik or Stick 'n Float rubber base) over the entire nail. Do not touch the cuticle or side wall areas. Seal all sides of the free edge. Cure 60 seconds.
6. Apply a second layer of gel (PUG Clear, Builder Clear, or a coloured PUG Builder). Pick up a moderate bead starting 1mm from the cuticle area. Apply in a floating manner over the nail. Seal all sides of the free edge. Cure 60 seconds.
7. Repeat with another layer if needed. Seal all sides of the free edge. Cure 60 seconds.
8. Remove tacky layer with The One Spray and a PN Lint Free Wipe.
9. File to an even smooth finish. Buff to remove scratches.
10. Wash hands thoroughly to remove oil and dust.
11. Apply The One Spray to a nail wipe and sanitise the nails.
12. Apply Planet Gel Polish no-wipe Top Coat. Seal all sides of the free edge. Cure 60 seconds.

PUG Removal PUG is a hard gel and must be filed off — it cannot be soaked directly in acetone.

1. File with a 180 grit file or e-file de-bulking bit. Keep the file/bit moving. Do not over-file or apply pressure.
2. You will notice PUG is powdery when filing. Once you reach the base gel it will feel rubbery — this means you've reached the soak-off layer.
3. Prepare one or two PN Quick Soak Bowls. Place hot water in the bottom container and acetone in the top. The heat speeds up the soak-off process.
4. Soak fingertips in acetone for approximately 5-10 minutes.
5. Slide product off gently with an Orangewood Stick from cuticle to free edge.
6. Client can wash hands once product is removed.
7. Buff lightly with a Block Buffer or Cross Cut Diamond Barrel to remove residue. Never over buff or apply pressure.
8. Nails are ready for a new application.

Note: We strongly advise against constant full removal and reapplication. Instead, use your e-file to debulk down to a very thin layer of gel and start fresh from there. This protects the natural nail and maintains long-term nail health.

weak, thin or breaking nails who need targeted strength where it matters most. More details coming soon.

LASTIK — SOFT GEL / BIAB

Lastik is Planet Nails' cult-favourite soft gel builder system — the Stick and Stay Gel. It combines the flexibility of rubber base with the strength of builder gel, creating enhancements that truly stick and stay. Lastik is a soak-off product removed with acetone, making it kinder to the natural nail than hard gel systems.

The Lastik family now includes four distinct formulations, including two HEMA-free options, so there is a perfect match for every client and every application preference.

The 4 Types of Lastik — Which One Do You Need?

Lastik (The Original) The OG. A flexible rubber base builder gel. Medium viscosity with fast self-levelling. Ideal for soak-off overlays (BIAB/structured manicures), base coat for weak nails, nail art applications and gem adhesion. Available in Clear, Nudes, Pastels and Shimmers. Contains HEMA.

Lastik Plus A thicker, harder-curing version of Lastik. Medium-thick viscosity. Better for clients needing harder enhancements, longer nails, structured manicures, tip overlays and short sculptures. Superior scratch resistance. Cures harder than standard Lastik. Contains HEMA.

Lastik HF (HEMA Free) The HEMA-free version of Lastik. Fast-building, thinner consistency — slightly thinner than standard Lastik. Choose this for clients sensitive to HEMA. All the same uses as Lastik. HEMA and TPO free.

Lastik HF Plus (HEMA Free) The HEMA-free version of Lastik Plus. Fast-building, medium-thin consistency — thinner than Lastik Plus. Choose this for clients sensitive to HEMA who need harder enhancements, longer nails, or structured manicures. HEMA and TPO free.

All four Lastik variants: semi-permanent, soak-off with acetone, dual cure 60-90 seconds (LED) or 2-3 minutes (UV), self-levelling, cure with a tacky layer, can be filed into shape, suitable for overlays, extensions, tip overlays, rubber base under other systems, and nail art.

What can I use Lastik for? Lastik is one of the most versatile products in the PN range. It can be used as a base coat/rubber base, structured BIAB manicure, gel overlay, full cover extensions, tip overlay, rubber base under Acrylic, PUG, Iconic or Planet Vogue for problem lifters, short sculptures (Plus versions), and for nail art including gem adhesion and glitter encapsulation.

What is the difference between Lastik and Lastik Plus? Lastik is the original flexible rubber builder — thinner viscosity, more flexible cure. Lastik Plus is thicker and cures harder, making it the better choice for clients who need more structure or wear longer nails. The HF versions of each are formulated without HEMA and TPO for clients with sensitivities.

Lastik Application — 12 Steps

1. Sanitise nails with The One Spray. Push back cuticles and buff to remove all shine.
2. Apply nail tips, cut and blend (optional).
3. Apply PN Nail Prep to natural nail only. Wait for it to dry (optional).
4. Apply PN Sticky Bond sparingly to natural nail only.
5. Apply a base coat layer of Clear Lastik over the entire nail. Do not touch the cuticle or side wall areas. Seal all sides of the free edge. Cure 60 seconds.
6. Apply a thin wetting layer of Clear Lastik Plus (don't cure). Pick up a moderate bead of Plus starting 1mm from the cuticle. Apply in a floating manner. Use a liner brush to draw product to the sides without disturbing the apex. Seal all sides of the free edge. Cure 60 seconds.
7. Repeat with another layer of Plus if needed. Seal all sides. Cure 60 seconds.
8. Remove tacky layer with The One Spray and a PN Lint Free Wipe.
9. File to an even smooth finish. Buff to remove scratches.
10. Wash hands thoroughly.
11. Apply The One Spray to sanitise. Nails are ready for top coat or gel polish colour.
12. Apply Planet Gel Polish no-wipe Top Coat. Seal all sides of the free edge. Cure 60 seconds.

Lastik Removal Lastik is a soft gel and soaks off with acetone.

1. Using the 100 grit side of your 100/180 file or an e-file de-bulking bit, file the surface of the enhancement to break the seal. File only the product, not the natural nail. The more you de-bulk, the faster it soaks off.
2. Soak fingertips in acetone for approximately 10-15 minutes using PN Quick Soak Bowls.
3. Slide product off gently with an Orangewood Stick or Soak Off Scraper from cuticle to free edge.
4. Client can wash hands when product is removed.
5. Buff lightly with a Buffer to remove residue. Never over buff or apply pressure.
6. Nails are ready for a new enhancement application.

Note: We strongly advise against constant full removal. Use your e-file to debulk down to a very thin layer and start fresh from there. This maintains natural nail health.

STICK 'N FLOAT — RUBBER BASE GEL

Stick 'n Float is a universal rubber base gel suitable for use under all PN enhancement systems. Now not only HEMA-free but also TPO-free — our cleanest formula yet.

It is a soak-off flexible base that bonds to the natural nail and bends with it, preventing peeling and chipping. Ideal for clients with lifting problems, oily skin or nails, sweaty hands, or flaky, brittle, thin or splitting nails. Also recommended as an alternative to a standard base coat with Planet Gel Polish for a longer-lasting manicure.

Use as a rubber base under Acrylic, Lastik, PUG, Planet Vogue and Iconic for problem lifters. Can also be used for gel dipping services, partial foil transfers, burnishing fine glitters or pigments into its tacky layer, glitter encapsulation, gem/crystal adhesion, and as a layering product under top coat with chrome, decals or foils to prevent chipping or peeling.

HEMA-free and TPO-free. Dual cure: 60 seconds (405nm LED) or 2 minutes (365nm UV). Soak-off formula. 15ml bottle.

For professional use only.

PLANET ICONIC — POLYGEL

Planet Iconic is a HEMA-free poly-type acrylic gel — a hybrid between hard gel and acrylic that combines the best qualities of both without the drawbacks of either. It sculpts like acrylic without the smell, and cures like gel without the hard gel heat spike. It is a hard/permanent product that must be filed off, not soaked.

Iconic comes in tubes and has a thick paste-like consistency with virtually no self-levelling properties — giving you unlimited workability. It won't run and only sets when you cure it. No liquid-to-powder ratio guesswork; simply squeeze, slice and place.

Available in Clear and a range of colours including Peachy, Blush, Cover and Ballet. You can also mix polish, gel polish, pigments and glitters into it for endless colour possibilities.

Iconic is a popular choice for extensions over forms, nail repairs, and creating extreme shapes and lengths. It works in perfect synergy with all PN Gel systems — for example, Ballet Lastik as base coat, Iconic for free edge sculpture or reverse French, PUG Clear for glitter encapsulation, and sealed with Luxe Gloss Top Coat.

Key benefits: no heat spike, no wastage (cut off only what you need), easy even colour application, easy to file with reduced dust, virtually odourless, lightweight and durable, works with all PN gel systems.

Cure: 60-90 seconds (405nm LED) or 2-3 minutes (365nm UV).

Planet Iconic Application Prep: Sanitise with The One Spray. Push back cuticles and remove all shine. Apply and shape tips if using.

1. Apply PN Nail Prep to natural nail only. Wait to dry chalky white (optional).
2. Apply PN Primer/Sticky Bond to natural nail only. Wait to dry (if no nail prep used, apply 2 coats of Sticky Bond).
3. Apply a base layer of Lastik or Stick 'n Float, staying ½mm from cuticle area. Seal the free edge. Cure 60 seconds.
4. Dispense a small amount of The One into a dappen dish. Dip PN Gel Brush/Kolinsky Brush 1-2 seconds. Wipe sides on lip of dish. Offload bulk on paper towel. Re-moisten when product starts sticking — think damp, not wet.
5. Squeeze a small amount of Iconic from the tube and cut off a medium ball with a spatula.
6. Apply the ball to the nail. Press from side to side, back toward the cuticle leaving a small margin, and down to the free edge. Build to desired shape and thickness. Scrape off excess from free edge if needed. Do not touch cuticle or side wall areas. Seal all sides of the free edge.
7. Cure 60 seconds under the PN Speciality Dual Cure Lamp.
8. Remove tacky layer with The One and a PN Lint Free Wipe.
9. Shape and file using a PN 100/180 Grit File or Safety Bit at 25,000rpm. The 180 grit side reduces graininess.
10. Buff with a PN 80 Grit Purple Sanding Sponge. Remove dust with a PN Dust Brush. If graininess remains, buff more.
11. Wash hands thoroughly. Sanitise with The One Spray.
12. Apply Planet Gel Polish Top Coat and cure 60 seconds for a super glossy, durable finish.

Iconic Removal Iconic is a hard gel and must be filed off — it cannot be soaked in acetone directly. Removal follows the same process as PUG — see PUG removal steps above. File through Iconic until you reach the rubbery base layer (Lastik/Stick 'n Float), then soak off in acetone.

GENERAL FAQ

Are all Planet Nails gel products vegan and cruelty-free? None of our gel products contain animal-derived ingredients, and none are tested on animals. The one exception in the broader PN range is our Sable Hair (Kolinsky) Acrylic Brushes.

What is the difference between hard gel, soft gel and polygel? Hard gel (PUG, Iconic, Puggles, Fortify) is file-off and solvent resistant. Soft gel (Lastik range, Stick 'n Float) is soak-off with acetone. Polygel (Iconic) is technically a hard gel hybrid — file-off, but with acrylic-like workability and no liquid monomer required.

Why do some nail plates curl when exposed to acetone? When the nail plate is soaked in acetone for 10 minutes or more, approximately 2-3% of the nail's water content is temporarily removed, which is enough to temporarily alter the shape of the nail plate. Once the acetone is removed, moisture from the underlying nail bed replaces what was lost — usually within eight hours — and the nail plate returns to its original shape. This is more noticeable on thin or highly flexible nail plates and less noticeable on thick nail plates.

FAQ