No. PUG, PUGGLE, and PUG Fortify are all permanent hard gels — they are file-off only and solvent resistant. However, if you apply a Planet Nails rubber base underneath, you can file through the hard gel layer down to the base and soak off the remaining base in acetone, significantly reducing removal time.

All three are permanent hard gels that file off. The differences are in format, consistency, and application style. PUG comes in a jar and is applied with a separate gel brush — available in multiple viscosities suited to overlays, tip overlays, and sculpting. PUGGLE comes in a bottle with a built-in oval brush — a thinner, more fluid formula that self-levels from the brush and suits techs familiar with BIAB-style application. PUG Fortify is thixotropic — it holds its position on the nail without self-levelling, making it ideal for armouring, restoration, dual forms, and precision sculpting. Fortify always requires filing to finish.

In approximately 97% of cases, yes. The nail near the matrix and lunula is naturally more flexible than toward the free edge, and applying a rigid hard gel directly in those areas without a flexible bridging layer will result in lifting. A Planet Nails rubber base absorbs the nail's natural flex and dramatically improves retention. A small percentage of clients — typically those with thicker, healthier nail plates — can tolerate hard gel applied directly, but this comes with trial and error. Without a rubber base underneath, full removal requires filing all the way to the natural nail.

Yes. PUGGLE can be used on any client as a hard gel builder — for overlays, tip overlays, infills, and sculptures — in the same way you would use PUG or Fortify. Its self-levelling formula makes a no-file or minimal-file finish possible when the client's nail shape allows it. When shape correction or filing is needed, you file as normal. The no-file result is a bonus, not a requirement for choosing it.

No. Fortify is suitable for any nail technician. Because it doesn't self-level, it stays where you place it — which actually gives techs more working time and control compared to faster self-levelling gels. It can be a great option for technicians still building confidence with hard gel. The only difference is that filing is always required to finish. That's not a difficulty level — it's just how the product works.

Any Planet Nails rubber base — Lastik, Lastik HF, or Stick 'n Float — whichever best suits your client. Lastik is the recommended starting point for most clients. Stick 'n Float is ideal for oily or sweaty nail plates. Lastik HF is recommended for HEMA-sensitive clients. Always apply Sticky Bond or Sticky Bond HF to the natural nail before the rubber base.

Yes. The entire PUG range — including PUG, PUGGLE, and PUG Fortify — is HEMA-free and TPO-free, formulated to EU cosmetic regulations. This makes it a strong choice for technicians building a HEMA-free service menu or working with sensitive clients requiring a file-off hard gel system.

Dual form extensions require a gel that fills the form cleanly and holds its position without migrating or pooling before curing. PUG Fortify's thixotropic consistency does exactly this — it fills the form under brush pressure and stays put, producing strong, well-structured extensions with minimal air pockets.

Glaze is the recommended top coat for PUG, PUGGLE, and Fortify — the most durable top coat in the PN range, designed for harder and more rigid products. It is also suitable over acrylic, acrylic dip, and gel pour systems. Glaze is not recommended over soft gel builders like Lastik BIAB overlays, particularly on thin or flexible nails, as it can crack. Other options include Luxe Gloss for chrome services and Stain Resistant Top Coat where stain resistance is required.