If you’re looking for a strong, natural-looking base, Build it Base is the perfect choice. But what exactly is it, how long does it last, and how does it compare to other base coats like Rubber Base? Let’s break it down!
Build it Base is our strongest base coat, created to strengthen and support natural nails with the perfect balance of durability and flexibility. It provides reinforcement without the heaviness, allowing nails to grow longer and healthier while maintaining a lightweight, comfortable feel.
Build it Base has a thicker texture than regular gel polish. It can be worn alone for a clean, natural look or used as a strong base layer under gel polish for added durability.
While Build it Base is strong, it’s not completely rigid like acrylics. Instead, it has a flexible structure, meaning it moves slightly with your natural nail rather than resisting all movement. This flexibility helps absorb impact and reduces the risk of cracks or breaks, especially for people with naturally weak or bendy nails.
To put it into perspective, imagine the difference between glass and plastic. Glass is strong but completely rigid—if you drop it, it shatters because it can’t handle impact. Plastic, on the other hand, has some flexibility, allowing it to bend slightly without breaking. Build it Base works in a similar way: it’s durable and protective, but because it isn’t completely stiff, it can adapt to natural nail movement rather than snapping under pressure.
One of the biggest advantages of Build it Base is its long wear time. When applied correctly, this HEMA-free Build it Base will last up to 3 weeks without chipping or lifting. Also a reapplication or infill is recommended every 3 weeks to keep your nails looking fresh and to minimize the appearance of a grown out manicure.
Both Build it Base and Rubber Base are designed to strengthen and support natural nails, but they each serve a slightly different purpose.
A good way to compare them is to think of soft vs. hard plastic. Rubber Base is like flexible plastic—it bends under pressure instead of breaking, allowing it to move with the natural nail. Build it Base, on the other hand, is like hard plastic—it is still flexible but less flexible than Rubber Base which will provide stronger support and holds its shape better. This makes Build it Base perfect for weak or brittle nails that need extra reinforcement or for creating short nail extensions (up to 5mm).
There is also a difference in consistency. Rubber Base is thicker than a regular base coat but more fluid compared to Build it Base, making it easier to apply, especially for beginners. Because of its more liquid texture, multiple layers can be applied to build extra strength, but quick-curing each nail is essential to prevent the gel from leaking onto the skin. Build it Base, on the other hand, is denser, more structured, and has a higher viscosity, making it ideal for building up nail structure while evening out imperfections.
Because Build it Base is denser and more structured, it typically lasts longer than Rubber Base but also requires more effort to remove. To avoid excessive soak-off time, it’s important to file down as much product as possible before soaking. Unlike Rubber Base, Build it Base is not compatible with Peel Base. However, both Build it Base and Rubber Base can be filed down and infilled, allowing you to maintain your manicure without fully removing the product each time.
The best choice depends on how your natural nails behave and what kind of reinforcement they need.
Rubber Base:
If you have softer, more flexible nails, they naturally bend under pressure. While this can help prevent immediate breakage, it also means that a stiff, rigid product (like traditional builder gel) may lift or crack because it doesn’t move with the nail. Rubber Base is designed to flex, making it the best choice for nails that need reinforcement while maintaining their natural flexibility. Since it adapts to the nail’s movement, it’s also less likely to chip or lift over time.
Build it Base:
If your nails are weaker, brittle, or prone to splitting, a flexible base alone may not provide enough reinforcement to prevent breaking of splitting. Build it Base is thicker and more structured, making it the best choice for nails that need extra durability and strength. Unlike Rubber Base, Build it Base creates a stronger, more rigid foundation that helps protect weak nails from daily stress and impact.
At Pink Gellac, we offer our own version of BIAB: Build it Base. As with all our products, this HEMA-free formula meets the high standards you expect from us. It provides the perfect balance of strength and flexibility, creating a long-lasting, salon-quality finish that reinforces the natural nails.
Try out our Build it Base and see how it elevates your nails! Check our range of shades, or go for the Build it Base Set to find your perfect match!
