Depend Gel Builder Cleanser

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE Gel Builder Starter kit (extensions, overlays)
These instructions for use include precise instructions for applying an overlay to a natural nail or an extension with a tip.
Read through all the instructions and the safety information carefully. Follow them step by step and make sure you have everything you need to hand before you start. Keep these instructions for future reference.
Only use the products indicated in the instructions and never mix with other brands.
Use a Depend UV/LED lamp intended for Gel Builder products to ensure correct curing of the material.
Do not use this product if:
• You have previously experienced an allergic reaction after using UV/LED-cured nail products.
• You are allergic to acrylates, as these products may cause an allergic reaction.
• Your cuticles are split or damaged, etc. or if your nails are in poor condition (thin, dry or split).
• You bite your nails or have short nails, where the tip of your nail (the top) ends below the skin of your fingertips.
Safety information
Gel Builder Base Coat, Gel Builder and Gel Builder Top Coat.

The product is not intended for use by persons under 16 years old. Keep out of the reach of children.
The product is not intended for application more than once every 3 weeks.
Avoid contact with the skin. Take care to ensure the product is only applied to the surface of the nail and not the surrounding skin or cuticle. If you get any Base Coat/Top Coat or Gel Builder on the skin or cuticle, use a cotton wool pad moistened with Cleanser to gently remove it. Once curing is complete, wash the skin well with soap and water to remove any residue.
Avoid contact with the eyes. If you get any of the product in your eyes, rinse gently with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses (if applicable) and continue rinsing. If eye irritation persists, seek medical advice/care.
Curing with the Depend UV/LED lamp: The lamp has a timer, which should always be set to 30 seconds. If curing for 60 seconds: press the 30-second button once, and when the lamp goes off, press the 30-second button once more. It is essential to always adhere to the times stated in the instructions. A shorter curing time will result in under-cured material and consequently an increased risk of allergy and a less durable finish.
Allergy information: Contains ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Stop using the product if you experience any redness or itching. If you experience any smarting pain, itching or swelling during the treatment, remove uncured material using a cotton wool pad moistened with Cleanser, and then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If the problems persist, contact a doctor for advice. If any skin irritation or rash occurs after treatment, seek medical advice/care.
When applying products, always leave a decent safety margin around the cuticles.
Nail glue: The glue contains cyanoacrylate. Bonds skin and eyes in seconds. Keep out of the reach of children. Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. May cause irritation in the airways. In case of contact with eyes, rinse gently with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If eye irritation persists: get medical advice/attention.
If the skin surface sticks together, do not pull apart, but use an acetone-based remover. Never use artificial nails if your natural nails are thin or damaged, or if you have an infection.

Keep away from direct heat. Nail glue may stain or damage fabrics. Protect surfaces against possible spillage before opening the glue. Remove the cap, hold the tube of glue upright and twist off the tab to open the glue. NB: The tube is a single-use product and cannot be resealed. For that reason, do not lay the open tube down, as the remaining glue may leak out.

Cleanser: The product is highly flammable.
UV/LED lamp: Read through the separate instructions for the UV/LED lamp before using it. Do not look directly at the light from the UV/LED lamp when it is in use. Always unplug the lamp when you have finished applying the products. The lamp has a timer, which should always be set to 30 seconds. If curing for 60 seconds: press the 30-second button once, and when the lamp goes off, press the 30-second button once more. The lamp generates heat and may feel slightly hotter if you have thin nails or apply too thick a coat of gel to the nail. This will abate after treatment.

Storing Gel Builder at home

Gel Builder products are sensitive to light. Take care, therefore, to screw the top on immediately after use. Wipe the thread on the neck of the bottle, so there is less risk that the bottle will be difficult to open next time you use it.
Store the products in a cool, dark place.

How often can I apply Gel Builder?

Gel Builder lasts for up to 3 weeks, and so we recommend not applying it more frequently than this. If you do, the effect on your nails is more severe, which may damage the quality of your natural nails. We also recommend that after removal you wait a week before applying Gel Builder again, and check your nails to ensure that they are in good condition. If not, then wait until they are in good condition again.
Preparations before/after treatment:
The products should be used indoors and must not be exposed to direct sunlight during the treatment. While applying products, protect the surface where you are sitting with a towel. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation as you work. Ensure you have good lighting. If you still have polish or traces of it on your nails, remove this using Depend Super Fast nail polish remover. Have cotton buds handy to be able to remove any unwanted product from the skin easily using Cleanser. In case of spillage on the lamp, bottle or top, clean with Cleanser and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Application techniques – general:
To avoid getting the polish on your skin, we recommend that you always:
- Ensure you have plenty of light and a good posture for applying the products.
- Leave a decent safety margin around the cuticles, taking particular care when applying transparent products, as these are more difficult to see.
- Stroke the brush against the inside of the neck of the bottle when applying the Base Coat and Top Coat, to avoid getting too much on the brush and applying too thick a coat. Too much polish increases the risk of it spreading on to the cuticles and inferior adhesion.
Remember that the gel will not dry until you cure it under the UV/LED lamp, so you can take your time in applying it.
Important: ensure that all your fingers are properly exposed to the light from the UV/LED lamp. Remember not to touch the nail with your fingers during application.

Application technique – extensions:
• Important: if the product comes into contact with the skin around your nail, this must be removed prior to curing using Cleanser applied to a cotton bud. Applies to steps 8, 9 and 10.
• A sticky surface will form on the nail after steps 8, 9 and 10 as part of the process. Do not touch this. Remove this surface as per the instructions in step 11.
• Complete steps 1–7 on all nails first.
• Steps 8, 10 and 11. Begin with the four fingers of one hand, from the little finger to the index finger. Complete these fingers first before moving on to the other hand and repeating the process. Finish off by carrying out these steps on both thumbs.
• Step 9. Do one nail at a time.
Extra tip: Use one of our Nail Art brushes in step 6 to help you apply and move Gel Builder like a professional.

Application technique – overlays:
• Important: if the product comes into contact with the skin around your nail, this must be removed prior to curing using Cleanser applied to a cotton bud. Applies to steps 4, 5 and 6.
• A sticky surface will form on the nail after steps 4, 5 and 6 as part of the process. Do not touch this. Remove this surface as per the instructions in step 7.
• Complete steps 1–3 on all nails first.
• Steps 4, 6 and 7. Begin with the four fingers of one hand, from the little finger to the index finger. Complete these fingers first before moving on to the other hand and repeating the process. Finish off by carrying out these steps on both thumbs.
• Step 5. Do one nail at a time.

Extra tip: Use one of our Nail Art brushes in step 6 to help you apply and move Gel Builder like a professional.

Instructions for extensions using Gel Builder
1. Use a fine/medium file to uniformly shape your natural nail to ensure the tip fits better.
2. Apply Depend Exfoliating Cuticle Remover to the nail and cuticle. Leave to work for 1 minute. Wash off using soap, water and a nailbrush. Use the orange stick to push back the cuticle as needed and scrape away any dead skin from the surface of the nail.
3. Measure and select which size of tip fits your nail. It should fit from side to side. It is better to choose one that is too large and file it down at the sides so that it fits perfectly.
4. Carefully file the top side of the tip to reduce any joins and ensure a smoother transition between the tip and your own nail. Wipe off the surface of the nail.
5. Clean your nails using Cleanser.
6. Apply a thin layer of glue to the bonding surface of the tip. Apply a thin layer of glue to your natural nail where the tip is to be attached. Hold the tip angled downwards, with the contact area facing the nail, and press it down evenly onto the nail, keeping it pressed for a few seconds. This reduces the risk of air bubbles.
7. Once the glue has dried, you can trim and file the tip to the desired shape. Wipe off. Clean again as needed.
8. Apply Base Coat to your natural nail and the tip. Cure for 2 x 30 seconds.
9. NB: Do this step one nail at a time!
Brush a thin coat of Gel Builder in your chosen shade over the nail and tip, leaving a margin round the cuticle. Leave this uncured. Pick up a fresh amount of gel on your brush and apply it along the centre of your nail as a line to build up. Alternatively, you can also use a sweeping U motion to apply the gel to your nail.
Then turn your finger over at a 45-degree angle to create the perfect Apex. The force of gravity will draw the gel downwards, creating a curve = Apex, which gives the nail optimum strength and balance.
Once you are happy with this, turn the finger back over. Adjust as needed. Cure for 2 x 30 seconds.
If you are not happy with the gel application, first clean the sticky surface from the nail as per point 11 below. Then correct the shape using a medium/coarse file, wipe off and clean again.
10. If you want to add a Gel iQ colour, do this before applying Top Coat and cure each coat for 30 seconds. Once you have done all 4 fingers, apply Top Coat and cure for 2 x 30 seconds.
11. Cleaning/Top finishing
The sticky surface that forms on the nail after curing your Top Coat must be removed to achieve optimum shine. Therefore it is important to clean the entire surface of the nail using Cleanser. Wipe down the surface in one firm motion to remove the sticky surface. You will need at least 12 cotton wool pads to hand.

Method for each nail:
1. Apply plenty of Cleanser to a cotton wool pad.
2. Place the saturated surface of the pad over the entire nail and wait 5 seconds.
3. With 2 fingers on the pad, press down to ensure even pressure across the surface of the nail. Now wipe from the cuticle to the tip of your nail in one firm motion.
4. Use a fresh, clean pad for each nail and repeat the same process for all your nails.
5. Once all your nails have been cleaned in this way, you can clean them once more with Cleanser. This will bring out the gel’s fantastic colour and shine. Soak your pad with Cleanser and clean from cuticle to tip. First wipe down the centre of the nail and then do the left and right sides. Use a fresh, clean pad for each hand.
6. Important: complete the treatment by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Once you have completed all these steps, your hard-wearing, high-shine polish will last for up to 3 weeks.
Instructions for overlays using Gel Builder
1. Use a fine/medium file to shape your natural nail as desired.
2. Apply Depend Exfoliating Cuticle Remover to the nail and cuticle. Leave to work for 1 minute. Wash off using soap, water and a nailbrush. Use the orange stick to push back the cuticle as needed and scrape away any dead skin from the surface of the nail.
3. Clean your nails using Cleanser.
4. Apply Base Coat. Cure for 2 x 30 seconds.
5. NB: Do this step one nail at a time!
Brush a thin coat of Gel Builder in your chosen shade over the nail, leaving a margin round the cuticle. Leave this uncured. Pick up a fresh amount of gel on your brush and apply it along the centre of your nail as a line to build up. Alternatively, you can also use a sweeping U motion to apply the gel to your nail.
Then turn your finger over at a 45-degree angle to create the perfect Apex. The force of gravity will draw the gel downwards, creating a curve = Apex, which gives the nail optimum strength and balance.
Once you are happy with this, turn the finger back over. Adjust as needed. Cure for 2 x 30 seconds.
If you are not happy with the gel application, first clean the sticky surface from the nail as per point 7 below. Then correct the shape using a medium/coarse file, wipe off and clean again.
6. If you want to add a Gel iQ colour, do this before applying Top Coat and cure each coat for 30 seconds. Once you have done all 4 fingers, apply Top Coat and cure for 2 x 30 seconds.
7. Cleaning/Top finishing
The sticky surface that forms on the nail after curing your Top Coat must be removed to achieve optimum shine. Therefore it is important to clean the entire surface of the nail using Cleanser. Wipe down the surface in one firm motion to remove the sticky surface. You will need at least 12 cotton wool pads to hand.

Method for each nail:
1. Apply plenty of Cleanser to a cotton wool pad.
2. Place the saturated surface of the pad over the entire nail and wait 5 seconds.
3. With 2 fingers on the pad, press down to ensure even pressure across the surface of the nail. Now wipe from the cuticle to the tip of your nail in one firm motion.
4. Use a fresh, clean pad for each nail and repeat the same process for all your nails.
5. Once all your nails have been cleaned in this way, you can clean them once more with Cleanser. This will bring out the gel’s fantastic colour and shine. Soak the pad with Cleanser and clean from cuticle to tip. First wipe down the centre of the nail and then do the left and right sides. Use a fresh, clean pad for each hand.
6. Important: complete the treatment by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Once you have completed all these steps, your hard-wearing, high-shine polish will last for up to 3 weeks.

How to remove Gel Builder
Depending on your nail type and the condition of your nails, you may or may not find it difficult to remove Gel Builder. We have therefore opted to use 2 different removal methods.
• To remove overlays, you can use Method 1 or 2. We recommend Method 1 in the first instance, which works for most nail types. Otherwise we recommend Method 2.
• To remove extensions with a tip, use Method 2.
Method 1: Gel iQ Remover Oil removes Gel Builder gently using vegetable oil. For this method to work, there must be a certain amount of growth between the cuticle and the Gel Builder, which you would naturally have if the Gel Builder has been on for up to 3 weeks. This method is gentle on the nail and cuticle thanks to the unique formula, which produces a reaction between the Gel iQ Remover Oil, the water and the Gel Builder that lifts the material from the nail.
Method 2: A more traditional removal method. This uses Gel iQ Remover and Gel iQ Removal Wraps Foil to make removal easier.

Removal using Method 1
Products to be used:
• Gel iQ Remover Oil
• Warm water, about 40 °C
• A bowl with a volume of about 2 litres that can comfortably accommodate all the fingers of one hand, or use a washbasin.
What to do:
1. Apply plenty of Remover Oil to the fingers of one hand, along the cuticle and over the whole nail.
2. Massage over each nail for about 20–30 seconds.
3. Fill the bowl or washbasin with water. The temperature should be about 40 °C. NB: Do not scald your fingers.
4. Lower your fingers into the warm water (about 40 °C) so that all the fingers are covered by the water. Wait 3 minutes. The warmer the water, the better the effect.
5. After about 3 minutes, begin to gently scrape the gel away from the area of new growth near the cuticle, using your own fingernail or an orange stick. Keep your hand in the water as you do this. Scrape a little and allow the water to get into the join between the gel and your nail. This will gradually loosen the Gel Builder, enabling you to peel it off in one piece if you follow the instructions properly. It is the reaction between the oil, the gel formula and the water that makes this unique removal method possible.
Important: remember that the water will cool down, and that the water temperature should be about 40 °C to achieve the best results. For that reason, it can be a good idea to change the water or add more warm water during gel removal.
NB: Be gentle, and loosen the gel little by little while keeping your fingers in the water.
Be extra careful when scraping that you don’t take away any of your natural nail as well, especially towards the tip where the nail is driest and can easily break. The gel is often most firmly attached towards the tip of the nail.
6. If you can’t get all of the gel off your nails, repeat with more oil and warm water following the instructions above, until the gel comes off completely.
Repeat the same procedure for the other hand. Finish off by massaging in any excess oil and wipe your hands dry.
Removal using Method 2
Products to be used:
• Gel iQ Remover
• Gel iQ Removal Wraps Foil
What to do:
While removing the gel, protect the surface where you are sitting with a towel. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation as you work. Do one hand at a time, as it is difficult to work with Removal Wraps Foil on your hands. It is important to seal the removal wraps up properly, as the remover evaporates rapidly, which means the effect is lost. Leave the wraps sealed up on your other fingers until you are ready to begin scraping the gel away. NB: If you open the wrap too soon before you begin scraping, the remover fluid evaporates, which means the gel will become hard again and be more difficult to remove. To achieve the best results, it is important to ensure that the cotton surface remains saturated with Gel iQ Remover during gel removal.
1. Apply plenty of Gel iQ Remover to the cotton surface of the removal wrap, place it on the nail and then seal the foil up well. Make sure that the saturated cotton surface covers the entire surface of the nail.
2. Wait 15 minutes. NB: The time it takes to work may vary depending on nail type. First open one removal wrap to see if the gel has softened. If the gel has softened all over, start to gently scrape it away using an orange stick. Take care not to damage the nail as you do this. NB: Leave the wraps sealed up on your other fingers until you are ready to begin scraping the gel away. If the gel has not softened, seal the wrap up again and wait a few more minutes. Tip! To speed up the process: gently file the surface of the polish before applying the fluid and wraps. Avoid filing too much or too close to the cuticles.
3. When all the gel has been removed, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
4. Smooth some cuticle cream or oil into your nails and cuticles afterwards.
Warning for Gel iQ Remover: Highly flammable. Use in a well-ventilated area.
Gel Builder – Pro Tips!
- If your nails are exposed to extreme wear, you can apply an additional coat of Gel Builder Top Coat after 7 days. First clean your nails and then follow the relevant steps for applying and curing the top coat.
- Never combine Gel Builder with other brands during use.
- You can still use nail oil on your cuticles and under your nail tips while you have Gel Builder on your nails.