Hard AF Sculpting Gel

Hard AF Sculpting Gel

Meet the backbone of flawless structure. Hard AF is our professional, file-off hard gel designed for serious strength, crisp architecture, and glassy clarity. Medium-thick, controlled self-leveling means you get time to place your apex without flooding cuticles, while cures deliver a rock-solid finish that keeps shape for weeks.

Why techs love it

• Hard gel strength: builds reliable overlays and extensions with a durable, chip-resistant finish
• Controlled self-leveling: floats beautifully with minimal chasing
• Crystal-clear base: perfect on its own or under colour/art
• Forms or tips: sculpt with forms, or build over tips
• File-off removal: fast refining with hand file or e-file

Best for: overlays, rebalances, short–long extensions, structured gel manicures, encasing art.

How to use (Pro Step-by-Step)

You’ll nend: Nail Liquor Dehydrator, Primer, Rubber Base, Hard AF Sculpting Gel, colour (optional), top coat.

1. Prep

• Sanitize hands and nails.
• Gently push back cuticles and remove non-living tissue.
• Lightly etch the natural nail with a 180 grit. Dust and cleanse.

2. Dehydrate & Prime

• Apply Nail Liquor Dehydrator (air-dry seconds).
• Apply a thin, even coat of Nail Liquor Primer (very sparingly—avoid skin). Let it air-dry tacky.

3. Base Layer

• Scrub in a thin coat of Nail Liquor Rubber Base for adhesion (cap free edge).
• Cure: LED 48W 30s (or UV 36W 120s).

4. Sculpt with Hard AF

• If extending, fit forms/tips now.
• Apply a thin slip layer of Hard AF (do not cure).
• Pick up a bead and float it through the centre to build the apex, keeping product ~0.5–1 mm off skin and sidewalls.
• Flash-cure each finger 5–10s to lock placement if needed, then
  Full cure: LED 48W 60–90s (UV 36W 2–3 min).
  Optional: For pinching, do so at the appropriate semi-cure window only if you’re practiced.

5. Refine

• Cleanse the inhibition layer if present.
• Shape and perfect with a 180 grit or e-file (fine/medium). Remove dust.

6. Finish

• Apply colour (2 thin coats) curing per product, or leave clear.
• Seal with your preferred Nail Liquor Top Coat. Cure fully.
• Finish with cuticle oil.

Infill / Rebalance

• Reduce bulk, remove lift, re-establish apex with Hard AF as above. Finish and seal.

Removal

• Do not soak off. File down to a thin base layer, then rebalance or gently file to remove—protecting the natural nail at all times.

Pro tips

• Work one nail at a time for perfect leveling; flash-cure to control flow.
• Keep product off skin; if contact occurs, cleanse before curing.
• For heat-sensitive clients, build in thinner passes and extend flash times.

Safety & Use

• Professional use only. Avoid skin contact. If irritation occurs, discontinue use. Keep capped, away from heat/flame. Cure times may vary by lamp; always ensure a complete cure.