More women are choosing press-on nails to save time—but keeping them secure can be tricky. This guide from GELLY covers everything you need to know about using solid glue, from prep to aftercare, so you can achieve long-lasting, salon-quality nails at home.

Why choose solid glue for press-on nails?  

Solid glue is a solid choice for press-on nails, here are 5 reasons you should try solid glue for press-on nails. Compared to jelly glue or nail adhesive, it has a few advantages:    

1. Long-lasting hold: 

Solid glue keeps press-on nails secure for 2–3 weeks, like salon gel manicures.  

2. Waterproof:

It won’t loosen when showering, washing hair, or swimming.  

3. Saves time:

Cuts monthly manicure costs in half and saves 2–3 hours at the salon.  

4. Versatile: 

Works with special nail shapes that struggle with glue stickers, such as hooked or upturned nails.

5. Easy to apply:

You only need an LED lamp, and you can do it at home.

How to prep your nails before applying solid glue  

Prep before applying solid glue for your nails:

1. Clean hands thoroughly

• Wash hands with soap to remove any oils, dirt orhand cream residue. This ensures strong adhesion.  

2. Apply cuticle care

• Gently push back cuticles around the nails with a cuticle pusher, especially near the base.  

• Apply cuticle softener, wait 1 minute, and then use a metal pusher to remove excess cuticles.  

3. Buff the nail surface

• Use a fine-grit nail buffer to lightly file the nail surface vertically until it feels matte. 

•  3–4 strokes will do. Over-buffing can damage nails.  

4. Final disinfection:  

• Wipe nails with disinfectant wipes or alcohol pads to remove oil and dust. 

• Make sure your nails are completely dry before continuing.  

Step-by-step guide to applying press-on nails with solid glue  

Once prepped, Get your GELLY Solid Nail Gel Set and follow these detailed steps for application:  

1. Apply the base coat

• Choose a peel-off base coat and apply a small amount to the center of the nail.

• Cure under an LED lamp for 1 min.  

2. Scoop out solid glue

• Use a nail tip or a dedicated tool to take a pea-sized amount of solid glue (about 1/3 of the nail size).  

• Solid glue is easy to shape. 

3. Attach the press-on nail  

• Align the press-on nail at a 45-degree angle near the cuticle, then press down and push toward the base.  

• Apply firm pressure to distribute the glue evenly and squeeze out any excess.  

4. Clean any overflow  

• Use a cuticle pusher or cleanup brush to remove excess glue around the edges before it sets. 

• Solid glue is easy to clean before curing and won’t stick to skin.  

5. Cure your nails  

• Cure under an LED lamp immediately

• How long you should cure for depends on the nail color:

• Sheer nails: At least 1 minute 

• Opaque nails: At least 2 minutes

• Black/dark nails: At least 3 minutes 

• For single-lamp devices, angle the light from multiple sides to fully cure your nails.

• Rotate your hands occasionally during the curing to make sure all angles dry properly.

Tips for making solid glue press-on nails last longer  

Keep these tips in mind to extend the glue’s durability:

1. Avoid alcohol exposure

Alcohol weakens solid glue’s adhesion.  

2. Fix any issues immediately

 If a nail loosens slightly, replace it promptly to prevent water seepage and complete detachment.  

3. Handle gently

Avoid using nails as tools or applying excessive force, which can cause premature lifting.  

How to safely remove solid glue press-on nails  

Proper removal protects your natural nails and allows you to reuse high-quality press-ons:  

Tools you’ll need: 

1. GELLY Press On Nail Remover

2. Cuticle pusher 

3. Alcohol pads and cuticle oil  

Removal steps:

1. Spray the nail surface and wait for 10 seconds

2. Gently lift a small gap at the side of the press-on nail with a pusher.  

3. Spray remover into the gap and wait 10 seconds as the glue softens.

4. Slowly push up until the nail comes off completely.  

5. Spray the gel and remove with a cuticle pusher.

6. Use GELLY's Remover, the nail tips won't turn white and can be reused!

Aftercare:  

1. If nails feel dry, apply cuticle oil or hand cream.

2. Store cleaned press-ons properly so you can use them again later.

Get GELLY's Solid Nail Gel Set for Press On Nail, Your entire press-on routine in one box: a Peel-Off Base Gel for damage-free removal, a Solid Nail Glue Gel for a 3-week+ hold, and a gentle Remover makes cleanup safe and simple! 

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Check out Choosing The Best Press-On Nails for Your Skin Tone & Hand Shape to find press-on nails that suit you best!