Nails
Quality Nail Files
Highest quality Japanese and Korean Nail Files
Abrasive particle sizes vary according to industry standards. Uniformity of application is the main characteristic of file quality. The Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) defines not only the particle size but also its uniformity in application. You can be sure, that the grit size of a 180 grit file manufactured according to the JIS standard is exactly 70 micron (one micron is equivalent to one one-thousandth of a millimetre).
Files not controlled by an industry standard might be 180 grit on average, but with grain sizes varying as much as 10 – 20% (140 – 220 grit). These files may leave scratches and flat spots on the nail surface.
The highest standard files are Japanese, followed by Korean then Chinese.
Nail File Preparation
Sides / edges of a new file are very sharp and could easily cut clients cuticle or side walls. So ALWAYS get rid of those sharp edges by filing edge to edge with another file.
Grit Definitions
The grit rating on a file identifies the number of abrasive particles per square centimetre.
80 grit is much coarser than 400 grit.
180/180 means both sides have the same abrasive quality.
File Core
Wood Boards and Cushioned Files have very little flexibility and do not require much force to abrade the nail or enhancement. This reduces the energy expended by your hand. Although hard filing will generate heat which may transfer to the customer’s nails.
Buffers and thick foam files allow you to press harder and the energy expended is transferred as heat that is absorbed by the foam or buffer. Buffers with fine grit ratings are especially suited to high gloss finishes.
File Shape
Rounded edges (Boomerangs, Harbour Bridge) enable efficient working around the cuticle area lowering the risk of cutting or irritating the cuticle.
Straight Edges are excellent for filing the free edge, side walls and lower arch as it makes it easier to get a nice straight shape.
Combinations of these are to allow technicians to have a file that can be used in multiple ways without switching files.
We have done the hard work for you by making the best Nail Files for the Nail Industry. These files are made using the same or better materials and in the same facilities as all the leading branded files!
How to clean your Files
and Duster Brush
- Rinse files and duster brush, scrubbing the file surface in warm soap and water, leave in for 2-3 minutes.
- Leave to dry, for example on a towel – or towel dry.
- Disinfect Duster Brush and each file on both sides with Isopropyl Alcohol Spray.
- Leave to dry.
- Store in closed bags or containers away from dust, so they won’t get contaminated before use.
Choosing Grit
80/80 grit
Heavy product removal.
100 grit
Reduce the length and shape side walls and free edge.
Do not use on newly applied acrylic.
150 grit
Use to file nail surface and to shape the whole nail.
Blend tips to the natural nail.
Remove any lifting.
Do not use on newly applied acrylic.
180 grit
Contour the whole nail.
Blend tips to the natural nail.
Remove any lifting.
Prep the natural nail.
Manicure to shorten or shape natural free edge.
Can be used with newly applied acrylic (sculpt with a brush and not a file).
240 grit
Prep nails especially before UV gel polish application.
Manicure to shorten or shape natural free edge.
Buffers
100 grit
Is ideal to buff the surface of an enhancement, to buff harsh lines and deeper imperfections. It is not advised to use 100 grit on newly applied acrylic product.
100/180 grit
The 100 grit Buffer eliminates scratches.
The other grit, being softer than 100 grit, it is ideal to buff the surface of a fresh gel enhancement, without too many harsh imperfections. A surface that is buffed with 180 grit is also the surface that is recommended for the gel topcoat to adhere to.
240 grit
This buffer is used to remove shine from the natural nail and eliminate sharp edges. When applying gel, acrylic or some gel polish brands it is necessary to achieve the correct bond between the products and the natural nail. We recommend to only remove the shine from the natural nail with a 240 grit. Even though 240 grit is fine you can still over file the natural nail, so do not file too many times over the surface with too much pressure. In order to get nail products to bind correctly on the natural nail, it is only necessary to carefully file the very top nail plate layers, where oil and non-living tissue can create a barrier between the natural nail and the product.
220/280 grit
Used during manicure treatments to eliminate ridges from natural nails.
Provides for a smooth, even surface prior to nail polish application.
Eliminates scratches on acrylic nails.
600/3000grit
Brings the whole shine up.
600 makes the shine.
3000 reveals the shine.
When using shining blocks at 3000 grit on artificial nails and natural nails, the polishing buffer wilk give a shiny “wet-look”. Be aware, that nail polish does not stick to a surface that has been polished to high shine with a waxy file. To apply polish to a surface that is highly polished, please use a 240 grit buffer to gently roughen the nail surface enabling a clean surface and for better adhesion.
Removing Gel Nails
Use a 180 grit file to break through the top layers that will enable the gel to be easily accessed by the soak off solvent.
Removing Acrylic Nails
Use a 100/180 grit file to shorten, shape or debulking.
Natural Nails
A 180 grit nail file should be used for shaping the natural nail edge.
If nails are very soft or damaged, a 240 grit file should be used.
We have done the hard work for you by making the best Nail Files for the Nail Industry. These files are made using the same or better materials and in the same facilities as all the leading branded files!
We have done the hard work for you by making the best Nail Files for the Nail Industry. These files are made using the same or better materials and in the same facilities as all the leading branded files!
