Can You Use PolyGel As Glue For Press-On Nails?

When you buy press-on nails, they often come with nail glue or double-sided adhesive tapes that you can use to attach them to your nails. 

But what if you lost them? Or maybe you’re reusing your press-on nails and have already used the double-sided tapes? AND… you’re out of nail glue!

Can you use PolyGel as glue for press-on nails?

The short answer here is yes, you can use PolyGel as glue for most press-on nails. However, it may not work for all press-ons. That’s because PolyGel needs UV light to cure. And if your press-on nails are too opaque, the light won’t shine through the paint and it won’t cure. 

Although there is a limitation to your use of PolyGel as a glue, there are alternatives you might want to try to attach your press on nails. 

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PolyGel 101

To fully understand why you can and cannot use PolyGel as a glue for your press-on nails, we first have to know what exactly is PolyGel and how it works.

PolyGel was previously created by nail technicians by mixing clear gel and acrylic powder. However, nowadays, there are commercial PolyGels available in the market for everyone to use, such as the one by Beetles shown above. 

This artificial nail product combines acrylic and gel to get the benefits out of the two products. With this, you get the strength and durability of acrylics plus the elasticity of gel nails. 

Usually, PolyGels  are sold in tubes and are already pre-mixed. They are easy to use and shape because of their consistency which is similar to putty. 

Prepping the Nails For PolyGels

To use PolyGel, the nails must first be prepped. They are cleaned and debris is removed. 

Depending on the kit you buy, you may be asked to use a dehydrator, primer, and gel base coat on the nail first.

The gel base coat is usually cured under UV or LED light. 

A pea-sized amount of PolyGel is placed on the nail and shaped with a brush that’s dipped in slip solution. This way, you get to sculpt the PolyGel into the shape and length that you’d want before curing it under the UV or LED light. 

Alternatively, you can also make use of dual forms. With these, you place a small amount of PolyGel on the dual forms before placing it on the nails that have been prepped.

The PolyGel spreads over the natural nail and any excess will be removed. 

A clip can be used to make sure that the form doesn’t move. This also ensures that there are no bubbles that form while curing. After which, it is exposed to UV or LED light for curing. 

The dual form is popped off and the PolyGel is shaped and buffed. It then receives a gel top coat that also gets cured under the UV or LED light.

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Can You Use PolyGel As Glue For Press-On Nails?

If you decide to use PolyGel as glue for press-on nails, it can work well. If your press-on nails are not painted at all before application, you’re all set. But if your press-ons are painted an opaque color already, it will definitely not cure.

If you decide to use PolyGel as glue for press-on nails, it can work well. If your press-on nails are not painted at all before application, you’re all set. But if your press-ons are painted an opaque color already, it will definitely not cure.

You need to prep the nails properly first for the PolyGel to adhere to them. Then you’ll need to spread a small amount of the PolyGel underneath the press-on nail. 

Once you’ve placed this on your natural nail, you may use a clip to make sure that the press-on stays in place while curing.

The only difference here is that you don’t pop off the press-on nail, because it sticks to your nail. 

When the PolyGel cures under UV or LED light, it hardens and holds the press-on nail so it sticks to your natural nails. Although it is possible to use PolyGel as a glue for press on nails, you can encounter some problems.

When the PolyGel cures under UV or LED light, it hardens and holds the press-on nail so it sticks to your natural nails.

As mentioned above, the PolyGel needs exposure to UV or LED light for it to cure properly. 

Sometimes, it may not cure at all because pre-painted press on nails will block the light. In that case, the press on nails won’t attach to your natural nails at all. 

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What Can You Use To Apply Press On Nails

1. Press-On Nail Adhesive Tabs

Press-on nails are popular nowadays because of how simple they are to apply and remove. This is because most of them are attached using double-sided tapes 

The tapes are precut and may already be included in the kit. If not, you could still buy them separately. You should stock up on this especially if you plan on reusing your press on nails. 

2. Nail Glue

If you want your press-on nails to last longer, nail glue is one of the best products that you should use. No products found. is very durable and could make the press-on nail stick to your natural nails for a week or more. 

3. Acrylic Mixture

Another alternative that you could use is an acrylic mixture. This is the mixture of liquid and powder that is used to create acrylic nails. Acrylic nails are durable and the bond that it will create between your nails and the press on nails is also strong.

The acrylic  mixture doesn’t need to be exposed to UV or LED light. They cure on their own upon exposure to air once you mix the two components.

This is a great option for those using opaque press-on nails.

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Conclusion

If you want to use PolyGel to attach press-ons, you can, as long as the nails are not painted or just clear-coated. If they’re clear, the light will cure the PolyGel through the press-on material.

But if they’re opaque, the polish will block the light from curing the PolyGel, and your nails won’t stick.