Press-Ons Anwendung

Press-Ons Application

💅 The real game-changer for long-lasting wear? Thorough preparation. Take a few quiet minutes for this – your future self (and your nails) will thank you. Good prep isn't an extra, it's the foundation.

What you need

  • LumiCat Press-Ons (everything for at least 1 application included)

From your manicure kit

Preparation

Select sizes
Choose the right press-on size for each nail and lay them out. It's easiest if you sort them side by side for each hand. If you have already prepared your sizes in your Nail Storage Box, you can simply skip this step.

 

Preparing natural nails

Shorten (optional)
Neatly shape your natural nails to your desired form. For maximum durability, I recommend keeping them rather short – the less free nail edge, the less leverage, and the better the hold.

1. Push back cuticles
Gently push back your cuticles with the rosewood stick and remove invisible skin residue on the nail plate. This ensures a completely clear adhesive surface and prevents lifting at the edges (when the press-ons slightly detach).

You can keep the rosewood stick for later removal.
2. Lightly roughen natural nails
Lightly buff the nail surface with a fine file or buffer until the shine disappears. Important: Only roughen the surface – do not apply pressure or file the nail thinner.
3. Degrease natural nails
Thoroughly clean each nail with the cleaning wipe (alcohol pad). Dust, moisture, and grease must be completely removed – an absolutely clean, dry surface is crucial for a strong hold. Make sure to let your natural nails dry, as alcohol can damage many plastics, such as press-ons.

 

Applying Press-Ons

Adhesive Tabs (My Recommendation! 💖)

This is the method I personally use and love. It's gentle on your natural nails, provides a super strong hold when applied correctly, and allows you to reuse the nails.

4. Apply adhesive tabs
Choose the appropriate adhesive tab for each nail. You can also cut tabs or combine several ("puzzle") so you can really use all sizes.
Leave about 0.5 mm space towards the nail bed so you can precisely position the press-on later. Press the tab firmly.
You can work nail by nail – or, if you're experienced, prepare them all at once. This saves time and is quicker than you think.

4.1. Remove film
Peel off the protective film – either with your fingers or nail art tweezers.
If you've cut tabs, this can be a bit fiddly – tweezers help here, but aren't essential.
5. Attach Press-Ons

Place the press-on at a 45° angle at the nail bed and slowly tilt it forward. Then press it evenly for 10–20 seconds (really important!), especially at the edges.

And done – ready to go. ✹

 

Liquid Glue

I'll be honest with you: I've never used liquid glue. The theory is simple (glue on nail & press-on, press, done), but I personally love the flexibility of adhesive tabs. Because with liquid nail glue, you probably won't be able to reuse the press-ons (due to glue residue). However, many users use and love nail glue because it lasts significantly longer than adhesive tabs.

  • My tip: If you want to use glue, check out tutorials from other creators who specialize in it. Be meticulous about not trapping any air bubbles (risk of greenies!). And don't use too much nail glue to prevent it from oozing out the sides.

Acrylic Gel / Polygel

Here I must issue a warning . I do NOT recommend this method for my press-ons.

  • The risk: Since many press-ons (especially with designs) are not transparent enough, the UV light may not fully cure the gel underneath. (This works better with transparent tips.)
  • The consequence: Uncured material on the nail can cause severe contact allergies! Moreover, air bubbles often form. Safety first! ☝

Therefore, I do not offer acrylic gel / polygel.

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