A Guide To Finish Filing HONA Gel System
Finish filing nails is one of the most debated steps in professional gel manicures. Whether you’re working with a soft builder gel or a hard gel system, knowing when to file (and when not to) is key to achieving a long-lasting, flawless finish.
At HONA, we’re always here to guide you with clear, practical advice based on our systems. Just like our prescriptive manicure ethos, it all starts with understanding your products and your client’s nail type. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach every nail and every product behaves differently. So let’s break down everything you need to know about finish filing, from a HONA perspective.
When Finish Filing Isn’t Recommended
Finish filing can cause more harm than good when working with softer, more flexible gel systems. These gels are designed to move with the natural nail, and over-filing can cause:
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Micro-fractures along the free edge
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Thinning of the gel layer
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Premature lifting, cracking or chipping
That’s why we don’t recommend finish filing when using:
HONA Gel Polish
For gel polish manicures without a builder layer, avoid finish filing unless you need to smooth a small imperfection at the free edge.
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Use only a 240 grit buffer for gentle smoothing
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Never use a nail file directly on the product
HONA TrueFoundation
As our most flexible builder gel, TrueFoundation is designed to move with the natural nail, making it ideal for clients with softer or bendy nails.
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Finish filing isn’t necessary and can risk breaking the bond between product and nail
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If you need to tidy the edge, lightly buff underneath the free edge with a 240 grit file
When Finish Filing is recommended
For more structured systems like TrueBuild and TrueSculpt, finish filing can actually enhance your results as long as it’s done correctly.
These gels are built with harder-wearing resin blends, giving them increased strength, stability and resistance to micro-cracks. That means light finish filing won’t affect adhesion or durability it will simply refine your structure and perfect your finish.
HONA TrueBuild
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Formulated with a strong flexible resin system
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Ideal for refining shape or perfecting structure
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Use a 180 grit file or a 100/180 buffer
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Focus filing under the free edge to smooth or contour
HONA TrueSculpt (Hard Gel System)
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As a full file-off hard gel, TrueSculpt is built to handle finish filing with ease
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It’s often part of your shaping process when refining structure or correcting apex lines
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You can confidently use a 150 or 180 grit file without compromising durability
Technique Tips: How to File Gel Nails Safely
Even when working with harder gels, how you file matters just as much as what you file.
Angle matters: Always file at a slight angle under the free edge to refine and prevent chipping
Gentle pressure: Avoid aggressive filing across the top surface it’s about refinement, not correction
Prep first: Proper nail prep and structure mean you’ll need less finish filing later
Finish filing should never be used to correct poor application it’s the final step in refining and perfecting your build.
Grit Guide for Finish Filing
| Product Type | System | Recommended Grit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel Polish | HONA Gel Polish | 240 Buffer | Only to smooth the free edge |
| Soft Builder Gel | HONA TrueFoundation | 240–180 Buffer | Light buffing under the free edge only |
| Builder Gel in a Bottle | HONA TrueBuild | 180–100 | Suitable for refining and shaping |
| Hard Gel | HONA TrueSculpt | 180–150 | Can be fully finish filed for shape refinement |
Finish Filing FAQs
Can you file gel nails after curing?
Yes, you can file gel nails after curing when using harder systems like TrueBuild or TrueSculpt. For softer gels like TrueFoundation or gel polish, avoid filing as it can cause lifting.
What grit file should I use for finish filing?
It depends on the gel type. TrueBuild and TrueSculpt can handle 180–150 grit files
Should I finish file before or after top coat?
Always finish file before top coating. Once the surface and free edge are refined, apply your top coat for a smooth, sealed finish.
Why does HONA focus so much on technique?
Our prescriptive manicure approach is built on understanding how each product performs. Knowing when to file, how to prep, and what tools to use ensures lasting results for every client.
Final Thoughts
The key takeaway? The harder the gel, the more freedom you have to finish file but only when it’s done with care and intention.
While our TrueFoundation and Gel Polish systems are best left untouched after curing, TrueBuild and TrueSculpt give you the flexibility to refine, smooth and perfect your finish without compromising wear.
At HONA, we believe in understanding the “why” behind every step. Guided by our prescriptive manicure approach, finish filing isn’t about correcting mistakes it’s about refining perfection through knowledge, skill and the right product choice.
To learn more about structure and technique, explore our Prescriptive Manicure Guide or our Perfecting Your Prep blog for expert insights.