How to Care for Your Press-On Nails
How to Care for Your Press-On Nails
Reusable for life with proper care. Here is what proper care actually looks like.
YUMMICLAWS press-on nails are made from soft acrylic with a gel polish finish. Both materials are durable, but like any handmade item they respond to how they are treated. A set that is removed carefully, cleaned after each wear, and stored properly will stay in good condition across many wears. A set that is left in a bag, stored with adhesive still on the back, or exposed to prolonged heat may not last as long.
The five habits below take a few minutes total after each wear. They are what keep your sets looking the way they did when they arrived.
Five Habits for Long-Lasting Sets
1. Remove correctly every time
The soak method is the only removal approach we recommend. Warm water, a few drops of oil, and 10 to 15 minutes of soaking releases the adhesive cleanly without stress to the nail surface. Peeling or forcing nails off is the fastest way to shorten the life of a set. See our removal guide for the full step-by-step.
2. Remove all glue from the back of each nail
After removal, check the inner surface of each press-on for glue residue. Use the nail file from your kit to gently buff the back of the nail until it feels smooth. Work in light strokes. This step matters because leftover glue creates an uneven surface that affects how well the next application sits.
3. Clean the nail surface
Wipe the top surface of each press-on with a dry cloth or cotton pad to remove any oils, dust, or moisture from wear. If there is any visible residue on the gel surface, use a damp cloth rather than any solvent or alcohol on the painted surface. The gel finish on YUMMICLAWS nails is durable but prolonged exposure to solvents will dull it over time.
4. Store in the original box
The YUMMICLAWS box is the best place to store your sets between wears. It keeps nails flat, protected from dust, and away from direct sunlight or heat. In Malaysia and Singapore, avoid leaving boxes in cars or near windows for extended periods. Prolonged heat can cause soft acrylic to warp slightly over time.
5. Keep sets dry before storage
Make sure nails are completely dry before placing them back in the box. Storing damp nails can affect the gel finish and the inner surface over multiple wears. A few minutes of air drying after cleaning is enough.
What to Avoid
- Do not use acetone directly on the painted surface of the press-on
- Do not store nails loose in a bag where they can knock against hard items
- Do not peel adhesive off the back with sharp tools as this can scratch the inner surface
- Do not expose sets to prolonged direct heat or sunlight during storage
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I reuse a YUMMICLAWS set?
YUMMICLAWS press-on nails are designed to be reusable for life with proper care. The key factors are how carefully you remove them each time and how well you clean and store them between wears. Sets that are treated well can be worn many times over.
The gel finish on one nail looks dull after a few wears. What happened?
Most commonly this is caused by contact with solvents, acetone, or harsh cleaning products during wear. Applying a thin layer of clear gel top coat or nail gloss can restore the shine on the surface.
Can I apply a top coat over my YUMMICLAWS nails?
Yes. A clear gel top coat or regular top coat applied lightly over the surface can extend the life of the finish and add extra gloss. Avoid getting top coat on the skin around the nail.
One of my nails has a small chip. Can I still wear the set?
Yes. A small chip on the surface does not affect wearability. You can touch it up with a matching gel polish or clear top coat, or simply continue wearing the set as is.
Is it okay to wear the same set back to back without washing the nails?
We recommend a quick clean between wears. Removing oils and glue residue from the back ensures the next application is as secure as the first.