Professional nail files and buffers in every grit from 100 to 3000: STALEKS papmAm disposable files and abrasive tapes for metal bases, mineral and foam files, buffers and polishing files from Kodi and DARK. For natural and artificial nails, in the salon and at home.
The right nail file decides how quickly you shape the nail and how smooth the result will be. A coarse file shortens gel extensions in seconds, while a fine file seals the edge of a natural nail without splitting it. This collection brings together disposable papmAm files with reusable bases, classic mineral and foam files, buffers and polishers. Every abrasive states its grit, so you can build a set for gel and acrylic work, for natural manicure or for the final shine.
The grit number tells you how coarse the abrasive is: the lower the number, the coarser the file. 80–100 grit is for shortening and shaping gel, acrylic and acrygel nails. 150–180 grit is the universal choice for shaping, filing the free edge and removing the top layer of gel polish. 240 grit and finer is gentle enough for natural nails and for smoothing the surface before coating. Buffers and polishers from 600 to 3000 grit polish the nail plate to a natural shine. Double-sided files such as 100/180 or 180/240 combine two grits in one tool, so you can shape and refine without changing files.
The STALEKS papmAm system separates the base from the abrasive. You keep a metal, plastic or wooden base and replace only the adhesive file after each client. That is the most hygienic solution and also an economical one. Bases come in a straight shape (EXPERT 20) and a crescent shape (EXPERT 40), with matching adhesive files in grits from 100 to 240. Replacement adhesive files are also available for the short EXPERT 51 file. Files on a foam layer are softer and adapt to the curve of the nail, which suits natural nails and fine work. Disposable abrasive tape in a plastic case is a quick refill for straight bases: pull out a fresh piece and cut it to length. For larger volumes, there are also fully disposable papmAm files and wooden-base files sold in packs, and a disposable manicure set with a file, a buffer and an orange stick.
Classic files are ready to use right away. Mineral files have an abrasive layer on a firm core and are suitable for gel and natural nails. Foam files from DARK are flexible and gentle, and come in half-moon and oval shapes. Straight and crescent files from Kodi cover the range from 100/150 for extensions to 240/240 for natural nails. Buffers smooth ridges and prepare the nail surface before base coat, and mini buffers in large packs are practical as one per client. High-grit polishers and polishing files, such as 600/3000 or 800/3000, give natural nails a glossy finish without polish.
For machine work with gel and acrygel, combine files with nail drill bits. After filing, remove dust with a dust brush so that it does not get trapped under the gel polish. You will find pedicure discs and their disposable files among the pedicure tools, and nippers, pushers and other instruments under manicure tools.
What grit should a nail file have for gel nails?
For shortening and shaping gel or acrylic nails, use 100 or 150 grit. For refining the shape and removing the top layer of gel polish, 180 grit works well. Finish with 240 grit or a buffer for a smooth surface.
What is a papmAm file and how is it used?
It is a STALEKS system where an adhesive abrasive is stuck onto a reusable metal, plastic or wooden base. After use, you peel off the abrasive and apply a new one. The base stays the same, so each client gets a fresh file.
What is the difference between a straight and a crescent nail file?
A straight file is versatile and well suited to filing the free edge and the sides of the nail. A crescent file follows the natural curve of the nail and makes it easier to shape almond and oval nails.
What is the difference between a buffer and a polisher?
A buffer has a medium grit and smooths ridges, unevenness and the surface before base coat. A polisher has a very fine grit, often 600 to 3000, and polishes the nail plate to a glossy finish.
Which nail file is best for natural nails?
A file with 180–240 grit is the most gentle, ideally on a foam layer. File in one direction from the side towards the centre to prevent the nail from splitting. A polisher can add shine at the end.
