EFILES - Articles

E-file Extraordinaire

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:00:00 PST

Step-by-steps for doing a backfill, smoothing calluses, surface shaping, and natural nail work. Plus, e-file tips and tricks.

Reverse Application Step-by-Step

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:00:00 PST

Reduce your time doing colored acrylic fills by using this "Reverse Application" method.

Remove Filing Dust at the Source

Mon, 1 Sep 2008 12:00:00 PST

Medicool's new Mani-Vac vacuum system removes nail dust and debris from the work area while you file.

Prepared for Repairs?

Mon, 1 Sep 2008 12:00:00 PST

Gel lamps, pedicure thrones and e-files are vital to your business. So what do you do if they go on the blink? Dealing with a major equipment malfunction shouldn't force you to shutter up the shop. Be proactive with this handy guide.

Mastering Colored Gel Fills

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:00:00 PST

Amy Becker of Masterworks Innovations explains how she does a colored gel fill.

Make a Little Change

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 12:00:00 PST

Mix it up and try some bold, new colors for a change! Yes, polish can be changed easily and often, but changing colored acrylics can be done quickly and easily too.

The Bit That Fits

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 12:00:00 PST

Electric file bits come in tons of different shapes and sizes to fill every filing need. But where do you start? If you’re not familiar with the variety of bits that are out there, seeing some of the more unique shapes might make you wonder just what they can be used for. We’ve collected a variety of basic bits — and some of the more obscure — to help you find the perfect bit for every job.

Protection for E-File Users

Thu, 1 May 2008 12:00:00 PST

It’s most important to wear a mask when filing artifi cial nails. “Especially if you use an electric file,” says Schoon.

Vicki Peters Demonstrates the VP Safety Bit

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 12:00:00 PST

Vicki Peters has redesigned the popular VP Safety bit for full nail contouring and cuticle work.

Medicool Pro Touch 1000 Electric Callus Filing

Tue, 1 Jan 2008 12:00:00 PST

Medicool's Pro Touch 1000 electric pedicure file diminishes strain on techs’ elbows, shoulders, and wrists caused by conventional foot paddles, and comes complete with specially designed tools for every pedicure procedure.

Styling the Stiletto by Greg Salo of Young Nails

Thu, 1 Nov 2007 12:00:00 PST

So what’s the deal with the stiletto nail? “I really love doing this nail because it’s such a sexy shape,” says Greg. “It helps elongate the fingers.”

Safe Electric Filing Is a Technique that Takes Time

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 12:00:00 PST

But once you have, using an electric file will become habit — a safe one.

The Electric File Is Our Friend

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 12:00:00 PST

It’s hard to overcome a history of adversity, but today’s electric files have come a long way, baby. With some patience and practice, techs can get a lot of help from this handy tool.

What should I look for when buying an electric file?

Wed, 1 Aug 2007 12:00:00 PST

Ask yourself a few questions first, like how often you'll use it to what services you'll use it for.

What Bits to Start With

Fri, 1 Jun 2007 12:00:00 PST

Choosing new bits can be such a confusing and overwhelming decision when first starting out because we have so many choices.

The Electric File Extraordinaire

Fri, 1 Jun 2007 12:00:00 PST

Become a nail-service superhero with super-human abilities when you master these 16 uses for your electric file. They’ll help you battle fatigue, decrease service time, and create crazy nail art.

How do I reassure my clients that my electric filing is safe?

Tue, 1 May 2007 12:00:00 PST

My teaching has taken me all over the world, most recently to Amsterdam to teach electric filing techniques. I was asked a question that is quite universal, “How do I reassure my clients that my electric filing is safe?”

Electric File Sanitation

Sun, 1 Apr 2007 12:00:00 PST

There is a specific protocol in cleaning your electric file bits so you can offer a sanitary nail service when using your electric file. You should treat your bits the same as your metal implements and adopt the same procedures for sanitation and disinfection.

Learning to Use an Electric File Safely

Thu, 1 Mar 2007 12:00:00 PST

For the novice tech, learning how to use an electric file safely takes practice. Here are a few pointers on balancing the electric file so you can become more comfortable and confident about adding electric filing to your services.

How do you complete a backfill when hand filing? How can you trench out a new smile line with a file?

Thu, 1 Feb 2007 12:00:00 PST

I serviced a new client with a set of pink-and-whites. She said she doesn’t like the electric file and wanted me to hand file. After I completed her service she made an appointment for her two-week backfill. How do you complete a backfill when hand filing? How can you trench out a new smile line with a file? Is this possible?

What is the difference between 3/32 or 1/8 or even 3/8 when talking about drill bits?

Thu, 1 Feb 2007 12:00:00 PST

Those sizes are the thickness of the shank sizes for electric file bits, not the level of grit coarseness.

Finding Your Electric File

Thu, 1 Jun 2006 12:00:00 PST

Electric nail file machines come in all shapes and sizes (not to mention colors and maximum RPM). With all these options, the possibilities can be overwhelming. To help you find your ideal file, we've rounded up a variety of machines and highlighted specifications of interest: from ergonomic handpieces to volt-change capabilities to battery operation.

How do you help restore the nail bed after a drill has been used on it leaving "rings of fire"?

Thu, 1 Jun 2006 12:00:00 PST

What can be done when a client suffers the painful grooves in her nail from improper drill ulse?

Is there a certain technique for drilling out pink-and-white?

Sat, 1 Apr 2006 12:00:00 PST

I use a French drill bit to rebalance my pink-and-whites. Is there a certain technique for drilling it out — for instance is there a certain angle? Do I do short nail beds and long nail beds the same way?

Why won't gel nails stay on my client?

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 12:00:00 PST

This client, a homemaker and nail biter, seemed a logical candidate for gels. But I can't get them to stay on!

Electric File FAQ - What you most want to know about electric files

Wed, 1 Jun 2005 12:00:00 PST

In the spirit of "there are no stupid questions," we rounded up the ones we hear most frequently about the electric file.

How to Use Kupa Bits for Backfills

Fri, 1 Apr 2005 12:00:00 PST

Kupa has created a bit that makes backfills easier and faster.

How do I know which electric file bit to use for which purpose?

Fri, 1 Apr 2005 12:00:00 PST

Are all those bit sizes really necessary? How many do I actually need in my toolbox?

I'm having a hard time control my electric file. I'm scared of cutting the client or having the drill kick under. How do I get more comfortable?

Wed, 1 Dec 2004 12:00:00 PST

I have been doing nails for about a year now and I am having such a hard time getting used to using an electric file. My problem is with control. Basically I can’t go over the surface of the nail because I am too scared of cutting the client or having the drill kick under and over the nail. I don’t know what I should do to get more comfortable using it.

What are important things to consider when buying an electric file for the first time?

Sun, 1 Aug 2004 12:00:00 PST

Buy the best machine your budget will allow and get it from a reputable company that offers service and support.

Has the Dust Settled on Electric Files?

Tue, 1 Jun 2004 12:00:00 PST

For years, electric files have allowed nail techs to cut their service time, yet they’ve also gotten negative reviews from clients and the nail industry alike. Are they still getting a bad rap or are electric files finally making a positive groove in the industry?

Keep Your Electric File in Shape

Thu, 1 Jan 2004 12:00:00 PST

You need to give your drill some TLC if you want it to last a long time — and do its job properly. Keeping it clean and dust-free are the first steps to keeping an electric file in good condition.

Electric Filing Techniques: Finishing a Nail

Sat, 1 Feb 2003 12:00:00 PST

An electric file is the perfect tool to use on a nail when you’re trying to achieve a smooth, finished look.

Electric Filing Techniques: Backfills

Sat, 1 Feb 2003 12:00:00 PST

Doing a backfill with an electric file can help you achieve faster and more accurate results.

Electric Filing Techniques: Working on the Natural Nail

Sat, 1 Feb 2003 12:00:00 PST

As long as it’s done properly and with the right tools, an electric file on the natural nail can be just as safe as a regular nail file.

Electric Filing Techniques: Repairing a Crack

Sat, 1 Feb 2003 12:00:00 PST

Cracks appear too often on acrylic nails, but with the help of an electric file they can easily be removed.

Electric Filing Techniques: Prepping for a Full Set

Sat, 1 Feb 2003 12:00:00 PST

Getting the nails ready for a full set is one of the most important steps in artificial nail application.

Electric Filing Techniques: Removing Lifted Acrylic

Sat, 1 Feb 2003 12:00:00 PST

Using an electric file to remove lifted product will greatly reduce the time spent on this common repair.

Electric Filing Avenues

Sat, 1 Feb 2003 12:00:00 PST

Safety, how to go about purchasing an electric file, and other helpful tips are important things to keep in mind when it comes to drills. Not only will you be up to date, it’ll also assure clients you’re giving them the best service possible.

Learning the ABCs of Electric Filing

Sat, 1 Feb 2003 12:00:00 PST

Investing in an electric file means knowing how to properly use it — and that means getting the right education. Here,we show you where to go and why it’s important to keep learning.

How do I use a drill with a sanding band and avoid damage to the nail plate?

Fri, 1 Feb 2002 12:00:00 PST

Sanding bands are probably not the best choice for the natural nail. The barrel shape makes them hard to hold

The Making of an Electric File

Sun, 1 Jul 2001 12:00:00 PST

What exactly goes into making the time-saving tool favored by so many nail techs?

What’s the best way to deal with fill lines? It seems to me the best way to get rid of them is to replace the whole acrylic nail.

Fri, 1 Dec 2000 12:00:00 PST

What’s the best way to deal with fill lines? It seems to me the best way to get rid of them is to replace the whole acrylic nail.

Is it possible for natural nails to be permanently damaged if a drill is used on them?

Wed, 1 Nov 2000 12:00:00 PST

Is it possible for natural nails to be permanently damaged if a drill is used on them? Only if you're careless.

Carbide Bit Basics

Sun, 1 Oct 2000 12:00:00 PST

Manufacturing electric file bits with tungsten carbide creates long-lasting and extra-durable bits.

How do you do a backfill without using a drill?

Thu, 1 Apr 1999 12:00:00 PST

Can you do a proper backfill without an electric file?