| How to Apply Gum Gel Posted: 17 Jul 2021 05:00 PM PDT Gum gel, also known as polygel, is a relatively new innovation in the world of nails. It's a thicker substance that you sculpt on to the nail kind of like putty or tacky glue. The advantage of using gum gel is that it's much easier to control the thickness of your nails and it can be modified to create a matte or glossy finish. Gum gel can be kind of awkward to use, but you'll quickly get used to working with it. Keep in mind, when you buy gum gel it should come with a bottle of adhesive base coat. You cannot apply the gum gel without using a gum gel adhesive designed specifically for that brand's product. [Edit]Cleaning Your Nails - Remove any old nail polish or gel coats. You must apply the gum gel to a natural nail, so grab some polish remover, acetone, or rubbing alcohol and wipe your nails clean. If you have any press-on nails, soak them in hot water and peel them off. Thoroughly wipe each nail before washing your hands and letting them air dry.[1]
- Gum gel will generally last 2-4 weeks depending on how thick you apply it and how clean your nails are when you put it on. This is why cleaning your nails thoroughly is so important.
- Clean and push your cuticles to remove the dead skin. Grab an orangewood stick or a cuticle tool and hold it like a pencil. Gently press against your cuticle to push it and expose any dead skin hiding near the base of your nail. Then, use an orangewood stick, flat scraper blade, or curette to gently scrape away any dead skin. Take 5-10 minutes to really clean all of your cuticles out.[2]
- Wipe your nails clean with a clean, dry brush to remove any dead skin. Thoroughly clean a makeup brush by washing it out and letting it air dry. Alternatively, grab a brand new brush. Wipe each nail by brushing back and forth along the tips of your fingers. Brush each individual finger 4-5 times to knock away any dirt, residue, or dead skin that's hanging on your nails.[3]
- You can file your nails after doing this if you really want some strong adhesion, but it's not mandatory.
[Edit]Adding the Adhesive Base Coat - Brush your nails with the gel gum base coat. Unscrew the cap on the gum gel base coat. Rub the bristles on the cap's brush against the inside of the bottle to knock off any excess base coat fluid. Carefully apply the base coat to your nails using wide, straight strokes to cover the middle of the nail. Then, gently outline the back of your nail using a single circular stroke. Do your best to keep the base coat off of your skin.[4]
- Repeat this process for each of your nails.
- You don't need a thick layer of base coat, but you do need to cover each portion of the nail.
- If you do get base coat on your skin, use a cleanser or wet wipe to rub away the adhesive fluid before it dries.
- Cure the base coat under a UV lamp for 30 seconds. Turn a UV lamp on and slide your fingers underneath the light. Let your nails cure for 30 seconds to give the base coat time to stiffen and adhere to your nails. The base coat will still be tacky and sticky when you take your fingers out, so avoid touching your nails.[5]
- You can usually use an LED lamp for this adhesive as well, but check the label on your gum gel base coat just to make sure. Typically, you can hold your nails under an LED lamp for 15-20 seconds to cure the base coat.
- Unfortunately, you cannot apply gum gel nails if you don't have a UV or LED lamp.
- Apply a second layer of the base coat if you want extra adhesion. It's entirely optional, but adding an additional base coat will make your gum gel nails last even longer. If you don't want to do your nails again after a few weeks, feel free to repeat this process and apply another layer of base coat to your nails. Cure them under the UV lamp the same way you cured the first coat.[6]
- Gum gel nails typically last 2-4 weeks, but they may last a little longer if you use a second base coat.
[Edit]Creating the Gum Gel Nails - Place a thick drop of gum gel in the middle of your first nail. Squeeze the tube firmly to slowly push out a pea-sized dollop of the gum gel. Place the gum gel on to the tip of an orangewood stick. Then, use the tip of your stick to carefully wipe the gem gel off of the stick and on to the middle of your first nail. Gently tap the gum gel down using the broad side of the stick to flatten it out a little.[7]
- This is where the oddity of gum gel will really become apparent. The gum gel itself is a thick, putty-like substance. It can be molded, shaped, and pushed around, but it's kind of a weird substance to work with. Don't worry—you'll get better at working with it as you continue to get practice.
- It's kind of hard to figure out how much gum gel you need for each nail. Don't worry if you get it wrong the first time. You can always add more gum gel to a nail or scoop some excess gel off.
- This stuff is pretty dense, so it can take a bit of pressure to squeeze the gum gel out of the tube.
- Dip a small nail brush into some cleanser or isopropyl alcohol. Take a clean nail brush and dip it into some liquid cleanser. Blot the brush on a paper towel to wipe the excess cleanser off. Get the brush damp, but not soaking wet. The cleanser will temporarily soften the gum gel and make it easier to work around, so reload your brush whenever the gum gel starts hardening.[8]
- Tap the gum gel down using the damp brush to spread it out. Hold the brush at a 10- to 20-degree angle and repeatedly tap the top of the gum gel. Continue doing this until the gum gel flattens out around the middle of the nail. Stop once the gum gel gets within of the skin on the sides of your finger.[9]
- This may be a little hard to do your first time working with gum gel, but try to keep the gum gel thicker in the middle of the nail and thinner around the edges of the nail.
- Brush the gum gel around to shape it to your nail. Use the nail brush to sculpt the gel on your nail. You can hold the bristles perpendicular to the gel and move it from above to make minor adjustments, or push the gum gel around faster by spreading the gel with the brush at a 25- to 35-degree angle. Take your time to work the gel up through the tip of your nail and towards the back of the nail near you cuticle.[10]
- You may be tempted to use a stiffer tool to force the gum gel around, but this will make it harder to get an even texture. You're much better off taking a little more time to spread it out evenly with the brush.
- If you run out of gel, push out a small drop of gum on to your orangewood stick and rub it off on the area where you need more gum gel.
- Reload your brush with cleanser or isopropyl alcohol as needed to keep it damp and make the gum gel easier to work with.
- Touch up the edges of the nail and remove any gel that gets on your skin. Use the tip of your brush to push small amounts of the gel around the edge of your cuticle. Carefully spread the gel out around the edges of the nail and coat the underside of the free edge if you have one. If you get any gum gel on your skin, scrape the gel up with your orangewood stick or cuticle tool and wipe the area with a cleansing wipe.[11]
- The gum gel won't start to dry until you cure it under a lamp, so you have plenty of time to spread it out, touch the sides of the nail up, or remove it from your skin.
- Repeat this process to add the gel to the rest of your nails. Once you've finished your first nail, continue this process until you've covered each of your nails. Scoop up a small dollop of gum gel, apply it to the center of your nail, and spread it around with your brush. This may take you 20-30 minutes, but the finished product will look incredible![12]
- One of the benefits of gum gel is that you have total control over the thickness of the nail. You can build your nails up for a thicker look, or use a thinner amount to create a smoother acrylic style.
- Cure your nails under a UV lamp for 2 minutes. Once your nails are completely covered, slide them under a UV lamp for 2 minutes. This will cure the gum gel and adhere it to your nails. Your nails will still be a little sticky after they've cured, but this is entirely normal. Don't cure them under the lamp for more than 2 minutes to get this stickiness off.[13]
- If the label on your gum gel notes that you can use an LED lamp, hold the nails under the lamp for 60 seconds.
- Wipe your nails with a cleanser wipe to remove the sticky layer. To remove the sticky layer on the surface of the gum gel, grab a cleanser wipe. Gently rub the surface of each nail with the wipe to erode the tacky texture on the top of the gum gel. This will leave a beautiful matte look behind and leave your nails with a smooth finish.[14]
- When you're done, you can leave the nails as they are for a matte finish. Alternatively, you can cover the nails in a standard clear coat to add some sheen and make them look glossy. It's really up to you!
- You can remove the gum gel at any time using a file and cuticle tool to scrape the gum gel off.
- There aren't a lot of companies that make gum gel products. If you can't find it at a beauty supply store, look online. Most of the manufacturers are based in the United Kingdom and may ship internationally.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Gum gel
- Gum gel base coat
- Orangewood stick
- Cuticle tool
- Liquid cleanser
- Cleanser wipe
- UV or LED lamp
- Isopropyl alcohol (optional)
- File (optional)
[Edit]References |
| How to Increase the Range of Your Wifi Posted: 17 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT It's always such a pain if you're trying to browse the Internet but can't connect to your wifi network. A lot of things can affect your wifi's signal and range, but luckily there are some really easy fixes you can try. We'll start with some simple changes you can make to your router's placement and settings and move on to some other devices that can help boost your signal! [Edit]Place your router in a central location. - Routers near exterior walls won't have as much range and coverage. Try to put your router in a main area of your home so it's unobstructed and able to send a strong signal in all directions. Run a long ethernet cable to the wall port or modem to plug it back in.[1]
- When you first get your router, the technician setting it up will usually help you find the most effective spot to keep it.
- If you mainly use wifi in a media room, try placing the router there instead so you have the strongest, most consistent signal.
- In a 2-story home, keep the router on the first floor close to the ceiling so your entire home gets the best signal.
[Edit]Keep the router on a shelf. - Routers send signals better to things that are below them. Routers aren't great at sending signals upward, so look for a place that's elevated off the ground to keep your router. Somewhere like a countertop or top shelf of a bookcase both work great for routers. Make sure your router is only surrounded by open air so it doesn't overheat and provides the strongest wifi. [2]
[Edit]Move objects away from your router. - Anything between your router and device weakens your signal. Objects that cause the most interference with your wifi network include concrete, metal, cordless phones, and microwaves. Even wood, water, and brick can absorb your wifi signal and reduce the range. When you're placing your router, avoid putting it on the floor, next to a window, or near an exterior wall. Check that there's nothing directly next to the router so you don't weaken the signal.[3]
- Avoid storing your router inside of a closed cabinet.
- Whenever you use wifi, keep any doors open between you and the router to help improve your signal.
[Edit]Point the antennas up. - Try this for more even coverage if your router has external antennas. Antennas help direct your wifi signal, but you'll get less strength in any other direction. Bend the antenna so it points straight up to make the signal spread evenly throughout your home. If that doesn't work, just try turning the antenna toward the weak spot to see if the range improves.[4]
- If your router doesn't have an external antenna, you may be able to buy one and plug it into your router to help improve the signal. Check electronics stores or online to see what's available.
[Edit]Disconnect unused devices. - The devices connected to the Internet use up your router's bandwidth. Make sure all of the devices you aren't using are completely turned off so they're not eating up your wifi signal. When you're finished, try connecting to your wifi again to see if you get better performance.[5]
- You can also log in to your router on a computer to see all of the connected devices and remove the ones you don't want on the network.
- If you don't recognize the devices connected to your router, someone else may have logged into your wifi and is using your Internet. Remove the devices and immediately change to a stronger password.[6]
[Edit]Change to a 2.4 GHz frequency. - A 2.4 GHz frequency passes through walls easier and increases range. Most routers have 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies that you can connect to separately. Check the available wifi networks your device can connect to and select the one labeled "2.4." If you don't see it listed, log into your router settings on a web browser using the address on the back of your machine. Manually change the frequency to 2.4 GHz for more reliable speeds and range.[7]
- While 5 GHz gives you a stronger signal, it doesn't travel through walls or ceilings as well, so it doesn't give you the best range.
[Edit]Change the wifi channel. - Other nearby wifi networks can cause interference on the same channel. Log into your router on a browser window using the IP address on the back or bottom of the machine. Look through the settings for the wireless channel information. Look through the list of available channels and select a different one than the one you're currently connected to. Test using your device again to see if there's a noticeable improvement to your wifi. Try the rest of the channels on the list to see which one works the best for you.[8]
- The location of the channel menu depends on the router you're using.
- Your router will usually try to connect to the strongest channel automatically.
- You can run a wireless scan on your computer to find the channels that are the strongest.[9]
[Edit]Update your router's firmware. - Firmware updates might improve your router's overall performance. Search online for your router's model to see if there are any updates listed on the manufacturer's website. If you find an update, log in to your router on a new browser window and find an option labeled "Firmware Updates" or something similar. Install the file on your router and let it update completely before trying out your wifi again.[10]
[Edit]Try rebooting your router. - A hard restart refreshes your router so it works better. Turn off the device you're trying to connect to your wifi. Then, unplug your router from power and leave it alone for at least 30 seconds so it completely powers down. Plug your router back in and let it boot up, which may take a couple of minutes. Turn your device back on and try connecting to your wifi again to see if the range improved.[11]
- If your modem and router are separate from one another, unplug your modem before the router. Let the modem boot up completely before plugging your router back in.
[Edit]Place foil on the opposite side you want the signal. - Foil reflects your wifi signal in the direction you want it to go. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around something rounded, such as a water bottle or a soda can to help shape it. Set the piece of foil vertically so it's directly behind your router to keep the signal from going in that direction. Your wifi will reflect off of the aluminum foil and possibly increase the range and speed of your network.[12]
- For example, if you don't want your wifi signal absorbed by a wall or window, set the foil between it and your router.
[Edit]Plug in a wifi extender. - Wifi extenders amplify your router's signal to a wider area. You can buy a wifi extender online or from any electronics store. Plug the extender into a wall plug in a spot that's close to where you're having trouble but still has a good signal. Connect your computer or mobile device to your wifi network as normal. The extender will capture your wifi signal and spread it out even further so you're able to connect no matter where you are in your home.[13]
- If you place an extender somewhere that already has a weak signal, you still may have slow speeds while you're browsing the web.
[Edit]Switch to a mesh wifi system. - Mesh systems use multiple routers to make a consistent signal. Get a mesh wifi system from your local electronics store. Plug one of the mesh system devices into the back of your router to connect it to your network. Place the remaining mesh devices throughout your home wherever you're having trouble connecting to the Internet. The mesh devices all give off full-strength signals to make your wifi network larger and more reliable.[14]
- Mesh wifi systems usually cost around $100–200 USD.
[Edit]Get a new router. - Older routers don't perform as well as newer models. Start by reaching out to your Internet service provider and asking if there are any updates or new router models they can provide you. If they don't have anything to offer, visit an electronics store and look for a router labeled "802.11ac" or "802.11ax" since they're the most current and reliable. Connect your new router to your modem and set up your network.[15]
- Use a mobile app, such as Heatmapper or inSSIDer, to help you locate dead spots in your wifi signal.[16]
[Edit]References __LIST__ |
| How to Write a Good Newsletter Posted: 17 Jul 2021 01:00 AM PDT These days, everyone seems to have a newsletter! Writing one is simple, but with a few tricks you can make your newsletter fantastic. As long as you keep it interesting and informative, your audience will have a reason to read. It might help to think about the newsletters you open and read—they're probably useful, to the point, and personalized. Check out some of these useful techniques for your next newsletter. [Edit]Make the title or subject line interesting and informative. - Mention the content of the newsletter and use keywords. You're more likely to skip over a newsletter if the subject line or title just repeats the name of your business or the date of the newsletter. Instead, give a little taste of what the newsletter covers by dropping interesting keywords.[1][2]
- For instance, instead of using the title or subject line, "Community Newsletter, May 2021," you could say, "Spring plant sale, picnic, and community fundraiser."
- If you're writing a church newsletter that only comes out once a month, you might write, "January Newsletter: Potluck, Outreach, and Church Renovations!"
[Edit]Outline the main points you want to make. - Write about key points so you don't overwhelm your readers. If someone opens your newsletter and sees a lot of topics like a list of all your products, they may quickly skim or not even start to read. To grab your reader, pick just a couple of points that you want to cover. Include things that have high-quality value for your readers like exclusive offers, opportunities they should be aware of, or changes to your services or business.[3]
- If you're making a big announcement for your brand, you might want to limit the newsletter just to that information so there's more buzz about it. For a standard newsletter that you release every week or month, you might include a handful of smaller points—updates on a business, upcoming events, opportunities, or fundraisers, for instance.
[Edit]Give authoritative information. - Cultivate trust with your readers by sharing accurate, reliable information. This is important whether you're selling products, interacting with your community, or you run your own blog. Always support information that you're sharing by backing it up with credible sources or interviews. For example, if you have a real estate newsletter, you might link to current mortgage rates or housing sales.[4]
- You may need to research the information that you put in your newsletter. Spend time searching credible sources that you feel comfortable sharing.
- For instance, if you're sending out a nature conservation newsletter and you're bringing up the issue of fishing licenses, link to a government website with the official rules, guidelines, and costs.
[Edit]Limit the promotional content in your newsletter. - Aim for 90% new or informative content with less than 10% promotional content. Most readers won't appreciate a newsletter that's just pushing them to buy products. Instead, they're looking for something of value. This might mean information about a topic they're interested in, an update about something that's important to the group, or about an upcoming event, for instance. If you do include promotional info, keep it brief![5]
- A non-profit charity might fill the newsletter with summaries about some of their key initiatives. Then, they could wrap up the newsletter with information about a current fundraising need.
- For example, if your company sells sustainable products for the home, your newsletter might cover current stories about the environment. At the very end, you might give them an offer or discount for a product on your site.
[Edit]Close out your newsletter with a call to action. - Give links to your own website or other sources that you referenced. This encourages engagement with your readers and it's a good way to offer even more information without cluttering up your newsletter.[6]
- For example, if you're writing a seasonal newsletter, you might link to a schedule of events for your area or give direct links to upcoming programs.
[Edit]Keep your writing conversational. - Write your newsletter as though you're communicating with a friend. Instead of using stilted, formal word choices, use contractions and try to keep your writing loose. For instance, instead of saying, "The Cultural Center values your input on a recent survey. It is very good of you to give your time," you could write, "The Cultural center really values the time you spent giving your input on our recent survey. Thanks again."[7]
- Writing in a relaxed, conversational tone can make the newsletter seem more personal. This is a great way to build a connection with your employees, for instance.
- Be conversational but don't include a lot of slang that your readers may not know.
[Edit]Make it personal. - Address the sender by name so they feel a connection. Check if your email marketing platform lets you add recipient's names to the introduction. As you write the rest of the newsletter, imagine you're writing specifically to one person instead of an audience. This makes it easier for you to write in a thoughtful, individual way that connects more with your readers, even if you've got a lot of them![8]
- For example, you might imagine writing to a friend or colleague. You'll probably do a great job keeping the tone conversational and engaging this way.
- Keep the demographics of your audience in mind when you're writing so you can tailor the information to the people you want to reach.[9]
- If you're writing the newsletter for a small group of people, like a congregation or your neighborhood, it's totally fine to mention people by name. You may say, "Mark completed the community garden beds last week," without having to list last names.
[Edit]Choose a streamlined format that you like. - Keep things simple and do a layout that you enjoy. You might write a paragraph for each topic you want to cover, you could use a questions-and-answers format, or you might share a customer success story, for instance. Stick with 1 style so you don't overdo it. Once you find a format you like, it will probably be easier to sit down and make your newsletter on a regular basis.[10]
- If you've got a blog or website, you could also highlight portions from a post. Then, link to the original post so readers can check out more if they're interested. Maybe you've got a fashion blog and you can link to a recent post about a popular style trend.
- Instead of creating a double-column newsletter that packs a lot of content in a small space, go for a single-column layout so your reader can immediately see the topics you're covering.[11]
[Edit]Make the format easy for your audience to read. - Stick with 1 to 2 fonts that are large enough for viewers. Too many fonts, colors, and sizes can be distracting in a newsletter. To streamline your newsletter, use 1 font for the whole newsletter or use 1 for the headings and a separate font for the text.[12]
- Open your newsletter and check it over to see if the text is easy to read. Text that's too small might stop people from reading.
- Break up longer paragraphs into shorter sections so your newsletter is easier to skim.[13]
[Edit]Include relevant images so your newsletter pops. - Break up the text with useful images that grab your readers. Avoid using generic stock photos or clip art. Instead, add photos that match the material of your newsletter. Aim for inserting 1 relevant photo for each of your main points. This can also help to visually separate your points.[14]
- To make the pictures more engaging, choose action images, if possible. For instance, instead of having volunteers pose and smile at a company event, share a picture of them doing something—filling care bags, taking donation calls, etc.
- Readers are currently favoring a single, relevant image instead of several smaller images in newsletters. A large image can also make your newsletter look sleek and less cluttered.
- For example, if your company's owner was recently featured in the news, use an image of them instead of clip art of a stack of newspapers.
[Edit]Proofread before you send it out. - Grammatical errors and typos can turn off some of your readers. While you probably have a spellchecking or grammar tool, don't rely completely on it. Spend some time reading through your newsletter before you finalize it. Pay attention to how the tone sounds and whether or not you included all the information you wanted to.[15]
- Ask a friend to read through your newsletter to get some feedback. It's always good to have another pair of eyes looking for errors, too!
- Do an online search for sites that will proofread your work. In some cases, you may need to install an extension so it can run on your browser.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References __LIST__
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