Isla Bennett
OPI is a trusted and reputable brand in the nail industry, offering a wide range of gel nail polish options. OPI gel nail polish is easy to apply and provides a long-lasting, chip-free manicure that can last up to three weeks. While OPI gel nail polish can be cured using an LED lamp, some users have reported issues with the top coat, such as a matte finish or durability. It is recommended to use the OPI lamp for the best results. When using OPI gel nail polish, it is important to properly prepare the nails, apply thin coats, and cure each layer for the specified time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Some users have reported issues with durability, such as chipping and scratching. |
| Application process | OPI gel nail polish is applied in thin layers, cured under an LED or UV lamp for 30 seconds between each layer, and finished with a top coat. |
| Removal process | OPI gel nail polish can be removed by soaking nails in acetone for several minutes. |
| Colour options | OPI offers a wide range of colour options, including classic solid hues, neons, and glitters. |
| Texture | The polish has a smooth texture similar to standard nail polish and is not very thick. |
| Curing | Curing under an LED or UV lamp is necessary for OPI gel nail polish to harden and dry properly. Some users have reported issues with the polish not curing properly, resulting in a matte finish or uneven texture. |
| Compatibility | OPI gel nail polish can be used with a regular nail polish by mixing clear gel polish with regular polish. However, some users have reported issues with compatibility when using a stamp polish or certain cleansers. |
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What You'll Learn
OPI gel nail polish application steps
To apply OPI gel nail polish, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure your nails are properly prepped. Start by thoroughly cleaning your nails. If you wish to buff your nails, make sure that no nail dust remains in the nail bed when you're finished. You should also wipe down your nails with alcohol to dehydrate them and make the polish last longer.
Next, apply a thin coat of OPI GelColor base coat to your nails, capping the free edge of the nail to seal and leaving a tiny margin around the cuticle area. Cure the base coat using an OPI Dual Cure or Star Light LED Light for around 30 seconds.
Then, apply your chosen OPI GelColor nail polish colour. Apply two thin coats, leaving a small margin around the cuticle area, and cure each coat for 30 seconds under the LED light.
Finally, apply the OPI GelColor top coat. Apply a thin coat, again leaving a tiny margin around the cuticle area and capping the free edge to seal in the colour. Cure for 30 seconds in the LED light.
To finish, remove any gel residue with a nail wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99 Nail Cleansing Solution.
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OPI gel nail polish removal steps
To remove OPI gel nail polish, you will need to use OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover and OPI Expert Touch Removal Wraps.
Firstly, fully saturate an Expert Touch Removal Wrap with the Expert Touch Lacquer Remover. Fold the edge of the wrap over to reinforce it. Place the pad of the wrap against the free edge of your nail, then wrap one side of the removal wrap under your finger, ensuring the nail is fully encased by the remover pad. Repeat this process for all your fingers.
Set a timer for 15 minutes. After the time is up, lightly press and rub your fingertip to help loosen the softened GelColor product inside the wrap, then gently twist back and forth while pulling it away from the nail. If you are using GelColor No Wipe Top Coat, or to speed up the removal process, file the free edge and buff the surface with a 240-grit file or an E-file before soaking.
Alternatively, you can soak cotton balls in acetone and apply them to your nails for around 10 minutes to remove the gel nail polish.
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OPI gel nail polish curing issues
OPI gel nail polishes are easy to apply and can be done at home. However, there are some curing issues that have been reported by users.
Firstly, some users have noticed that the OPI gel polish top coat can cause some nails to become matte, while others remain glossy. This issue may be due to the cleanser used, the UV lamps, or the need for a specific OPI lamp to cure properly. It is important to note that genuine gel nail polishes, like OPI, require an LED or UV light to cure and are not universal. Therefore, it is crucial to use the correct lamp for the brand.
Additionally, some users have reported that OPI gel nail polishes do not fully cure, even with an LED lamp. This could be due to the lamp's strength or the need for a dual LED and UV lamp. It is recommended to shake the bottle vigorously before use and apply thinner layers for darker colors. Furthermore, OPI gel nail polishes are known to be less viscous and may pool or streak, requiring careful application.
To address these issues, users can try using a different cleanser, ensuring their UV lamps are functioning properly, investing in an OPI lamp, using a stronger lamp, or shaking the bottle and applying thinner layers. It is also suggested to do two nails at a time, flash cure them, and then do a full cure before the top coat.
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OPI gel nail polish colour issues
OPI offers a range of nail polish products, including standard nail polish and gel nail polish. While standard nail polish is easy to apply, it may not last as long as gel nail polish. On the other hand, gel nail polish is known for its long-lasting effects and instant drying. However, it requires specific tools and knowledge for proper application and removal.
When it comes to OPI gel nail polish, colour issues have been reported by some users. These issues include a splotchy, separated, or uneven appearance, with the polish pooling on the nails. This problem seems to be more prevalent with lighter colours, such as "Funny Bunny", "Bubble Bath", "Alpine Snow", and various nudes. To address this issue, some nail technicians have suggested applying a base colour first to achieve the desired shade. Additionally, it has been recommended to apply multiple thin coats of the gel nail polish, curing each coat for 30 seconds under an LED light, to ensure a more even and durable finish.
Another common issue with OPI gel nail polish is the formation of hairline cracks within the gel. This could be due to the soft gel formula, which may not hold up as well as other brands. Some users have also described the colours as "watered down", indicating that they find the pigmentation to be less intense than expected. Furthermore, issues with the top coat have been reported, with some users noticing that their nails become matte or scuffed, even when using an OPI cleanser and following proper curing procedures.
To address these colour issues, it may be beneficial to explore alternative brands that offer more vibrant and long-lasting colours. While OPI has a wide range of colours to choose from, the performance and durability of their gel nail polish have been called into question by some users. It is worth noting that individual factors, such as nail type and application technique, can also influence the overall outcome and longevity of the gel nail polish.
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OPI gel nail polish top coat issues
OPI gel nail polish is easy to apply and offers a long-lasting, smooth finish. However, some users have reported issues with the top coat. One of the most common problems is that the top coat does not dry properly, leaving nails feeling sticky. This issue can be mitigated by waiting longer for the top coat to dry or by applying a quick-dry top coat from another brand on top of the OPI top coat.
Some users have also reported that the OPI top coat can make their nails look scruffy and scratched, even when using alcohol to prevent this. In addition, the top coat has been known to become matte on some nails while remaining glossy on others. This issue has been attributed to various factors, including the use of a cleanser or lamp that is not compatible with the top coat. As a result, some users have opted for alternative top coats that offer stronger and longer-lasting results.
Another issue with the OPI gel nail polish top coat is its thin consistency, which can make the colours appear sheer. This can be addressed by applying a thicker second coat. However, some users have had to resort to curing one nail at a time to achieve satisfactory results, which can be time-consuming.
Despite these issues, many users appreciate the OPI gel nail polish system for its ease of application and removal, as well as its long-lasting wear time of up to three weeks. The Super Gloss Top Coat, in particular, is marketed as providing a high-shine finish that lasts from application to removal and protects the nail colour from fading and shifting.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use OPI nail polish with a gel top coat. OPI offers an extensive range of gel nail polish options, and you can also use their regular nail polishes with a gel top coat.
First, remove any existing polish, then buff and shape your nails to your desired length and shape. Push back cuticles and trim any excess skin. Soak your hands in warm water, dry them thoroughly, and then wipe your nails with alcohol. Apply a thin, even layer of OPI Gel Base Coat, cure under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds, and then apply two thin coats of your chosen OPI Gel Color, curing each coat for 30 seconds. Finish with a thin layer of OPI Gel Top Coat, cure for 30 seconds, and then cure the whole manicure for another 60-90 seconds.
To remove an OPI gel manicure, soak your nails in acetone for around 10 minutes.
Yes, you need a UV or LED lamp to cure any genuine gel nail polish, including OPI.
While you can use any UV/LED lamp, some users have reported better results with the OPI lamp.
