Ava Monroe
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting and chip-resistant option for those looking for a manicure that can withstand everyday wear and tear. However, accidents happen, and sometimes touch-ups are needed. There are several ways to touch up gel coat nail polish, including applying regular nail polish over gel nail polish, filing off the gel nail polish, or removing the gel nail polish with nail polish remover and starting over. The chosen method will depend on the extent of the damage and personal preference.
How to Touch Up Gel Coat Nail Polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Remove old polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover |
| Second Step | Clean and dry the nail |
| Third Step | Apply an acrylic-friendly base coat, colour polish, and top coat |
| Fourth Step | Cure the gel polish under a UV/LED lamp for at least 45 to 60 seconds |
| Fifth Step | Apply a thin coat of the top coat and cap the free edge |
| Sixth Step | Cure for 60 seconds with the UV/LED lamp |
| Alternative Steps | File off the gel polish or use regular nail polish over gel polish |
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What You'll Learn
Removing old gel nail polish
One effective way to remove gel nail polish is to use acetone. First, protect your cuticles by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each one. Acetone can seriously dry out your nails and the skin around them, so it is important to take this precaution. Next, soak cotton balls in acetone and place them on your nails. Then, wrap your nails in plastic food wrap, which creates a tighter seal than foil and prevents dripping. Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes. When you remove it, most or all of the gel nail polish should come off with it. Use a warm, wet washcloth to gently wipe away any remaining polish, being careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin. Finally, wash your hands with gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone.
If you are not in a rush, another option is to file down the top layers of polish and then soak your fingers in a bowl of pure acetone to get the rest off.
For a gentler approach, you can let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This method is slow, as it takes about six months for fingernails to grow out and 12 to 18 months for toenails. However, it is a good option if you want to avoid potentially damaging your nails.
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Applying a base coat
Applying a gel base coat to your nails is an important first step to ensure your nail polish adheres properly and lasts as long as possible. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying a gel base coat:
- Wash and Prepare Your Hands: Start by washing your hands and drying them thoroughly. You can apply sunscreen to your hands 15-30 minutes before starting, but be careful to avoid getting any on your nails. Alternatively, you can wear Anti-UV gloves.
- Push Back Your Cuticles: Using the curved side of a nail file, gently push back your cuticles. This provides a clean surface for the gel polish to adhere to and creates the appearance of longer, more even-looking nails.
- Shape and Buff Your Nails: File your nails to the desired shape, ensuring the edges are smooth. Then, gently buff the entire surface of each nail. The nail should appear dull after buffing, especially around the sides and cuticle area, to prevent lifting.
- Clean Your Nails: Use a lint-free wipe and gel nail polish remover to thoroughly clean the surface of your nails, including the area under your nails and around the cuticles. This ensures that any residue or leftover polish is completely removed.
- Apply the Gel Base Coat: Now you're ready to apply the gel base coat. Apply a thin coat over each natural nail, making sure to seal the open edges or "cap the free edge." This process involves painting over the edge of your nail to create a protective, chip-resistant finish.
- Cure Your Nails: After applying the base coat to all your nails, place your hands under a UV lamp or LED light. Cure your nails for at least 45 seconds to a minute to ensure the base coat is thoroughly dried and cured. It's normal for your nails to feel sticky after this step.
Once your base coat is cured, you can move on to the next steps of your gel manicure, such as applying your chosen colour and a top coat. Remember to follow the specific instructions provided with your nail products for the best results.
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Applying the gel colour
Before applying the gel colour, ensure your nails are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Any leftover residue or moisture can interfere with the application and lead to issues such as lifting or infection. Use a non-acetone nail polish remover to remove any old polish, as acetone can degrade acrylics. Clean your nails with a lint-free wipe and gel nail polish remover to ensure a clean surface for the gel colour to adhere to.
Now, you can begin applying the gel colour. Apply a thin coat of your chosen gel polish colour to each nail, making sure to cover the entire nail, including the edges. Be mindful not to let the polish stray onto your skin. Cure your nails under a UV/LED lamp for at least 45 to 60 seconds after applying each coat, following the instructions provided with your lamp. Remember that it is normal for your nails to feel sticky after curing, and avoid touching them during this stage to prevent ruining the application.
Repeat the process by applying additional thin coats of the gel colour and curing under the lamp until you achieve the desired opacity. Two to three coats are typically recommended, but you can add more if needed. Remember to cure each coat thoroughly before proceeding to the next one.
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Applying a top coat
When applying the top coat, it is important to cover the entire nail, including the edges, for a perfect seal. Use a thin coat, and cap the free edge by running the brush horizontally. Be careful not to get any gel on your skin or cuticle, as this can ruin the manicure. If this happens, gently remove the gel with an Orangewood Cuticle Stick, a Nail Art Brush, or a Lint-Free Wipe before curing.
After applying the top coat, cure your nails under the UV/LED lamp for at least one minute. This final cure ensures that your nails are perfectly dried and sealed. Your nails should now feel hard and smooth to the touch.
As a final step in your manicure routine, consider applying cuticle oil to nourish and moisturise the skin around your nails. Regular use of cuticle oil will also help your manicure look fresh for longer. With these steps, you can achieve a salon-quality gel manicure at home, with long-lasting results.
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Aftercare
Gel nail polish can last for weeks, but proper aftercare is required to ensure the longevity of your manicure. Here are some tips to help you maintain your gel coat nail polish:
- Avoid washing dishes or using harsh cleaning products without wearing gloves. These activities can cause your nail polish to chip or peel, especially when done frequently.
- Use cuticle oil regularly to maintain the health and shine of your nails. Cuticle oil will also help your manicure last longer by nourishing and moisturising your nails and the surrounding skin.
- If you notice any snags or chips in your gel nail polish, gently file them down to create a smooth surface. Filing will help prevent further chipping and create a more even appearance.
- To remove your gel nail polish, you can either soak it off or file it off. Soaking involves using a gel nail polish remover and can be time-consuming. Alternatively, you can use an e-file or a regular nail file to gently buff away the gel nail polish. Always be cautious not to over-file and damage your natural nails.
- Before and after soaking off your gel nail polish, apply cuticle oil to protect your nails and keep them hydrated.
- If you plan to reapply gel nail polish, ensure that you remove all traces of the previous manicure. Use a non-acetone nail polish remover to wipe away any leftover polish, as acetone can degrade the acrylic.
- Clean and dry your nails thoroughly before applying a new coat of gel nail polish. Any residue or moisture left on your nails can interfere with the new application and may even lead to infection.
- Follow the recommended steps for applying gel nail polish, including the use of a base coat, coloured polish, and top coat. Cure each layer under a UV/LED lamp for the specified amount of time.
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Frequently asked questions
You can touch up gel coat nail polish by adding regular nail polish on top of it. This is a great way to cover up any chips in your gel manicure.
To apply gel nail polish, start by pushing back your cuticles and filing your nails to the desired shape. Then, apply a thin base coat, followed by your gel nail polish colour. Cure your nails under a UV/LED lamp for at least 45 seconds to a minute, before applying a final gel top coat.
You can remove gel coat nail polish by filing it off or soaking it off. To soak it off, start by removing the sticky inhibition layer with a lint-free wipe and gel nail polish remover. Then, soak your nails in warm/hot water to help loosen the gel polish.
Gel coat nail polish can last for up to several weeks, depending on the brand and application.
Yes, you can use regular nail polish with a gel top coat.
