Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting alternative to traditional nail polish. It is made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together when placed under UV light. This triggers a process called curing, which takes only seconds. With this hard coating on your nails, you can go about your daily life without worrying about chipping or cracking. To apply gel nail polish, you will need a UV lamp or LED light, a nail file, nail buffer, lint-free wipes, cotton swabs, and rubbing alcohol. First, file your nails to the desired shape, then apply a thin layer of base coat gel polish and cure under the light for 2 minutes. Next, apply one coat of gel polish and cure for another 2 minutes. Repeat this step if necessary for a lighter polish. Finally, apply a thin layer of top coat and cure under the lamp for a further 2 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application | Apply an extremely thin layer of the base coat gel polish onto your nails. |
| Curing | Cure under a UV or LED lamp for 120 seconds. |
| Removal | Use a lint-free wipe with acetone or gel nail polish remover to wipe away any extra gel nail polish. |
| Durability | More durable than traditional nail polishes, with no chipping, smudges or dents for up to 3 weeks. |
| Safety | Gel nail polish is less abrasive and gentler on natural nails than acrylics. |
| Colour | Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including creme, glitter, iridescent, and chrome. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
Start by applying sunscreen to your hands and avoid getting any on your nails. Alternatively, you can wear anti-UV gloves to protect your hands from the UV light during the curing process. Using a nail file, gently push back your cuticles to provide a clean surface for the gel polish to adhere to. This step also helps create longer and more even-looking nails.
Next, file your nails to the desired shape, ensuring the edges of each nail are smooth. Use the fine-grit side of the nail file to gently buff the entire surface of each nail. Pay close attention to the sides of your nails and the area around the cuticle, as improper buffing in these areas can lead to lifting. The goal is to create a dull appearance on the nail surface, which will help the gel polish stick better.
After buffing, it's important to clean your nails thoroughly. Use a lint-free wipe moistened with gel nail polish remover to wipe each nail, including the area under your nails and around your cuticles. This step helps remove any dust, oils, or residue, ensuring a clean surface for the gel polish to adhere to.
If you have any nail tears or damage, apply a thin coat of UV/LED fibre nail repair glue over the affected area and cure it under the UV/LED gel nail lamp for about 60 seconds. Repeat this step if needed, depending on the size of the nail tear.
Finally, apply a thin coat of the base coat to your nails, capping the free edge. Leave a small gap between the gel nail polish and your cuticle to avoid any peeling or lifting. If you accidentally get any gel polish on your skin or cuticle, remove it with a nail polish remover pen or an orangewood cuticle stick before curing. Cure the base coat under the UV/LED gel nail lamp for about 60 seconds. Your base coat should remain slightly sticky after curing, as this will help the next layer of polish adhere better.
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Applying the base coat
Before applying the base coat, it is essential to prepare your nails. Start by gently pushing back your cuticles with the curved side of a nail file. This will provide a clean surface for the gel polish to adhere to and create a longer, more even-looking nail bed. Next, file your nails to the desired shape, ensuring that the edges of each nail are smooth. It is recommended to use an emery board for thinner nails and a metal file for thicker nails.
Once your nails are shaped, gently buff the entire surface of each nail using the fine-grit side of the nail file. Pay close attention to the sides of your nails and the area around the cuticle, as improper buffing in these areas can lead to lifting. The goal is to create a dull appearance on the nail, which indicates that you have successfully removed the shine and prepared the surface for the base coat.
Now it's time to apply the base coat! Select a high-quality gel polish base coat and apply a thin layer to each nail, capping the free edge. Be careful to avoid getting any gel polish on your skin or cuticle. If you do make a mistake, simply use a nail polish remover pen or an orangewood cuticle stick to correct it before curing.
Finally, cure your base coat under a UV or LED lamp for approximately 60 seconds. The base coat should remain slightly sticky after curing, which will help the next layer of polish adhere better.
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Applying the gel nail varnish
Then, you can begin to apply the gel nail varnish. Start with a thin layer of base coat to help the gel colour adhere better. Remember to leave a small gap between the gel nail polish and your cuticle. If you get any on your skin, simply wipe it away with a nail polish remover pen or an orangewood cuticle stick. Cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp for around 60 seconds to two minutes.
After curing the base coat, you can apply the gel colour. Again, apply a thin coat, taking care to use short brush strokes so you stay within the lines. If you get any on your skin, wipe it away before curing under the lamp for another 60 seconds to two minutes. You may need to apply a second or third layer, curing each layer as you go.
Finally, apply a thin layer of top coat to each nail, ensuring it is even. Cure the top coat under the lamp for another two minutes. Once cured, gently wipe the top coat with a lint-free wipe to remove any remaining residue.
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Curing the varnish
To cure your gel nail varnish, you will need a UV or LED lamp. Before curing, ensure that you have applied thin coats of gel polish, as thicker coats may result in a messy finish. Wipe away any excess gel nail polish that may have gotten on your skin using acetone. You can use a toothpick to remove small amounts from your cuticles.
Once you are ready to cure, place your hands under the lamp and ensure that all your nails are exposed to the light. The curing time may vary depending on the product and the number of coats applied. For some products, each layer may need to be cured for 2 minutes (120 seconds). However, for others, 30 seconds to 60 seconds may be sufficient.
After curing, you may need to gently wipe the nails with a lint-free wipe to remove any sticky residue. This will ensure that your gel nail varnish finish is smooth and long-lasting.
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Sealing the edges
Understanding the Importance of Sealing the Edges:
Applying the Base Coat:
Start by applying a thin layer of the base coat to your nails. It's important to remember that less is more when it comes to gel polish. Use a nail polish remover pen or an orangewood cuticle stick to remove any excess polish that may have gotten on your skin or cuticles. Allow the base coat to cure under a UV or LED lamp for about 60 seconds.
When applying the base coat, pay close attention to the edges of your nails. Ensure that you cover the entire nail, including the tip, with a thin layer of the base coat. Capping the edges will create a sealed barrier, providing extra protection for your manicure. This step helps to prevent chipping and extends the wear time of your gel nail varnish.
Applying the Top Coat:
After curing the base coat, it's time to apply the colour coat of your choice. Again, apply a thin layer of polish, being careful not to apply too much pressure that may cause flooding onto your cuticles. Allow the colour coat to dry, and repeat this step if a second coat is necessary. Finally, apply the top coat, spreading and shaping it evenly across each nail.
Just like with the base coat, it's important to seal the edges of your nails with the top coat as well. Ensure that the top coat covers the entire nail, including the tip, creating a sealed barrier. This step further enhances the protection of your manicure and helps to prevent chipping or peeling, especially at the vulnerable edges. Allow the top coat to cure under the lamp for the recommended time.
By following these steps and paying close attention to sealing the edges, you can achieve a salon-worthy gel manicure that lasts longer and resists chipping. Remember to work with thin layers and always cap the edges of your nails to reinforce the strength and durability of your gel nail varnish.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail varnish is a gel-like formula that you apply to your nails, which then hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. It is made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together under UV light.
First, prep your nails by gently pushing back your cuticles with a nail file. Then, file your nails to the desired shape, ensuring the edges are smooth. Next, apply a thin layer of base coat gel polish and cure under a UV lamp for 2 minutes. After curing, wipe away any excess with a lint-free wipe. Then, apply 2-3 thin coats of gel polish, curing for 2 minutes between each layer. Finish with a top coat, cure, and wipe clean.
Gel nail varnish is tougher and more durable than regular nail varnish, lasting up to 3 weeks without chipping. It does not air dry, so you can take your time with the application. It also does not require a top coat.
You will need a UV or LED lamp, a nail file, nail buffer, lint-free wipes, cotton swabs, and rubbing alcohol. You will also need your chosen gel nail polish.
