Noah Sinclair
Getting a gel manicure at a nail salon can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many people are opting to do their gel nails at home. To do your own gel nails, you'll need an at-home gel nail kit, which includes all the supplies you need to apply and remove gel polish. One of the most important steps in achieving a professional-looking gel manicure is properly sealing the gel nail polish. This involves applying a gel base coat, followed by a gel top coat, and curing the nails under a UV or LED light. Sealing the gel nail polish helps to protect the nails from chipping and peeling and gives them a glossy finish.
How to seal gel nail polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Apply a gel base coat to ensure the gel polish adheres properly and lasts longer. |
| Application technique | Cap the free edge, i.e., paint over the edge of the nail to create a chip-resistant finish. |
| Curing the base coat | Cure under a UV lamp or LED light for 45 seconds to a minute. |
| Next steps | Apply at least two layers of gel polish colour, curing each coat as it is applied. |
| Before the top coat | Wipe off the tacky surface, buff the top layer of colour, and clean it. |
| Applying the top coat | Apply the gel top coat to seal the colour and provide a glossy, chip-resistant finish. |
| Curing the top coat | Cure under UV/LED light for at least a minute to ensure the nails are perfectly dried and sealed. |
| Removing residue | Wipe off any residue with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. |
| Removing gel nail polish | File the surface of the gel polish, soak a cotton pad in acetone, wrap your fingertip in aluminium foil, and leave for 15-20 minutes. |
| Gel nail kits | At-home gel nail kits are available, containing all the necessary items for application and removal. |
| Regular nail polish | You can use regular nail polish and seal it with a UV gel top coat, but it must be completely dry before applying the gel. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a gel top coat to seal in the colour and add shine
A gel top coat is essential for sealing in the colour of your gel nail polish and adding shine. It also helps protect your nails from chipping and peeling.
There are several gel top coat products available, such as the Color Club Seal + Shine Top Coat Gel Polish, which provides a protective layer over your gel polish colour, preventing chips, scratches, and fading caused by daily wear and tear. Its smooth and self-levelling formula makes application easy and seamless, and it can be used with any brand of gel polish.
To apply a gel top coat, use a fine liner or nail art brush to carefully apply a thin, even layer to the entire nail, capping the edges for a perfect seal. Avoid flooding the nail with too much product, especially along the sidewalls and tips, as this can lead to mess and bulkiness.
After applying the gel top coat, cure your nails under a UV/LED light for at least a minute to ensure they are perfectly dried and sealed. The light activates the curing agents in the gel, resulting in a durable, glossy finish. Without proper curing, the gel top coat may remain soft and susceptible to smudging or damage.
You can also use a gel top coat over your regular (non-gel) nail polish to make your manicure last longer and look shinier.
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Capping the free edge seals the nail and prevents chipping
Capping the free edge of your nails is a crucial step in achieving a long-lasting, chip-free manicure. This technique involves painting over the edge of your nail with each layer of polish, creating a protective seal that prevents chipping and peeling.
When applying a gel manicure, start by preparing your nails by buffing and cleaning the surface. Then, apply a gel base coat, making sure to cap the free edge of each nail. This step ensures that the gel polish adheres properly and provides a smooth surface for the colour to follow. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp for at least 45 seconds to a minute.
After curing the base coat, it's time to apply your chosen gel nail colour. Apply each layer thinly and evenly, making sure to bring the colour all the way to the edges of your nails. Again, don't forget to cap the free edge with each layer of colour for added protection.
Finally, finish your manicure with a gel top coat. The top coat seals in the colour, adds shine, and provides a chip-resistant finish. As with the base coat and colour, remember to cap the free edge with the top coat for a perfect seal. Cure your nails one last time under the UV/LED lamp for at least a minute to ensure they are completely dried and sealed.
While capping the free edge is not mandatory, it is highly recommended, especially for those with delicate or flexible nails. This simple technique can make a significant difference in the longevity of your manicure, helping to prevent chipping and peeling.
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Seal with a UV gel coat after regular nail polish
Sealing your regular nail polish with a UV gel coat is a great way to get a long-lasting, glossy, and professional-looking manicure. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving this look:
Prepare Your Nails
Start by ensuring your nails are clean and dry. You can also buff your nails lightly to create a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to. Push back your cuticles and remove any dead tissue. If desired, you can apply a non-gel base coat at this stage to help the regular nail polish stick better.
Paint Your Nails with Regular Nail Polish
Select your favourite regular nail polish colour and paint your nails as you normally would. It is recommended to avoid capping the free edge of your nails, as you will be sealing this with the UV gel coat later. Apply multiple thin layers of regular nail polish, waiting a few minutes between each layer to ensure they dry properly.
Let Your Regular Nail Polish Dry
This step is crucial. You must allow your regular nail polish to dry completely before applying the UV gel coat. It is recommended to wait at least 12 hours, but 24 hours is ideal to ensure there is no moisture left in the polish. If you don't wait long enough, the UV gel coat may cause the regular polish to bubble, wrinkle, or crack.
Apply a UV Gel Top Coat
Once your regular nail polish is completely dry, it's time to apply the UV gel top coat. Brush a thin layer of the gel top coat from the base to the tip of each nail, making sure to cap the free edge for a perfect seal. Wipe away any gel that gets on your skin with a cotton pad dipped in acetone or isopropyl alcohol, as it will be difficult to remove once cured.
Cure Your Nails Under a UV or LED Light
Place your hands under a UV or LED lamp to cure the gel top coat. Follow the instructions on your specific product for the curing time, as it can vary. Typically, LED lights require 30 seconds to one minute, while UV lights may take up to two minutes. Your nails are now sealed with a UV gel coat, resulting in a glossy and durable manicure!
Remember to practice patience and precision when combining regular nail polish and UV gel coats. While it may take longer for the regular polish to dry, the final result will be impressive, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of colour variety and long-lasting shine.
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Use a fine nail art brush to seal the tip/free edge
Capping the free edge of your nails is an important step in ensuring your manicure is long-lasting and chip-free. This technique involves painting the end of your nail with the polish applicator brush, creating a protective layer.
To achieve this with a fine nail art brush, you will need a steady hand and precision. Start by dragging a small amount of gel polish over the edge of the free edge, being careful not to leave any bulk at the end of the nail. If you do end up with excess product, simply use your fine nail art brush to move it towards the centre of the nail.
Some people prefer to cap the free edge first and then paint the rest of the nail, as this can result in a more even coat. However, this can be a little tricky with short nails, as the brush may hit your fingertip. In this case, try flipping the polish brush upside down and carefully push the gel over the edge of your nails using a scrubbing motion.
Using a fine nail art brush to cap the free edge allows for more control than a regular bottle brush, which can flood the nail with too much product. This technique will help you achieve a thin, even coat that seals in the colour and provides a glossy, chip-resistant finish.
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Buff and clean the surface before applying gel polish
Buffing and cleaning your nails before applying gel polish is an important step in the manicure process. It helps the polish adhere better and last longer. Here is a step-by-step guide to buffing and cleaning your nails before gel polish application:
Step 1: Filing
Start by filing your nails to the desired shape and length. Use an emery board designed for natural nails with a fine grit to gently shape your nails. Avoid filing back and forth, as this can split and weaken your nails. Instead, hold the emery board at a right angle to the nail and file from the outer edge to the centre, always in the same direction.
Step 2: Pushing Back Cuticles
Before buffing, it is important to take care of your cuticles. Soak your cuticles to soften them and then use a cuticle pusher to gently push them back. This will help create a neat and tidy nail contour. If you are confident using cuticle nippers, you can carefully cut off any excess dead skin, but be careful not to cut too close to the nail.
Step 3: Buffing
Buffing helps to create a rough surface for the gel polish to adhere to and ensures a smooth finish. Use a buffer block with a grit of 100 or 120. Avoid using a buffer or file with a grit finer than 180, as it may make your nails too smooth. Apply light pressure and buff in the direction of nail growth, from the base to the tip, finishing at the free edge (top end of your nail). Pay attention to any leftover polish or flakes that may prevent a smooth finish.
Step 4: Cleaning
After buffing, it is important to clean your nails to remove any residue. Use a dusting brush to gently remove residual dust, including shimmer particles and glitter. This step ensures that your nails are ready for the polish application.
Step 5: Removing Oily Residue
The final step in the nail prep process is to remove any oily residue from your nails. This can be done using a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. This step ensures that the polish adheres properly and lasts longer.
Remember, when buffing, it is important to apply light pressure and not to overdo it, as excessive buffing can thin the nail plate, leading to bending, flexing, and chipping.
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Frequently asked questions
To seal gel nail polish, you need to apply a gel top coat. This seals in the colour and provides a glossy finish that protects the nails from chipping and peeling.
First, you need to apply a gel base coat and cure your nails under a UV lamp or LED light for 45 seconds to a minute. Then, apply two thin layers of gel polish colour to the nails, curing each coat as you go. Before applying the top coat, wipe the tacky surface with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol, then apply and cure the top coat under a UV/LED light for a minute.
Yes, but the regular nail polish must be completely dry before applying the gel top coat. It is recommended to wait 12-24 hours and apply a regular quick-dry top coat over the lacquer to protect it while you wait.
Sealing the edge can be tricky, and it is recommended to do it right before curing. You can use a fine liner brush or a nail art brush to get a bit of gel polish underneath the nail and wrap it around the tip.
S&L offers an at-home gel nail starter kit that includes all the necessary items you need to apply gel nail polish, such as a gel top coat and a gel base coat.
