Liam Carter
UV gel nail polish is a long-lasting alternative to traditional nail polish. It is a popular choice for those who want to save money and avoid frequent salon visits. To apply UV gel nail polish, you need to prepare your nails by filing and shaping them, pushing back the cuticles, and cleaning them with an alcohol pad. After applying a nail primer, you can apply a thin layer of UV gel base coat followed by your chosen UV gel colour. Each layer needs to be cured using a UV or LED lamp, and you might need multiple coats for the desired colour intensity. Finally, a top coat is applied and cured under the lamp to give a shiny finish and protect the paint.
Characteristics and Values Table for UV Gel Nail Polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail Preparation | File the nail surface to remove the natural shine. Push back cuticles. Clean nails with an alcohol pad to remove any oils. |
| Primer | Apply a nail primer to your natural nail and let it dry. |
| Base Coat | Apply a thin layer of UV gel base coat. Cure in a UV/LED lamp for 90 seconds. |
| Gel Lacquer | Apply a thin layer of chosen UV gel lacquer. Cure in the lamp for 90 seconds. |
| Second Layer | Apply a second layer of gel lacquer if the desired colour intensity is not achieved. Cure in the lamp for 90 seconds. |
| Top Coat | Apply a layer of UV top coat. Cure in the UV lamp for 90 seconds. |
| Removal | Use pure 100% acetone to remove. Soak a cotton pad and place it directly on the nail. Wrap aluminium foil around the finger and nail. |
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What You'll Learn
File nails and push back cuticles
To prepare your nails for gel polish, you'll need to file them and push back your cuticles.
Filing your nails
Use a nail file to shape your nails. Start by filing the nail tip in a single direction to prevent chipping and tearing. Then, file the sides of your nails in a circular motion. Use an emery board for thinner nails and a metal file for thicker nails.
Pushing back your cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles will give you a larger surface to apply the gel polish to, and will help prevent premature lifting and peeling. It will also make your nail beds look longer, giving your nails a more elegant appearance.
First, remove any existing nail polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover. Soak your nails in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften your cuticles. Apply cuticle oil and let it soak in for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can add jojoba or coconut oil to the water.
Once your cuticles are soft, use a cuticle stick or cuticle pusher to gently push back the overgrown skin around the nail. You can also use the other side of the cuticle pusher to scrape and pick up the cuticle. Wipe away any residue with a cotton pad, then wash your hands.
Apply a natural nail buffer to the surface of the nail around the cuticle area to finish off the grooming process.
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Apply primer and base coat
To apply primer and a base coat to your nails, start by gently filing your nails with a nail file to remove the natural shine. This helps the gel polish adhere better. Next, apply a thin layer of nail primer to your natural nail and let it dry. After the primer has dried, apply a thin layer of UV gel base coat. This layer will help the polish adhere to your nails and protect your natural nails. Be sure to apply the base coat evenly to all your nails. Once you have applied the base coat, it's time to cure your nails in a UV or LED lamp. Follow the instructions for your specific lamp regarding timing, but typically this step should take around 90 seconds or 2 minutes.
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Cure nails under UV/LED lamp
Curing gel nail polish is not an easy task and requires some intensive training to master. However, with the right technique and patience, you can cure your gel polishes perfectly every time.
Gel nail polish is cured using a specially designed UV or LED lamp. This process is known as polymerisation, which causes the molecules in the gel polish to bond together, forming a solid layer of colour that won't chip or wear off easily. The UV light emitted by the lamp triggers the photoinitiators in the gel nail polish, causing them to break their bonds and initiate the polymerisation process. This results in a durable, glossy finish that can last for weeks.
Before curing, it is important to ensure that your nails are clean and dry. Each coat of gel nail polish should be capped by running the brush horizontally over the free edge of your nail. After applying the polish, place your hand under the lamp, ensuring your thumb and fingers are relatively flat. If your thumb does not fit under the lamp, cure it separately.
The curing time can vary depending on the nail type and lamp used, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. Different lamps have preset buttons for curing small and large nail art designs, as well as regular coats of gel nail polish. For thicker coats, such as a rubber base coat or builder gel, you may need to hold down the power button for up to 120 seconds. Additionally, some lamps have a smart timer that automatically adjusts the curing time.
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Apply gel lacquer
Applying gel nail polish is an art and a science. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect gel manicure:
Firstly, cut and file your nails so they are all the same length and shape. Next, apply cuticle oil to your cuticles and push them back with a cuticle pusher. This step is important as neglecting the cuticles may cause premature lifting of the gel manicure. Then, buff your nails to ensure the nail plate is free of any dead skin lingering near the cuticles. Buffing also removes the nail's natural oils and shine, which could act as a barrier between the nail and the polish. Be sure to buff all sides, edges, and inner corners of the nail. After buffing, use a lint-free wipe to clean off any residual dust or pieces of skin.
Now, apply a thin coat of the base coat to each nail, sealing the open edges. This will ensure that the gel polish adheres properly and lasts as long as possible. Cure the base coat under a UV lamp or LED light for at least 30 seconds to one minute. It is normal for the nail to remain sticky after curing the base coat, so avoid touching the nail during this stage.
Next, apply your gel polish colour. Apply at least two thin coats of colour, capping the free edge of each nail to prevent chipping. The more coats you apply, the more opaque your application will be. Cure each coat under your UV/LED lamp for at least 45 to 60 seconds each, following the instructions of your UV/LED lamp. Again, it is normal for the nail to remain sticky, and you should avoid touching the nail to prevent ruining the application process.
Finally, apply a gel top coat to seal your colour and give it a chip-resistant finish. Cover the entire nail with the top coat and cap the edges for a perfect seal. Cure your nails under the UV/LED lamp for at least one minute to ensure they are perfectly dried and sealed.
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Finish with a top coat
Finishing with a top coat is the final step in achieving a glossy and long-lasting manicure with UV gel nail polish. The top coat acts as a protective layer, enhancing the durability of your manicure and giving it a high-shine finish. Here is a step-by-step guide to finishing with a top coat:
Firstly, select a suitable top coat product. You can opt for a traditional UV gel top coat or explore alternatives like a tack-free gel top coat, which offers a smooth finish without the tacky layer that standard UV gels often leave behind. If you are using regular nail polish, ensure it is completely dry before applying the UV gel top coat. Allowing 12 to 24 hours for drying is recommended to prevent bubbling or peeling.
Next, apply a thin, even layer of the UV gel top coat to each nail, covering the entire nail surface, including the edges. Ensure that you have wiped your nails with alcohol beforehand to assure adherence and prevent slipping or crater formation.
After applying the top coat, cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp. Follow the specific instructions for your chosen lamp, as curing times may vary. For example, Revel's Tack-Free Gel Top Coat requires 90 seconds under a UV/LED lamp with a wattage of 36-48 watts for proper curing.
Once the top coat is cured, your manicure is complete! Enjoy your long-lasting and glossy UV gel nails. Remember that the top coat plays a crucial role in protecting your nail art and ensuring its longevity, so don't skip this step!
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Frequently asked questions
File the nail surface to remove the natural shine. Clean your nails with an alcohol prep pad to remove any oils. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick.
Apply a thin layer of UV base coat and cure in a UV/LED lamp. Apply a thin layer of your chosen UV gel lacquer and cure again. If the desired colour intensity is not achieved, apply a second layer. Finish with a UV top coat and cure for the final time.
Cut out rectangular pieces of aluminium foil, one for each nail. Soak a cotton pad/ball with 100% acetone and place it directly onto the nail. Wrap the aluminium foil around your fingertip and nail. Finally, wipe your nails carefully with an isopropyl alcohol wipe to remove any residue.
