Liam Carter
OPI is a well-known and trusted brand in the nail industry, offering a wide range of gel nail polish options that are loved by professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. To achieve the perfect OPI gel manicure, you'll need the right tools and products, including an LED lamp, acetone, and of course, your chosen OPI gel nail polish shades and topcoats. With the right supplies, you can create long-lasting, chip-free manicures that will keep your nails looking fabulous for up to three weeks. Additionally, OPI's extensive colour range allows you to play around with trendy shades to suit your mood and outfits.
Characteristics and their Values for doing gel nails with OPI products:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Longevity | Up to 3 weeks |
| Removal | Soak nails in acetone |
| Curing | Requires UV or LED lamp |
| Range | Vast colour options |
| Finish | Glossy |
| Consistency | Not too thick, similar to standard nail polish |
| Application | Base coat, colour, top coat |
| Removal tools | Cotton balls, foil, gel removal tool, nail filer |
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What You'll Learn
OPI GelColor base coat
To do gel nails with OPI products, you will need an OPI GelColor base coat, an OPI GelColor nail polish, and an OPI GelColor top coat. You will also need an LED light to cure the polish and nail wipes to remove the tacky layer on the top coat. Additionally, you may want to use a Bond-Aid pH Balancing Agent and ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil for optimal results.
The OPI GelColor base coat is an important step in achieving a long-lasting and glossy manicure. It creates a strong foundation for the nail polish to grip onto, ensuring that your manicure will last for up to 3 weeks. The base coat also protects your natural nails and prevents staining.
To apply the OPI GelColor base coat, start by shaking the bottle vigorously for 1 minute to thoroughly mix the ingredients. Next, properly prep your nails and cuticles for optimal adhesion. You can do this by cleaning your nails with alcohol to dehydrate them and make the polish last longer. Then, apply one coat of Bond-Aid pH Balancing Agent.
After that, you can apply the base coat. Start by capping the free edge of your nail, then apply an ultra-thin coat to the nail surface. Cure for 30 seconds in the OPI Star Light or Dual Cure LED Light. Now you are ready to apply your chosen OPI GelColor nail polish, following the same process of capping the free edge and then applying a thin coat to the nail surface. Cure for 30 seconds and repeat with a second coat of nail polish.
The OPI GelColor base coat is available in the Stay Classic and Shiny Base & Top Coat Duo Pack, which provides a durable and glossy finish that extends the wear of your nail colour for up to 21 days. It is perfect for at-home and professional use and is a must-have for any nail enthusiast.
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OPI GelColor top coat
To do gel nails with OPI products, you will need to purchase an OPI GelColor base coat, an OPI GelColor top coat, an OPI GelColor nail polish in the colour of your choice, an LED light, and some cotton balls or cotton rounds. You will also need to prepare an alcohol solution to wipe down your nails before you begin.
The OPI GelColor top coat is an essential part of the OPI gel manicure process. After applying the base coat and curing it under an LED light for 30 seconds, you apply two thin coats of your chosen OPI GelColor nail polish, curing each coat for 30 seconds. Then, you apply the OPI GelColor top coat, which should also be cured under the LED light for 30 seconds. This top coat provides a high-shine finish and locks in the nail colour, protecting it from fading and shifting. The OPI Super Gloss Top Coat with Intelli-Gel Technology™ is the shiniest top coat in the OPI GelColor range, delivering a beyond-brilliant high-shine finish that lasts from application to removal.
The OPI GelColor Stay Shiny Top Coat is another popular option, providing a high-gloss finish that protects the nail colour for up to three weeks. It also removes easily without damaging the nails. This top coat is available in a 0.5 fl oz bottle or a 15 ml bottle.
To remove an OPI gel manicure, you will need to soak cotton balls or cotton rounds in acetone and apply them to your nails for around 10-30 minutes. You can also use a gel removal tool to speed up the process.
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OPI LED light
To do gel nails with OPI products, you will need to purchase an LED lamp, such as the OPI Star Light Gel Lamp 3.0. This is a premium LED curing lamp that is drop-resistant and comes with a hand plate and adaptor cord.
The OPI Star Light Gel Lamp is designed for use with your favourite OPI gel colours, setting details for nail art, and sculpting gels. It has a uniform light output and mirrored interior, providing even curing across all five fingers and toes. The lamp is ergonomically designed and has been tested in collaboration with nail professionals worldwide. It is also available with a two-year limited warranty.
Using the OPI LED light, you can cure your gel nails in around 30 seconds. First, apply the OPI GelColor base coat to your nails, then cure under the lamp for half a minute. Next, apply the OPI Gel Nail Polish colour of your choice and cure your nails again under the LED light for around 30 seconds. Finally, apply the OPI GelColor top coat and cure for another 30 seconds.
To remove OPI gel nail polish, you will need to soak cotton balls or cotton rounds in acetone and apply them to your nails for around 10-30 minutes. You can also use a gel removal tool to speed up the process.
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Acetone for removal
Acetone is a popular product used for removing gel nail polish. It is a fast and effective method, although some people find the smell off-putting. To use this method, you will need to soak cotton balls or cotton rounds in acetone and apply them to your nails for around 10 minutes. You can also wrap your nails in foil during this process to help retain the heat and speed up removal.
It is important to note that pure acetone can be very drying for the skin and nails, so some people prefer to use a blend of acetone and a regular nail polish remover. OPI offers its own Expert Touch Remover, which is an acetone-based formula that is designed to be gentle on the hands and nails. This product is available in a 3.7 fl oz bottle and can be used to remove even the darkest shades of nail lacquer, including GelColor.
Another method for removing gel nail polish with acetone is the double-bowl hot water and acetone technique. This method involves using a special bowl with a removable bottom, where you put hot water to warm the acetone. You can then use a triangle-shaped "scraper" to remove the gel polish from your nails.
When using acetone to remove gel nail polish, it is important to ensure that you are using 100% acetone and not nail polish remover, as these are different products and may not be as effective for gel polish removal. Additionally, it is recommended to lightly file the middle of each nail first to break the seal before soaking to speed up the removal process.
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Nail art tools
The OPI range includes various nail care and nail polish products, including non-gel polishes and gel polishes. The OPI GelColor range is a professional gel polish line that provides long-lasting, chip-resistant wear.
To achieve the perfect OPI gel manicure, you will need the following nail art tools:
- Base coat: Start with an OPI GelColor base coat.
- LED lamp: Cure the base coat under an OPI LED lamp for about 30 seconds.
- Nail colour: Choose an OPI Gel Nail Polish colour of your choice and apply it to your nails.
- Top coat: Apply an OPI GelColor top coat.
- Nail art brush or dotting tool: Use a fine nail art brush or a dotting tool to create beautiful flowers and patterns on your nails.
- Cotton balls or cotton rounds and acetone: To remove the polish, you will need to soak cotton balls or cotton rounds in acetone and apply them to your nails for around 10-30 minutes. A gel removal tool can also be used to make removal easier.
- Alcohol: Wiping down your nails with alcohol before applying the base coat will help dehydrate them and make the polish last longer.
In addition to these essential tools, there are other optional nail treatments you may want to consider, such as strengthening treatments, cuticle oils, nail serums, and different types of top coats (e.g., quick-drying, high-gloss, or long-wearing).
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Frequently asked questions
You will need the OPI GelColor base coat, an OPI LED light, the OPI Gel Nail Polish colour of your choice, and the OPI GelColor top coat.
First, wipe down your nails with alcohol to dehydrate them. Next, apply the base coat, cure it under the LED light for 30 seconds, then apply your chosen colour and cure again. Finish with the top coat and cure for another 30 seconds.
OPI gel nails can last for up to three weeks.
You can remove OPI gel nail polish by soaking your nails in acetone. Soak cotton balls or cotton rounds in acetone, apply them to your nails, and wrap in foil for 25-30 minutes.
You can buy OPI gel nail polish online from websites like Nail Maxx, Beyond Polish Canada, and Salons Direct.
