Can You Use Gel Top Coat on Regular Nail Polish: Guide
In comparison to traditional manicures, gel manicures are longer lasting and more glossy. When using a gel top coat, can you use ordinary nail polish? You shouldn’t, to put it briefly. If you want to avoid damaging your nails, don’t try combining the two. In this piece, we’ll discuss the many reasons why you shouldn’t put a gel top coat over your usual nail polish.
Gel polish, on the other hand, dries in 30-60 seconds. Gel polish dries to a significantly more durable finish. At first glance, this may seem like a good idea, but it limits the nail varnish’s moisturizing effects on the nail bed.
This may provide ideal conditions for the growth of mold or mildew. You should know how long to wait in between applications of nail paint to prevent moisture trapping. It is not recommended to use conventional nail paint in conjunction with gel varnish, as the latter requires a specific application process. You still need to be cautious, even if your usual nail polish claims to dry in a flash. However, you should still use a top coat for your nail paint that dries quickly and is of high quality.
Can you use gel top coat on regular nail polish?
My initial reaction was, “Wow, that’s a clever trick.” However, the more I considered it, the more unbelievable this method looked (not to mention that the safety of gel manicures is still debatable until further research is available).
To investigate further, I sent manicurist Elle an email. This is what she had to say: “It’s not foolproof and requires plenty of practice to master. It takes roughly 24 hours for the solvents in conventional polish to dry after a regular manicure, despite the fact that the drying period at the salon is only about 20 minutes.
Applying a gel topcoat before the solvents have evaporated will result in a permanent seal of wet polish. Alternately, the varnish could simply come off.” Elle did mention that you may use a clear gel kit to cure your polish at home (we haven’t attempted this) or return to the salon the next day.
Its conventional nail paint applied over the natural nail, so removing it is a breeze and it won’t cause as much damage as soaking your nails in pure acetone would (which is extremely drying). But there’s no promise that this method will succeed, Elle reported. “Even if you strike it lucky, you won’t reap the rewards if you don’t do it right.”
How to use a uv gel top coat over regular nail polishes?
Anyone who likes the long-lasting effects of a gel manicure but the wide color selection of regular nail polish has probably wondered if the two may be combined. Luckily, if you’re careful and patient, you can! For a simple combo manicure, start with your regular polish and then apply a gel topcoat after it’s dry. Create “gelly sandwich nails” by layering regular polish in between two layers of gel for maximum wear resistance.
Step 1. Finish up with your customary coat of shine
You should use regular nail paint in a color of your choosing to polish your nails. For improved polish adhesion, buff and clean your nails first. You can prep your nails in the traditional (non-gel) way if you like.
In order to achieve more intense or opaque color, apply multiple layers of polish. Be careful not to make them too thick though, otherwise, the gel topcoat won’t stick as well. You can put gel over conventional polish if you paint your nails all the way to the tips without covering the free edge.
Step 2. Make sure the polish is completely dry before proceeding
In order to make the polish and gel combo work, this is an essential step. First, give your manicure a few hours to cure before applying the gel topcoat. Make sure the polish is completely dry before moving further with the process. Make sure you give the polish at least four to six hours to dry.
If at all possible, give it a full day to cure. It may take more time for the polish to dry if you’ve applied several coats. If the polish doesn’t dry completely, the topcoat could peel off. The gel topcoat cures in a hard state, but the polish underneath may crack or wrinkle. How about mixing gel and traditional polish? Use a paintbrush to apply the gel topcoat.
Step 3. Brush on the gel topcoat to seal the manicure
Once your nails are cured, apply a gel topcoat. You should brush your nails all the way up from the base. Finally, apply a small amount of topcoat to the nail’s free edge. Before the gel sets, wipe it off your skin and cuticles if any got on there. If not, it will be extremely challenging to eliminate! After curing, gel nail polish becomes sticky. LED or UV light should be used to cure the topcoat.
Step 4. Topcoat curing can be done with an LED or UV lamp
Gel nails can be quickly dried with the help of an LED or UV nail curing light. Carefully expose your nails to the lamp for the specified duration. Please refer to the topcoat’s label for the recommended cure time. Typically, curing time is 30 seconds under an LED light or 2 minutes under a UV lamp. Gel nail drying lights can be found in many retail locations, including internet shops, department stores, and specialty beauty boutiques. Nail polish with a gel top coat Removes the adhesive film with an alcohol swab.
Step 5. You can get rid of the sticky film by wiping it with an alcohol wipe
After the gel topcoat has been cured, a sticky film will form over the nails. To get rid of this varnish, soak a lint-free wipe in isopropyl alcohol (91 percent) and clean each nail. You may also use disposable alcohol wipes if you like.
How do you take off gel coat over regular nail polish?
UV gel top coats are tough because they withstand harm from elements like peeling and chipping. This implies that, depending on the brand you choose, they can extend the life of a conventional manicure by up to a week. Citation. To get ready, I normally push back my cuticles, file my nails, and then wipe them clean with a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Next, paint your nails with your go-to shade of lacquer; I prefer two thin layers of polish. But you must wait until the polish is totally dry before applying the gel top coat. If you want the gel top coat to last longer, let the polish dry for at least four to six hours before applying it.
The gel top coat will cause the nail polish to shrink and wrinkle if it is applied on wet polish. After the nail paint has dried, apply a thin layer of gel top coat on top, being careful to seal the edges. Finally, cure it under UV or Led Lamps for the amount of time suggested by the manufacturer of your gel top coat, and then remove any remaining tacky or sticky coating with rubbing alcohol.
How to use UV gel and regular nail polish together?
You may have wondered if you can combine gel and ordinary nail polish to obtain the best of both worlds: the long-lasting shine of gel and the wide variety of colors available with regular nail lacquer.
Luckily, you can if you take your time and don’t rush things. Apply your usual polish and then, once it’s dry, add a gel topcoat for a basic combination manicure. Apply ordinary polish in between two layers of gel coat to increase the polish’s longevity.
1. Just use your standard nail polish application method
Use regular nail paint in a color you like and polish your nails. Nail polish will last longer and look better if you buff and clean your nails first. You can also use a conventional base coat (one that is not gel-based) to prepare your nails.
Apply several coats of polish to achieve a deeper or more opaque hue. Don’t make them too thick, or the gel topcoat won’t stick as well. Do not cap the free edge of your nails after applying polish to them.
2. Don’t rush the drying process; take your time
For the polish and gel to bond properly, this is a must. Give your nail polish a few hours to dry before adding the gel topcoat. Before moving on, double-check that the polish is totally dry. Let the polish sit out for at least four to six hours. It’s best if you let it for at least 24 hours to cure.
Multiple coats of polish will likely require additional drying time. It is possible for the topcoat to flake off if the polish isn’t let to dry thoroughly. After curing the gel, the polish may potentially develop wrinkles or cracks beneath the gel topcoat.
3. Apply the gel topcoat with a brush. Apply a gel topcoat when your nails have dried
Brush each nail in a sweeping motion from cuticle to tip. Apply a thin coat of topcoat along the unpainted nail edge. Before curing the gel, remove any that may have gotten onto your skin or cuticles. If not, takeoff will be a herculean task! Title Imaged Combine UV Gel Polish with Your Regular Nail Polish!
4. Topcoat curing beneath an LED or UV lamp
Dry the gel by placing your hand under an LED or UV nail curing lamp. Take the advised amount of time to let the lamp shine on your nails. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the topcoat to get the proper curing time. When using an LED bulb, a curing time of 30 seconds is recommended, whereas 2 minutes is recommended when using a UV lamp.
A gel nail drying lamp is widely available in stores such as department stores, drugstores, and beauty supply shops. Please be aware that prolonged exposure to UV radiation from UV or LED curing lamps might cause skin harm. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen or UV-blocking manicure gloves to protect your hands from damage caused by gel manicures.
5. Use an alcohol swab to remove the sticky film
A sticky film will form on your nails when the gel topcoat has been cured. To get rid of it, simply wipe each nail with some 91% isopropyl alcohol with a lint-free wipe. Alcohol wipes that you throw away after each usage are another option.
Cotton balls can leave lint on your nails, so it’s best to avoid using them. If at all possible, apply a clean wipe on each nail. To prevent your topcoat from becoming dull, avoid using the same wipe on multiple nails. If the cuticles feel dry after using alcohol, wait a minute or two for the alcohol to dry before applying cuticle oil.
What are the benefits of using gel top coat with regular nail polish?
The gel nail paint has become a standard in the current beauty industry since it lasts for weeks, is extremely glossy, and can be found at almost any nail salon.
You can safely check your phone without worrying about scratching your freshly polished nails for at least a few weeks after you last did so. Gel polishes, unlike conventional lacquers, are made from more robust chemicals that grip the nail more tightly.
1. Don’t pick at your gel polish if it starts to peel
For example, gel pickers tend to share a similar routine. When the pigment fades, you might be inclined to scratch it off like a scab. Jenna explains that when the nail first starts to tear and lift, water can enter the nail bed. “Contaminating bacteria and fungal growth are both possible in such an environment.
Once the peeling begins, maintaining nail hygiene becomes a major challenge. If you yank it off, you may also remove a layer or two of your nail. In some cases, fixing this kind of damage can take up to six months.” Nail plate thickness was tested before and after a single application of gel manicure, and the results showed a significant decrease, Dr. Adigun notes. It’s unclear whether part of the gel-making process is at fault for the thinning if any.
2. The quality of gel polish depends on its ingredients
“While many polishes claim to be “toxic free,” many contain carcinogens like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, which Jenna says she avoids for “whole body health” rather than simply her nails (DBP). “
Clinical trials revealed that these substances, when taken in large quantities, produce inflammation and a slew of other unwanted effects, including disruptions in liver and thyroid function, as Rita describes. Most modern nail polishes are not harmful because they are not made with harmful chemicals. Nail lacquers by Jenna, Jinsoon, RGB, Zoya, and Sally Hansen are among the brands that are formulated without these typical irritants.
3. Moisten your fingernails and toenails
Water is essential to your health, and this is also true for your nails. Additionally, keep your nails as hydrated as possible in between salon visits. Nails Inc. Back To Life Recover Treatment can be used as a base coat or sheer nude lacquer that camouflages damage while hydrating nails with vitamin C and coconut, apricot, and avocado oils, while Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler can be used as a base coat and quenches shriveled nail beds.
4. Wrapping your nails in protective vinyl may be a good idea
Want the gel effect without the harm and wait time? Jenna suggests a clear gel coat like Essie’s Gel Couture Top Coat over painted nail strips like NCLA’s. It prevents the gel from ever coming into contact with the nail plate, and it can keep the wrap in place for up to two weeks.
5. “Gel-like,” DIY nail paints
There is also a line of “gel-like” polishes that, in most cases, endure for a whole week without chipping or peeling. Although many companies have introduced their own gel polishes, Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Nail Polish offers a wide range of colors for its pricing point, and Covergirl’s XL Nail Gel provides a high-shine finish at a drugstore price point.
Watch How to: gel over polish – no wrinkles | Video
Do UV gel top coats work with ordinary polish?
Is a gel top coat compatible with a conventional base coat?
What occurs when ordinary nail polish is exposed to UV light?
To what extent can UV light affect ordinary nail polish?
What method do you recommend for removing gel top coat from ordinary nail polish?
Conclusion
Gel top coats can be cured over traditional nail polish. However, caution is advised when employing this method of nail care. The fact that traditional nail polish might take up to 24 hours to cure is a major factor. Even if the nail polish dries before the one-day mark, it will still be fresh and vulnerable to significant impact pressures, such as those caused by sharp objects.
Gel polish, on the other hand, dries in two minutes flat, making it the fastest-drying polish available. Gel polish dries to an extremely hard consistency. Using both of them will cause more damage to your nails than it’s worth in the long run. The first is that when you use these together, your nails are more protected from dust and moisture. Fungi and dangerous bacteria thrive in conditions like this.
