How Long to Wait Between Coats of Nail Polish: Guide
You could have made the mistake of applying more coats of polish too quickly if you’ve ever tried to give yourself a manicure. If so, you’ll know that this can be disastrous for a manicure. Because a single misstep can set you back ten times as far as you came, waiting in between coats of nail polish is crucial.
When you’re trying to fit this in between other tasks or over your lunch break, this can be very aggravating. As a result, we’ve broken down the time commitment involved in giving yourself a manicure in order to save time and effort while still getting professional results.
How long to wait between coats of nail polish?
When I set out on my journey to become an expert on nails began when I spotted Essie Weingarten (the woman behind Essie nail paint) in the Costello Tagliapietra’s backstage area. How could I possibly resist?
She gave me a few pearls of wisdom, but I marked this one with a big star as my mental shorthand for “DO SOMETHING WITH THIS TIP!” Please explain. To ensure the longevity of my polish, I inquired as to how long she recommends waiting in between layers.
Nail expert Essie Weingarten (the creator of Essie nail paint) was backstage at the Costello Tagliapietra, and I made it my mission to find her and pick her brain for advice. After all, it would be silly not to. Of course, she dropped a few pearls on me, but this one was so good that I marked it with a big ol’ star, my code for “DO SOMETHING WITH THIS TIP!” Tell me what it was. I asked her the clearly crucial subject of how long you should wait between applications of lacquer if you want your manicure to last.
How to apply nail polish coats properly?
If you’re new to the world of nail polish and want to try out a variety of looks, or if you’re just searching for a formula that will keep your manicure looking fresh for longer, a gel manicure may be the way to go.
Gel nail polish is renowned for its superior durability in comparison to traditional nail polish, yet it is still a liquid mixture applied to the natural nail, not like acrylics or false nails. If you’ve been curious about trying gel nails but haven’t known where to begin, this book will show you the ropes.
We have compiled a list of all the items you’ll need, the recommended procedures for applying gel nails, and some interesting variations on the theme. What you’ll pick up on is this:
Step 1. Divide and conquer: nail cutting and filing
A well-shaped nail bed is the foundation of a stunning gel manicure. Trim them with a nail clipper to the desired length and shape, then file the edges to ensure a smooth application.
Step 2. Push cuticles down and apply cuticle oil
Keep yourself hydrated to maintain strong, healthy nails. Apply cuticle oil regularly, and do so, especially when wearing gel polish. To expose more of your nail, use a cuticle pusher to pull back your cuticles. In addition to helping you keep your cuticles even, it can be used to exfoliate dead skin off the nail plate.
Step 3. Nail buffing
Nail buffing prepares the surface so that the gel can adhere to it and creates a smooth finish.
Step 4. Dust-free nails
To ensure the paint sticks to the natural nail and not the cuticle, wipe your nails with rubbing alcohol or a cleanser. Nail paint can chip or peel early if it comes into contact with contaminants like dust or leftover cuticle oil.
Step 5. Base coat application
Apply the base coat now. Get an excellent gel base coat and use it. The polish will stick better and last longer if you do this. Then, cure each nail individually under a UV lamp or LED light to dry the thin coat. Your base coat needs to be cured for 30 seconds to 1 minute before you can move on.
Step 6. Use a gel polish
Always give your nail paint a good shake before using it to ensure a well-blended product. You should then begin applying color. Each coat should be applied thinly and spread to the nail’s edges without dragging onto the skin. Gel polish should be applied right up to the cuticle. If you make a mistake, you may easily remove any excess polish by wiping it off before it cures.
Step 7. Top coat
After you’ve painted your nails to your satisfaction, seal the color with a top coat to prevent chipping and add shine. The top coat should completely cover the nail and be capped at the edges for the best seal. One final minute of curing will guarantee that your nails are completely dry and sealed.
How long does it really take nail polish to dry?
The professionals break it all down for us. Manicures are meant to be relaxing and enjoyable, but we’ve all experienced the crushing disappointment of smudging our freshly painted nails because we thought they’d dry faster than they did.
To make your nails appear their best post-manicure, it’s vital to allow ample lacquer time to dry. So, how long does this process truly take? We asked Kelly Bannon, senior product testing manager at ORLY, and Mimi D, the famous manicurist and nail artist, to reveal all you need to know about nail paint drying periods.
So that your investment lasts as long as possible in pristine condition, the professionals also explain the best ways to expedite the procedure and keep a fresh manicure. Mimi says the drying time will vary based on the number of coats you put on, the thickness of each coat, and the type of polish you use.
She estimates that the drying time will be between five minutes to an hour if these factors are taken into account. Bannon recommends waiting an hour for the top layer to dry before doing anything with your hands, but if you don’t have that much time, at least wait 20 minutes. This procedure isn’t flawless, but it will at the very least limit any potential of smudging.
How to speed up drying process of nail polish?
You paint, and we’ve all been there. You really are terrible. Hold tight. You go to pull out your phone and realize that you jumped the gun. You now have a smashed index fingernail that needs repainting, drying time, and a lot of time and energy spent on it. For what reason doesn’t nail paint dry more quickly?
A manicurist we contacted confirmed our suspicions and said the process might take up to two days. A full two days. Now you know why your thread count always seems to find its way onto your freshly painted nails. Here’s a simple tip that will halve the time it takes to dry your nails. What’s even better? You can get by with only a bowl of water, after all. Check out this rundown for details.
Step 1. Prepare
A dish of any size can be filled with cool water and ice cubes (not ice cold, lest you risk frostbite).
Step 2. Paint
Pick a shade (may we suggest one of these?) and paint your nails. Then let them air dry for one or two minutes.
Step 3. Dip
Submerge your hands and fingers in the basin of ice water for at least two, preferably three minutes. Beads of water will form on the surface of the polish when you take them off, signifying that you’re done. Due to the sudden drop in temperature, the polish will become more rigid. I know, right? Look at your nails in disbelief. You can now leave. We just bought you 15 minutes (or maybe even two days?). That’s all there was to it; the lesson was over.
3 facts to remember when applying nail polish coats
Have you ever pondered the reason why your nails seem nicer after a manicure than they do when you paint them yourself? It’s all about the method.
Manicure and pedicure results from a professional who is trained in the art of nail care and polish application will be more durable and glossy than those achieved at home. Here are some of the best practices we’ve learned from California nail tech educators for applying polish like a pro.
1. Choose the appropriate nail polish first
Keep in mind more than just the color spectrum while shopping for nail paint. Choose from the top-tier products regularly sold in nail spas. Professionals recommend Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen, all of which are widely available in any cosmetics section. Before applying old nail polish, test it to see if it still works. Nail polish that separates and doesn’t mix after being shaken should be discarded and replaced. Using nail paint that has dried out will also provide blotchy, uneven results.
2. Nails (both the base and the top coat) must not be forgotten
You shouldn’t neglect this step if you want your nails to look as good as those done by a pro! A good base coat will prevent polish from chipping and peeling owing to residue and oils on your fingernails.
Nail and cuticle base coatings are also useful in preventing common nail and cuticle issues like chipping, cracking, and peeling. The top coat will protect the manicure from chipping, intensify the gloss, and seal the color. Pick a quick-drying, glossy top coat if you want your polish to last all day without chipping or becoming dull as you go about your day.
3. Don’t forget to file and buffer your nails
Always remember to wash your hands and toes before beginning a manicure or pedicure. Polish your nails with a file and a buffer to make them seem nice and even. File your nails in one direction, starting at one of the four corners and working your way in. It’s important to keep in mind that a nail file is not a saw. Do not splinter and harm the tips of your nails by dragging them back and forth across them.
Nail buffing, which improves circulation to the nail beds and makes for a smoother surface on which to apply polish, is a step typically skipped during at-home manicures. However, it might backfire and do more harm than good if implemented improperly.
Most nail buffers feature four sides with progressively finer or coarser grit for use on your nails. Nail buffing is done by holding the buffer at an angle on the nail surface and scrubbing in the direction of the nail’s center, starting with the coarsest grit. Be careful to treat both sides of each nail in the same way, starting at the nail’s bed and working your way up, applying less pressure as you near the nail’s tip.
Watch Wow! Make regular nail polish look like gel | Video
What do I do if I mess up my manicure?
Exactly why does nail polish have to dry at such a snail’s pace?
How do you clean up after applying nail polish?
What do you use to remove polish from your skin after applying it?
The length of time necessary for the nail polish to dry?
Conclusion
You can prevent your nail polish from flaking and peeling too quickly by following these measures to preserve its luster for a longer period of time. For instance, if you just got your nails done, you shouldn’t get in the shower since the steam from the hot water will cause the polish to bubble and smudge.
For example, if you want your manicure to last through a bath or shower before a big night out, you should paint your fingernails and toenails at least an hour in advance. Most professionals in the nail care industry recommend waiting at least two minutes in between coats of nail polish.
