The question of the day Why is my gel top coat pitting and separating? I will answer this from my experience as a nail tech, yes your read right. I am as well a certified nail Tech, see, Gel top coat usually has general issues of either shrinking, pitting, or separation because of the step of application taken.
First, let me say this pitting itself, is the term for tiny holes in the surface of your gel top coat, the gel coat separates from the nail plate when it starts to peel off. There are two main cause possible causes, this includes an improper base coat or a top coat that is too thick these are what I have observed and experienced while working but let’s even better into it.
Why is My Gel Top Coat Pitting and Separating
Your gel top coat is pitting and separating because you had wiped off your nails after buffing it with a nail buffer making it look glassy. When you do this, it makes your nail top coat easily slip and separate continuously without sticking.
Pitting is a type of separation. It happens on the skin when the top coat of a gel top coat separates from the nail plate. It can be caused by too much water, too much product, or improper application technique.
Some causes are:
- Too much water: If you’re using acetone or alcohol for removal then your nails will be dry and brittle, which can cause them to split and peel off in large chunks (also known as “peeling”).
- Too much product: If you’re using an acetone-based product to remove polish, it will remove all of your nail plate’s natural oils, leaving it brittle and prone to breaking.
- Overheating the acetone: Using too much acetone will cause it to boil, which means that oxygen gets into the nail polish remover solution. This makes it very flammable and will catch on fire if you don’t play it cool.
To prevent your topcoat from pitting and separating, after buffing your nails with a nail buffer, go straight to adding your protein bond. Then allow it to dry properly before adding a thin layer of gel coat to your nails and curing.
How to Fix Gel Top Coat Pitting and Separating
The gel top coat is a very important step in the gel manicure process. The top coat protects the nail and gives it an even, shiny finish.
However, sometimes the top coat can pit or separate from your nails. If this happens, follow my simple guide below to fix it
- Apply a thin layer of base coat on your nails.
- Apply a thin layer of the same color as your nail polish on your nails, then wait for it to dry.
- Apply another thin layer of base coat on your nails and wait for it to dry.
- Apply a thin layer of the same color as your nail polish on your nails, then wait for it to dry again.
- Finish with a final layer of top coat and enjoy!
This method works for me 100 times out 100 times such a case is brought to my saloon and it is my candid advice to everyone as well. While this is all you have to do to fix your gel top coat if it is pitting and separating, I like to say it is best to avoid it in the first place.
How to Fix Lumpy Gel Nails at Home
To fix the issue of your gel nails being lumpy by yourself at home, you have to make sure you flatten the surface of your gel nails properly. Then go ahead to put the dip in liquid, your nail making it lay flat on the powder so it’ll trap the powder.
Lumpy gel nail problems occur when the polish becomes too thick on the surface of your nail or when it dries out too fast, causing bubbles of air in between layers of polish. The solution is to add a layer of clear coat over the nail.
Another reason why your gel nails are lumpy is because of inadequate or not enough powder and too much or excess dip liquid applied. Make sure you encapsulate your nails in a smooth clear dip powder and buffer lightly.
Lumpy gel nails are a common problem that many people face, especially if they have used the same nail polish for a long time. It can be difficult to remove the dried-on polish from your nails and get them looking smooth again. This can lead to more damage in the long run and make it harder for you to paint your nails again.
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Can You Put Another Coat of Gel Polish over the Top Coat?
Yes, you can put another coat of gel polish over your gel top coat and still cure it properly under a led lamp or UV light by yourself. It is possible to apply your favorite gel polish right on your top coat without any mishaps.
The reason for putting another coat of gel polish over your nail’s topcoat is to enhance your nail and give it more strength or firmness. It is also another way you make it look more beautiful and also fashionable.
How Long Does a Gel Manicure Last
A gel manicure lasts long about 10 – 15 mins. The gel manicure does not need to stay for too long or else it will not cure properly. When your gel manicure spends an average of 10 to 15 mins, it will last longer.
Gel manicure is better carried out by a nail technician who is in the right position to treat your nails with the right things to make you healthier. You can also have your gel manicure at home when you have done it right without errors.
What Happens if You Cure Gel Nails Too Long?
The problem with gel nails is that they will dry out if they are left on too long. Gel nails need to be removed before they dry out completely so it is important to keep a close eye on your gel nails and remove them when they are still soft and moist. If you leave them on too long, you might end up damaging your natural nails as well as the gel polish itself.
If you have been wearing gel nails for a long time, it might be time to remove them and start fresh with a new set of fake nails or try another design like acrylics or regular nail polish.
How Many Layers of Gel Top Coat Should I Use?
The number of top coat layers for you to use is at least 2. Using a number of just two layers for your gel top coat is the best. It makes your nails thicker from the nail cuticle and prevents cracks on your real nails.
Make sure the layers of your gel top coat is thin and well applied on your nails from the cuticle area straight up to your nail’s fingertips. You can also choose to use a different or the same color on the first and second layers.
Can You Do 2 Layers of Gel Top Coat?
The answer is yes, you can do 2 layers of gel top coat. However, the process is not as easy as it sounds. This tutorial will show you how to do it and hopefully help you get the job done. properly the first time.
Materials:
- 2 gel top coats in the color of your choice.
- 1 drop of each color from a multicolored nail polish bottle.
- An acetone-free nail polish remover (Optional: a small brush).
A Small Brush If You Want To Apply The Gel Top Coat Easily:
Take one of your gel top coats and add about 1 drop of each color from a multicolored nail polish bottle to your brush. Mix the colors carefully on the tip of your brush to create a gradient that starts off bright, then gradually lightens.
You can also be creative with what colors you use. If you want, you can also use this technique and instead of painting straight lines across your nails, you can create a cool pattern.
Instructions:
- Start by painting your nails with 1 coat of clear gel top coat.
- Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Make sure that the polish is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
- Now paint your nails with one drop of each color of nail polish from multi-color nail polish. (Tip: try not to over-paint, as it may cause the colors to bleed together which could be a problem.)
- Let them dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Paint your nails with a second coat of clear gel top coat.
- Let dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Now take one finger at a time and dip it into the clear gel top coat.
- Apply a thin layer of clear gel top coat in between each nail and let dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- To paint your nails with a first coat: Put one drop of purple nail polish on your nails and let them dry completely.
How Many Times Can You Fill Gel Nails?
The answer is six times.
Gel nails are considered to be a long-lasting nail polish and can last for up to two weeks with proper care. They are usually water resistant and can withstand up to ten minutes in the tub or shower.
Can I Put Gel Polish over a Gel Top Coat?
The short answer is yes, but only if the gel polish is not too thick and has a shine that matches the top coat. If you have ever put gel polish over a gel top coat, you might have noticed that the top coat often peels off before the polish has dried.
If you want to put gel polish over your gel top coat, here are some helpful tips:
- Apply the base coat first. This will help prevent your manicure from peeling off before it dries.
- Wait until the top coat has dried completely before applying your manicure.
- Apply your manicure in thin layers so it can dry faster and prevent smudging or smearing of colors on one another.
How Long Do You Cure Gel Top Coat?
The time it takes to cure gel top coat depends on the type of gel top coat and the environment in which you are curing it. A gel top coat is a type of polish that can be cured with UV light.
The process usually takes about 30 minutes, but it depends on the brand.
The curing process of the gel top coat is similar to that of the UV lamps. The light first penetrates through the polish and then reacts with chemicals present in the gel top coat to cure it. Due to this, the process takes about 30 minutes for a full cure to take place.
Should Gel Polish Be Sticky After Curing?
No, gel polish should not be sticky after curing it or curing them under UV light or an led lamp but rather shiny and glossy to feel. If you get to discover your gel polish is dry, it means that it was not properly cured well.
Your gel polish should not be sticky after curing as it makes your nails look messy and lumpy which is not to be at all. Make sure you use liquid dip and dip powder to make your nails look classic without stickiness.
How Do You Know Gel is Cured?
You can tell if Gel is cured or not if first, first the surface of the gel should be completely dry. If the surface is still tacky or wet, then it’s not cured yet and you should find another nail salon to get your gel-cured nails done.
Secondly, you can check if your nails are cured by checking for a white line on the edge of the nail bed. If there is no white line on the edge of your nail bed, then it means that your gel nails are not cured yet and you should find another salon to get them done.
Conclusion
Gel top coats are applied over the gel nail to seal in the color and shine. The problem with gel top coats is that they can pit and separate from the nails.
In this article, we have discussed some of the factors that contribute to the problem of separation and pitting. We have also talked about ways to prevent these problems from happening.
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