\nDries slower allowing more working time<\/td>\n | Typically dries fast, less working time<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n As that table illustrates, actual base coats tend to provide better protection, adhesion, and coverage compared to only using a top coat.<\/p>\n Tips for Making Top Coat Work Better as Base Coat<\/h2>\nChoose a Thick, Quick-Drying Top Coat Formula<\/h3>\nWhen using a top coat as a base coat, it’s best to choose one with a thicker, quick-drying formula. Thicker top coats will help prevent staining and provide a smooth base for color. Quick-drying formulas are important for a base since you want each layer to dry fast before applying the next.<\/p>\n Some great thick, quick-drying top coats to try are Seche Vite, Essie Gel Couture, or OPI Rapidry.<\/p>\n Keep Nails Short for Better Adhesion<\/h3>\nHaving shorter nails can help a top coat layer adhere better when used as a base. With long nails, there is more chance of flexibility and nail layers separating. Keeping nails trimmed shorter will allow the top coat base to bond tightly to the natural nail.<\/p>\n Aim to keep nails filed to just past the fingertips for the best chance of success using top coat as a base.Shorter nails mean less bending and peeling!<\/b><\/p>\nApply Thin, Even Layers<\/h3>\n When using top coat as a base, you want to apply in thin, even coats. Thick layers may not dry properly, causing smearing or denting when you apply color polish. Apply 2-3 thin layers of top coat as a base, allowing each layer a minute or two to dry in between.<\/b> This will create a smooth foundation for the color polish to adhere to.<\/p>\n Take your time with thin coats near the cuticles and sides to prevent chipping.<\/p>\n Let Each Layer Dry Completely<\/h3>\nAllowing proper drying time between each layer is crucial when using top coat as a base. Rushing through the layers can cause bubbling, denting, or nail polish peeling later on. Be patient and let each layer of top coat dry for 2-3 minutes before applying the next.<\/b> You can gently blow on nails to speed up drying time.<\/p>\n Proper drying provides a strong foundation that won’t interfere with your pretty nail color lasting.<\/p>\n Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\nWill using top coat as base damage my nails?<\/h3>\nUsing a top coat as a base coat once in a while likely won’t damage your nails. However, regularly using a top coat instead of a proper base coat can lead to some issues in the long run.<\/p>\n Top coats are formulated to dry quickly and provide an ultra-glossy finish. They don’t contain the same nourishing ingredients and ridge fillers that base coats do. Over time, skipping the base coat can cause nails to become dry and brittle.<\/p>\n Additionally, top coats don’t provide the same adhesion properties as proper base coats. Base coats are designed to bond polish to the natural nail surface. Using only a top coat may allow the polish to lift and peel more easily.<\/p>\n What’s the best top coat to use as base coat?<\/h3>\nIf you need to use a top coat as a base in a pinch, your best bet is to choose one with a glossy, quick-drying formula. Stay away from top coats designed to have a matte, textured finish.<\/p>\n Some top coats that work well as emergency base coats include:<\/p>\n \n- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat<\/li>\n
- OPI Rapidry Top Coat<\/li>\n
- Essie Good To Go Top Coat<\/li>\n
- Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Avoid using thick, ridge-filling top coats like OPI Nail Envy as an alternate base coat. These are too heavy and won’t allow polish to adhere correctly.<\/p>\n Should I still use a real base coat sometimes?<\/h3>\nYes, it’s best to use an actual base coat whenever possible. Using only a top coat as your base over time can lead to brittle, damaged nails.<\/p>\n Invest in a good ridge-filling base coat to use underneath color for maximum nail health. Apply it neatly just beyond the edge of your nail. Then follow with polish and top coat as usual.<\/p>\n Using the right base is key for strong, nourished nails that resist chipping and peeling. Try to only substitute top coat as a last resort when you’re in a rush and out of real base coat.<\/p>\n Conclusion<\/h2>\nWhile using top coat as base coat may seem like a convenient shortcut, it’s better to use polishes for their intended purposes. Investing in a good base coat will provide the adhesion and protection needed for long-lasting manicures.<\/p>\n However, in a pinch, you can make top coat work decently as a base coat with some adjustments. We hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview on using top coat as base coat. Happy polishing!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With the rising popularity of stylish nail art, more people are wondering if they can save time by using regular top coat as a base coat instead. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Using top coat as a base coat is not recommended as it does not provide the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2073,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":2,"label":"Nail Guide"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/can-i-use-top-coat-as-base-coat-1024x614.webp",1024,614,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Amanda Smith","author_link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/author\/chris\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":2,"name":"Nail Guide","slug":"nail-guide","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":1279,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":2,"category_count":1279,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Nail Guide","category_nicename":"nail-guide","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/can-i-use-top-coat-as-base-coat.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/861"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=861"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/861\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2073"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=861"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=861"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=861"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}} |