{"id":986,"date":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=986"},"modified":"2024-01-07T16:54:26","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:54:26","slug":"glossy-top-coat-nail-polish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/glossy-top-coat-nail-polish\/","title":{"rendered":"Achieve Salon-Perfect Nails With Glossy Top Coat Polish"},"content":{"rendered":"
Nothing completes a beautiful manicure like a glossy top coat. If you want your at-home manicures to look professionally done, top coat is a must-have. The right formulas can help lock in color, add eye-catching shine, and protect nails from chipping and fading.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Using a fast-drying top coat as the final step when painting your nails will help seal the color, create an ultra-glossy shine, and prevent chips and smudges so your mani lasts longer<\/b>.<\/p>\nWhat Does Top Coat Do for Nails?<\/h2>\n
Seals in Color and Adds Shine<\/h3>\n
Applying a glossy top coat is key for locking in nail polish color and amping up the shine factor. The clear lacquer forms a protective barrier over painted nails that prevents the color underneath from fading, chipping or becoming dull.<\/p>\n
Top coat creates a smooth, glass-like surface that reflects light for an ultra-glossy just-out-of-the-salon look.<\/p>\n
Without a layer of top coat, nail polish tends to chip and peel relatively quickly. The top coat acts as armor against normal wear and tear, helping to significantly extend the lasting power of your manicure.<\/p>\n
Its flexible formula smooths out ridges in polish and binds to color underneath for maximum adherence. Top coat also hardens, preventing scratches and dings that can lead to chips and peels.<\/p>\n
Environmental elements like water, extreme temperatures, sunlight and chemicals can all wreak havoc on naked polish, causing fading, discoloration and increased chances of chips and cracks. Top coat forms an impenetrable seal that safeguards nail color against assault from these external aggressors.<\/p>\n
Its water-resistant properties are especially key for preserving your manicure through hand washing, swimming and more.<\/p>\n
A basic top coat is great for sealing in the base color polish and adding a glossy finish. It helps prevent chipping and extend the wear-time of your manicure. A standard top coat allows you to get a solid week of wear without major chips or tip wear.<\/p>\n
Popular mainstream brands like Sally Hansen Insta Dri<\/b> and Essie Good To Go<\/b> provide a quick-drying protective layer.<\/p>\n
Apply your favorite nail base color, let fully dry, then apply 1-2 coats of top coat, allowing each layer to dry in between. Proper application is key for maximum longevity! Cost for regular top coat at drugstores runs about $6-10.<\/p>\n
A quick-drying top coat like Seche Vite Dry Fast<\/b> or Orly Sec ‘N’ Dry<\/b> is great if you’re short on time. They contain more solvents to speed up drying time. Most dry to the touch in under a minute! This is a godsend if can never seem to sit still long enough for regular polish and top coat to set.<\/p>\n
Quick-dry top coats offer the standard protection qualities – prevents smudges, dings and damage. However, they don’t last quite as long as a standard top coat, about 5-6 days max before showing tip wear and minor chips. But the fast dry element makes it very convenient!<\/p>\n
A gel top coat offers two weeks+<\/b> of super glossy, chip-free nail polish wear! Brands like OPI GelColor<\/b> and Shellac Luxe<\/b> are salon quality and deliver the most durable, scratch resistant wear possible from polish.<\/p>\n
The gel formula is the thickest of the top coats and dries to an intensely hardened gloss that flexes with the natural nail. No nicks, chips or dulling! Gel top coat requires curing under an LED or UV lamp.<\/p>\n
At home systems available, or get a professional manicure for that special gel mani\/pedi with awesome longevity!<\/p>\n
Before applying a glossy top coat, it’s crucial to allow the base color polish ample drying time first. Industry experts recommend waiting at least 20-30 minutes after the final layer of color has been painted on.<\/p>\n
This ensures the underlying nail lacquer layers have fully set, preventing them from getting disturbed or dragging when the top coat brush strokes over them. Rushing this step can cause bubbling or denting in the color underneath. Patience pays off with a smooth, professional-looking manicure.<\/p>\n
When using a top coat polish, the application motto is “less is more.” Only a thin, even layer is needed to create a gorgeous glossy finish. Using too much product in each stroke can result in longer drying times, drips down the sides of nails, and a thicker top coat texture.<\/p>\n
For best results, lightly drag the brush down the nail to deposit a fine, uniform coating of the polish. According to nail expert Suzie from Nail Care HQ<\/a>, two thin layers of top coat is the “magic number” for achieving a salon-perfect shine while avoiding globs.<\/p>\n It’s important when applying a top coat to polish to “cap” the free edge of each nail. This means using the brush to paint a layer of top coat over the front tips of nails so it slightly overlaps off the edge. Capping seals in layers of color polish and protects the fragile free edge from chipping.<\/p>\n Repeatedly applying top coat only to the surface of the nail can cause peeling and cracks in the polish right at the tip. Take those last brush strokes all the way over the edge for long-lasting glossy nails.<\/p>\n While perfecting polish application on the main surface of nails, it’s common to overlook finishing touches on the sides. However, leaving these sidewalls bare can ruin all your hard work when the exposed nail plate begins to peel and chip.<\/p>\nCap the Free Edge of Nails<\/h3>\n
Don’t Forget the Sides of Nails<\/h3>\n