How to apply gel polish?
Learn how to apply gel polish in 3 easy steps
How to apply gel nail polish?
Your Pink Gellac adventure starts here! Applying gel polish just comes down to following some simple steps, one step at a time, and we are here to break it down for you. You can do this!
So first, a list of everything you need:
- Nail Wipes
- Cleaner
- Orange Woodsticks
- 100/180 grit nail file
- Polishing block
- LED lamp
- Base Coat
- Gel polish colour of choice
- Top Coat
- Cuticle Oil
Tip: Buy everything at once in one of our Starter Sets.
PREPARE YOUR NAILS FOR GEL POLISH
Push the cuticles back using a Cuticle Pusher or an Orange Woodstick. Make sure you remove the dead skin cells using these tools and a Polishing Block.
Then file your nail plate with the same block file. Also file the nail into your desired shape with a 100/180 grit nail file. Want to know how to do an more advanced manicure? Read about it on this page.
Now, wipe down your nail using the Cleaner on a lint free Nail Wipe to remove dust and last oils.
Apply a thin layer of Prep Booster to the full nail and let this air dry for 30 seconds.
APPLYING THE GEL POLISH
STEP 1: APPLY THE BASE COAT
Next is Base Coat. Apply a thin and even layer to the nail, making sure to keep about one millimetre distance from the cuticle. Cure the Base Coat for 60 seconds under the LED-lamp. Check out our different Base Coats, there is a perfect one for everyone.
NOTE: From now on, every layer will be sticky after it has been cured, even though the gel is dry. Why is this? This stickiness makes sure that every layer that goes on top will blend in nicely and that the layers stick together. Just like a good sandwich.
STEP 2: APPLYING THE GEL POLISH COLOUR
Now it’s time for to apply the colour. Apply the gel polish as thin as possible on the nail, also making sure to keep a millimetre distance from your cuticle. Don’t forget to top of your nail at the edge to prevent air bubbles and lifting.
Did you get the gel polish on your skin? No worries, you can clean it off while it is still wet, using your finger or a tool (orange woodstick/cuticle pusher). Whenever you’re happy with your work, cure the polish under the LED-light for 60 seconds. Want to apply another layer for more pigment? You can! Please, repeat this step.
STEP 3: APPLYING THE TOP COAT
For the finishing touches, you need a Top Coat to top off your gel colour. Keep that millimetre distance from your cuticles. Apply a thin layer on your full nail and do not forget the tip of your nail. Cure the coat under the LED-lamp for 60 seconds.
Did you use our Shine Topcoat?
Let the gel cool down for two minutes after curing. Then remove the sticky layer with our Cleaner on a lint free Nail Wipe.
What about the maintenance of gel polish? It is important to use a Cuticle Oil regularly to keep your cuticles and nails hydrated. Avoid direct contact with water for at least an hour before and after application. We recommend you wear gloves whenever you work with cleaning supplies, water or harsh chemicals.