Matte top for nails (gel polish)

Matte top is another interesting and simple option to make your nail design original. It gives it a velvety feel not only in appearance, but also to the touch. I have already written about a matte topcoat for regular varnish with design examples, and how you can make a varnish coating matte without using a topcoat. Here I will tell you about the matte top for gel polish, how to apply it, show several of my design examples with a matte finish and a review of my tops.

Types of matte top

There are two types of matte top: with a satin effect and with a corduroy effect . The first creates a light matte finish on the nails, which to the touch is hardly distinguishable from gloss and may begin to shine over time. The matte corduroy top not only looks like velvet, but also feels very similar to this fabric. The downside is that it can get a little dirty.

It is recommended to use a matte top on dark gel polish colors, since on light colors the velvet effect is barely perceptible. The matte finish also looks interesting on gel polishes with cat eye effects, glitter or shimmer. It muffles their shine, making it more restrained, but at the same time unique.

Secrets of decorating marigolds at home

What to do if you really want a fashionable coating, but don’t have professional tools at hand? There are a lot of options for making a matte manicure without a matte top coat.

Using a grinder

Matte manicure can be easily done using a router or a regular buff. To create a non-shiny coating using a sander, after completing the standard gel manicure procedure, you need to carefully remove part of the top layer of top coat with a cutter or buffer. Then it will turn from glossy to velvety. Upon completion of the procedure, wipe the nail with a sponge and disinfectant.

Using steam

The simplest matte manicure using steam is done not with gel polish, but with regular one. In this case, even a quick-drying fixative cannot be used. You will need to wait for the varnish to dry naturally. Actually, this is the only difficulty when creating a matte finish using steam.

So, you need to treat your nails and apply varnish in 2-3 layers to obtain a rich, uniform color. At this time, the water should boil in the kettle. Immediately after coating with varnish, expose your fingers to steam. You need to keep your hands at a distance of 10 - 15 centimeters from the kettle so as not to get burned. One or one and a half minutes of steam treatment is enough. After this, we wait for the varnish to dry and admire the resulting effect.

Using corn starch

Corn or potato starch is a cheap, readily available product that makes glossy varnish look exquisitely velvety.

To make this magic happen, pour a little varnish onto the palette (regular varnish, not gel), add a pinch of starch and mix thoroughly. The varnish will become a little lighter and change its structure. Now you can apply it to your nails and wait for it to dry naturally.

How to apply matte top over gel polish

The process of creating a matte finish is no different from when you use a glossy topcoat:

We will prepare your nails for coating by performing a trimmed, European or hardware manicure, removing the cuticle and correcting the shape and length of the nails.
Remove the gloss from your nails using a file or buff.
Degrease the nails with a special product and, if necessary, apply a primer.
We will cover the surface of the nails with a base for gel polish and polymerize it in an ultraviolet (2 minutes) or LED (30 seconds) lamp.
Apply 2 layers of colored gel polish to your nails, drying each in between under a lamp.
Next, you can complete the design, or you can immediately apply a matte top coat over colored gel polish and draw on it. It dries in the same way as the glossy finish: 2 minutes under UV rays and 30 seconds under an LED lamp.
Remove the sticky layer and get a beautiful matte effect on your nails.

Secrets of perfect coverage

However, the result may not always be as smooth as expected. There are still some nuances to applying a matte top:

Before using, you should roll the bottle with top a little with your palms (do not shake, otherwise there will be bubbles in it) to make its composition more uniform.
The matte top is thicker than the glossy one. Perhaps it can be compared to a rubber top, but again, the thickness depends on the manufacturer. When applying, you should take this into account and do not put too much top on the brush, stretch it with slow and smooth movements.
To make the coating more even, hold the nails with the applied top upside down for 30-60 seconds before drying in the lamp - this way it will self-level a little.
It is very difficult to work with a matte topcoat near the cuticle, and often after drying a glossy streak is noticeable there. Sometimes it’s a feature of the top that it rolls off from the edges, and sometimes it’s simply not noticeable that you didn’t apply it there. Therefore, I recommend applying a matte finish in 2 layers: the first is to tint the cuticle line with a thin brush, and the second is to apply it to the entire surface of the nail.
Don’t forget that the matte top has stickiness, so immediately after drying it may look like a glossy one, but after removing the dispersion and literally instantly drying the liquid to remove it, you will see the same effect!

Features of shellac, pros and cons

The choice of matte shellac should be taken seriously, as it highlights imperfections when present on the nails. The color and texture of the design should be selected using the stylist’s recommendations. The technology for applying matte gel polish must be strictly followed. It is possible to perform the operation “on the knee”, but the quality may suffer.

Benefits of shellac:

gel polish is applied without the use of additional tools, but you can make it matte with a minimum set of assistants;
wide selection of varnish on the market: wide price range and many color variations;
possibility of using additional original decor.

If the application technology is followed, matte varnish dries quickly and lasts a long time. Shellac has healing properties: it strengthens nails and prevents them from breaking.

Flaws:

Only following all the rules will allow you to get a perfect matte finish;
inability to correct errors when applying varnish.

If the matte gel polish has spread and gaps have appeared, then fixing them is problematic. We'll have to redo the work. It is difficult to hide unevenness on the nails if there are any. This can only be done with the right color. The existing wide selection of color palettes in stores allows this to be done.

Dark tones of matte gel polish are relevant in winter. Dark shades go well with pale skin, leather items, and fur. Using matte gel polish, you can create an unusual nail design for various winter holidays. In summer, it is advisable to paint your nails using a light-colored matte gel polish.

How to make gel polish matte without topcoat?

Yes, a matte effect can be achieved on gel polish not only using a top coat, although this is the easiest and fastest way, as for varnish. Let's consider other options:

Sanding with a file. Remember how we remove the gloss on our nails before applying gel polish? In the same way, glitter can be removed from the finished coating. To do this, you simply need to apply the finish and then sand the surface and remove dust. But there are some nuances: It is better to apply the top in two layers, so that when sanding you do not remove too much along with the colored gel polish.
It will be very difficult to properly work out the curves of the cuticle and side ridges with a file. A sanding cutter can help here, but it will still take longer than using a matte topcoat.
The file can scratch the top and leave marks, so it is important to choose the right abrasiveness for these purposes.

Use acrylic powder. In fact, this has long been a well-known and widely used technique, which is called the “velvet sand” design, when the surface of the nail is sprinkled wet with transparent acrylic powder. Unlike the design, when it is poured onto the design, here it is done on the entire nail on top of the wet top. Of the minuses:

It is advisable to apply this sprinkle several times so that the powder is well absorbed, and only then dry it, otherwise you may get a wet, rough effect instead of a matte one.

Acrylic powder can get dirty over time, this is especially noticeable over light-colored gel polish. To clean it, it is recommended to use a brush with soap.

Matte topcoat for varnish. Yes, it can also be used over gel polish. This breaks the technology of the coating, and it will not last long on your nails, but if you just want to experiment with color under a matte and glossy finish, then this solution is quite acceptable. Please note: before applying the top, be sure to remove the stickiness from the colored gel polish, if any.

Removing coatings with matte patterns

Everything comes to an end. A well-applied matte manicure with gel polish has the pleasant feature of staying on the nails for a long time, but it does not last forever. Or it may get boring after a while. Girls can also manage to damage him. To remove you will need:

cotton swabs;
nail polish remover;
foil;
fine grain buff;
toothpick.

In order for the layers of varnish to come off all together, you should make a cut on them with a buff. Be careful, they can damage your nails. Through the transverse cut, the liquid penetrates faster between layers, right up to the top, and is suitable for removing matte gel polish.

Cotton swabs are soaked in liquid and fixed on the nails. After 10-15 minutes, the tampons are removed and the remaining varnish is removed with a toothpick. You can use an orange stick.

The process ends with nail treatment and application of a special care product. Mattifying cream should contain vitamins. Nails need strengthening because they have been under a layer of varnish for a long time.

Matte nail design with gel polish

I’ll show you several design options that I made using a matte topcoat (click on the pictures to watch the tutorial):

Rating

There are many companies involved in the production of matte top. The following brands are considered widely known and popular.

Vogue Nails Velvet

The matte finish due to the gel polish finish looks beautiful and discreet. The product can be used in a beauty salon and at home. The composition has a medium-thick texture and an opaque shade. When interacting with the composition, polymerization in an ultraviolet lamp should last for 3 minutes. When the sticky layer is removed, a matte effect will be achieved.

The coating will remain durable for 21 days. When touching the plate, a velor effect is felt.

Advantages:

beautiful matte effect;
equipped with a convenient brush;
easy to use.

Long drying time in a lamp is considered a disadvantage. The product can be purchased for approximately 510 rubles.

Lianail

The top with a matte effect has a sticky layer, and it has an antistatic effect, due to which the coating will not become covered with dust. The result will last for 28 days. Due to the lack of gloss, there will be no noticeable scratches on the surface, and the coating will not darken or turn yellow.

Before use, you must first apply the main shade, then cover the surface with a top coat with a matte effect, sealing the ends. When using a hybrid lamp, drying will take 30-60 seconds, in an ultraviolet lamp - 2 minutes. To remove the sticky layer, it is recommended to use a dispersion liquid.

Advantages:

antistatic effect;
The nail surface is protected from darkening and yellowing.

The disadvantage is the presence of a sticky layer. The product can be purchased for approximately 499 rubles.

Diva, Matte top

The top composition from the Diva brand is suitable for colored gel polishes, giving a matte effect. At the same time, such a product can be applied to light colors, since it does not impart yellowness. If necessary, the coating can be trimmed, since the varnish does not form sloppy stripes during application.

The velvety effect will remain for 28 days. At the same time, this composition is suitable for the design of complex designs, if you want to give individual details a matte finish. The drug is characterized by a sticky layer and will not get dirty. To do this, the manicure requires occasional cleaning with a brush and soap solution.

Advantages:

does not create unsightly stripes;
does not get dirty;
characterized by a persistent matte effect.

The disadvantage is that the consistency is too liquid. The product can be purchased for approximately 750 rubles.

Irisk Rubber Matt Top

It is a matte rubber fixative that can improve the color of the coating without changing the shade. The matte top needs to be applied in a small volume, because it is able to be evenly distributed over the nail surface. At the same time, the product does not form blurry streaks and does not leave a sticky layer. Characterized by a highly durable manicure formula.

Pros:

has a durable coating;
easy to apply;
cannot be erased.

No deficiencies identified. The cost of the drug is about 410 rubles.

Kodi Matte Top Coat

It is a rubber topcoat without a layer of stickiness. The texture is not too thick and the product is easy to use. However, gaps may appear during the polymerization step. The matte effect is not very pronounced, so it goes well with light shellacs.

Advantages	Flaws
It has a liquid consistency, which simplifies the work process.	Gaps may appear after drying.
There is no sticky layer.	The matte effect is not very pronounced.

The product costs approximately 500 rubles.

Bluesky Masters Series Matte Top Coat

A Chinese company produces matte topcoat for gel polishes. Upon completion of polymerization, a stable corduroy effect appears, which lasts up to 21 days.

The product can be purchased for about 330 rubles, which is considered a good combination of quality and cost. Also, due to its medium texture and good results, the product is in wide demand among beginners and experienced professionals.

Positive traits:

the sticky layer does not need to be removed;
The applied coating should be dried for approximately 60 seconds. in an LED lamp;
goes well with French and allows you to create any design;
no residual stickiness;
elasticity and the ability to increase the depth of shade.

No shortcomings were identified with the top.

UNO Lux Velvet Top Coat

The composition intended for gel polish gives a rich matte effect due to its dense texture. Despite the fact that initially there is discomfort when applying the product, the layer turns out neat and thin.

The effect will last for 14 days. To enhance the velvety effect, it is recommended to apply the top in 2 layers.

Positive traits:

perfectly protects from the sun's rays;
there is no sticky layer, but a velvet coating is added;
The coating hardens very quickly.

Negative qualities:

short period of wearing manicure;
low elasticity;
Over time, small chips may appear on the surface of the manicure.

A matte top can be purchased for about 660 rubles.

Runail Top Coat Velvet

Due to the dense texture of the product, an optimal matte effect will be achieved. Thanks to the presence of a sticky layer and uniform application, the finish will have high elasticity, creating a velvet effect on each nail.

The composition can be applied to natural and artificial nails. Suitable for acrylic extensions. The top is suitable for complex designs. It is permissible to apply any pattern to the frozen layer, fix sparkles, rhinestones or other decorative elements.

Advantages:

the applied layer is very durable due to the content of thermoplastic components, acrylates and silicic acid;
the coating does not float and does not change shade;
A 15 ml bottle is enough for long-term use.

No shortcomings were found in the product. The composition can be purchased for approximately 380 rubles.

ADRI COCO Top Gel Polish Velvet

The product intended for coating gel polish has a medium thickness, therefore it exhibits a moderate velvet effect. However, the result will be beautiful and original, and also suitable for decorative and design elements.

The durability of the effect lasts for 30 days, without any clouding, darkening, cracks or abrasions.

Advantages:

polymerizes quickly;
due to the long brush with dense bristles, it is evenly distributed over the nail surface and does not thin out;
no residual stickiness;
The product is easy to use, so it is suitable for beginners.

The disadvantage of the top is the small volume of the bottle, reaching 8 ml. The product can be purchased for about 180 rubles.

Review of matte tops

A matte top is not as popular as a glossy one, so I only had two of them: Nogtika (satin) and Patrisa Nail (corduroy). As the collection grows, I will update this post. For now about them.

Matte top Patrisa Nail Velveteen

Bottle volume – 8 ml

Polymerization time in a UV lamp is 1.5 minutes, in an LED lamp – 30 seconds

The top coat is very thick: even if you take out the brush without wiping it on the edges of the bottle, not a drop will fall off! The finish itself is translucent and virtually odorless. Due to its thickness, it is a little inconvenient to apply; you need to adapt to do it carefully. When applied, the brush leaves grooves, but self-levels quickly enough. It’s simply impossible to flow somewhere with such density!

The brush is wide, for such a consistency I would make it a little narrower.

It does not roll off from the edges of the nail plate. The coating is incredibly velvety to the touch and super matte in appearance, which does not “wear out” over time. The wearing period of the top is up to 3 weeks.

There is no stickiness in it, but I noticed that if you apply a degreaser after drying, the effect will be visible much better.

Patrisa Nail Velveteen matte top on colored gel polish:

Cat's eye on gel polish

Features of matte manicure

The matte finish resembles velvet or velor. It makes the color deep, attractive, alluring. Since non-shiny manicure is in fashion, salons have acquired a rich palette of shades, and choosing your color is now not difficult. For a matte manicure to be flawless, you need to know some of its features:

The surface of the nail plate must be perfectly flat before starting work, otherwise the matte varnish will reveal all the irregularities, which will hopelessly ruin the result;
If a matte varnish is used for manicure, then it cannot be covered with a glossy topcoat, otherwise the matte effect will disappear;
Matte polish takes a little longer to dry than glossy polish, so plan your manicure accordingly, or apply one layer of matte finish.

Soda treatment

Another easy way to make your polish matte is to treat your nails with baking soda. It will quickly and effectively remove shine in seconds. Moreover, this wonderful transformation occurs so quickly that you must stock up on all the necessary materials and tools in advance.

For the “soda manicure” you will need:

baking soda; fine mesh strainer; small soft makeup brush; a plate of water; base coat; nail polish.

How to make a matte manicure using baking soda:

Sift the soda through a strainer. There should be no lumps or large particles left in it, otherwise they will spoil the appearance of the manicure.

Polish your nails and give them the desired shape, cut off any overgrown cuticles. Clean the surface of the nail plates.

If necessary, apply a base coat and wait until it dries completely.

Choose any glossy polish and paint the nails on one hand. Leave the second one without varnish for now. If you paint your nails on both hands at once, there is a risk that while you are working on the polish on one hand, it will have time to dry on the other.

While the varnish is still liquid, treat it with soda. To do this, take a makeup brush, dip it in baking soda and gently brush over your nails.

Leave the baking soda on your nails for a few seconds. During this time, it will penetrate the structure of the varnish and remove unnecessary shine.

Then brush off the baking soda or dip your nails in a bowl of water to rinse it off.

If there are still particles of soda on your nails, then dip the brush in water and go over again where necessary.

Now do a matte manicure on your second hand.

After you wash off the baking soda with water, the matte effect will be barely noticeable. It will only appear when the nails are completely dry.

When matting varnish with soda, remember several important points:

Choose a brush with soft bristles. If you use a brush with hard bristles, it will leave streaks on the varnish. When processing wet varnish, do not forget to dip the brush in soda every time before touching it. If this is not done, the fluff will stick to the varnish and leave unnecessary raised marks. Apply the baking soda evenly, leaving no gaps. Otherwise, the nails will remain glossy against the overall matte background. Don't apply top coat on top. It can add an unwanted shine and ruin all your efforts.