At the moment, there are a large number of products that allow you to create a durable and beautiful manicure. To make it last as long as possible, you should use a gel polish finish. It is a tool that should be used to complete the creation of a manicure. For strong adhesion between the polish and the nail, ultraviolet rays should be used. A special lamp is sold for these purposes.
What is finishing gel?
As already mentioned, a similar gel is used to complete the nail extension procedure. It is necessary in order to secure the nails as much as possible. The main advantage of this product is to increase the service life of the created nail and fix the design on it. In addition, the gel adds shine.
The finishing varnish is used for both acrylic and gel extensions. When using it, there is no need to polish the nail, and there is also no need to apply a fixer. It is often used as a base.
Gel extensions can be two-phase, three-phase and single-phase. At the first stage, the material adheres to the nail. On the second it is given shape. At the third stage, the nail is fixed, and it will have shine. Finish gel takes an active part in all phases.
To choose the right varnish, you should make your choice responsibly. If the gel is of poor quality, it will only ruin the work of the mater. The nails will glow yellow and will not look neat. Also, low-quality gel can lead to nails cracking and breaking off. It is important to use only varnishes from trusted brands.
Finish gel for nails: types, application features
During the nail extension procedure, manicurists use coatings such as finishing gels. They are applied at the very end of the procedure, their purpose is to fix the created base, giving the nails a well-groomed and natural look. The main advantage of using such compositions is maintaining the integrity of the acrylic or gel base. In addition, after applying the finishing gel, the master does not need to polish the nail.
What types of gels are there?
Gels may or may not have a sticky layer. Some models give a glossy glow, others - a matte one. As a rule, masters prefer to use gels that do not have a sticky layer. They are easy to use and liquid. The applied layer hardens in 2-3 minutes. You also won't have to remove the sticky layer. There is no need to degrease the nail before applying it. Over time, a yellow tint will not appear.
It is necessary to take into account the nuance that if 30% of the nail or more is occupied by the design, then it will not be possible to use a finishing gel without a sticky layer. To secure the design, it is better to use a clear varnish. Some experts recommend using a finish with a sticky surface. If you skip this stage, the drawing will quickly become covered with cracks.
If the mater uses a gel with a sticky layer, then you can remove it only after the nail has cooled. Then the drawing will shine. In addition, this approach provides resistance to mechanical damage. To avoid stains on the coating, you need to buy only high-quality gels.
Gels also have varieties. If the sticky layer is thick, then the varnish has a viscous consistency. The drying process in the lamp will take less than two minutes. This gel is often used to correct nail defects.
The matte finish gel must be applied in two layers. Each one is dried for at least 2-3 minutes. It is used when working with both acrylic and gel, gel polish. The mother-of-pearl version has inclusions of various colors (gold, silver, blue, and so on). Separate topcoats are available for gel polishes. They have a sticky layer. Gives special strength.
How to use finish nail gel - why does the gel crack?
Finish gel, which is also called a top coat, is used at the final stage of extension; it is applied on top of all previous coatings and cured under an ultraviolet lamp.
Its main task is to preserve all previous layers intact, thereby ensuring the wear of the manicure for a longer period compared to conventional varnishes.
On average, gel polish lasts two to three weeks, then correction is necessary.
There are many finishing options. Manufacturers offer matte and glossy products, with and without a sticky layer.
There is also a finish designed specifically for gel polishes; it is elastic and durable and can also be applied over acrylic or regular gel.
How to use finishing gel nails
Masters have a special love for finishing gels without a sticky layer . The liquid composition is easy to apply and quickly polymerizes under an ultraviolet lamp. Nails do not require preliminary degreasing.
Most formulations have a UV filter, due to which the nails glow lilac under a lamp, as well as in nightclubs, while retaining their original color when worn and not turning yellow. But this product cannot be used if more than 30% of the nail is covered with a design (acrylic or watercolor paint).
Before applying the product, it is necessary to fix the design with a finishing gel with a sticky layer or a transparent gel to avoid the appearance of cracks and chips.
Sometimes such a nuisance as “boiling” occurs when bubbles appear in the lamp during drying.
Perhaps it's time to change the lamps, wipe down the mirror bottom, or make sure your hands are level under the ultraviolet lamp.
- The finish is a gel with a sticky layer - it polymerizes under a lamp, has no glow, and gives a durable coating. Apply over gel polish, ecobiogels, acrylic, gel. After polymerization, it is necessary to wait a minute, and only then remove the sticky layer. Then the coating will turn out beautiful and shiny.
- To eliminate imperfections in nail extensions after filing, use a thick finish with a sticky layer, its second name is corrector.
- Matte finish gel - allows you to create a beautiful matte finish, looks especially stylish in combination with a French jacket. Must be applied in two layers.
- Finish gel with mother-of-pearl - contains inclusions of small particles - colored, golden, silver.
What are top gels used for?
Top finish for gel polish is used quite often. It allows you not only to make the nail more durable, but also adds gloss. The top is applied in a thick layer, unlike the base coat or regular gel polish. To dry your nail in a UV lamp, you should spend about 3 minutes. In an LED lamp, 30 seconds is enough. If the finish is not dried correctly, then over time the nail will lose its shine and spots will appear. After drying, you need to remove the sticky layer.
What is a manicure top?
Manicure fixing varnish, or top coat, is a product that protects the color and at the same time gives the manicure a super shine. The coating is produced in small volume bubbles that resemble ordinary nail polish in appearance.
The topcoat is available in several types, each of which makes the manicure durable and gives an additional effect:
- Shine;
- Matte;
- Additional decor in the form of sparkles.
Using a top coat can extend the durability of your manicure and “tame” even the most unruly nail polish. If we are talking about gel polishes, then the finish, like the base, is really necessary. A nail top coat is needed to ensure that the gel polish has a glossy finish and does not deteriorate due to mechanical stress.
The best gels
Now there are a huge number of coatings. Many masters get confused and cannot choose good options for finishing gel for nails.
Among the inexpensive coatings, Irisk should be noted. This top has no sticky layer. It protects well from cracks and chipping. Gels from Kodi receive excellent reviews. They are used for both acrylic and gel nails. Gel from EzFlow provides shine and long-lasting nail wear. It can be used not only when working with gel and acrylic, but also with fiber glass technology. The stability of the coating can be achieved using a top coat from Lightbox. It gives shine and does not leave a sticky layer. Gels from Planet Nails are popular due to the fact that they do not turn yellow, perfectly seal the material, create shine and provide excellent adhesion to the material.
Separately, we need to highlight the finishing gel from Avon. This coating can be used without a base or sealer. You can dry it without an ultraviolet lamp. The manufacturer assures that the varnish will last a long time and will help if the girl has brittle and thinning nails.
Experts advise purchasing products only from trusted companies, especially since you should not buy gels “on tap”. Thanks to the glossy and matte finish gel, you can increase the durability of your nails for up to 2 weeks.
How to use the product
The nail polish fixer is not very demanding to use. You don't need any special strength to learn how to use the product. Let's take a closer look at how to do this correctly.
Correct Application
There are several rules that must be followed. Not all products can be applied over the design until your nails are completely dry. Otherwise, the varnish will mix with the finishing agent and the manicure will be ruined.
How to apply nail polish correctly:
- After the base is applied to the nails, you need to cover them with a colored layer of varnish.
- Next, make a design that you like.
- This layer must be dried well (if these are gel polishes, then in a lamp).
- Then spread the fixative evenly over the entire nail in 3 strokes. The first is vertical in the middle, the second and third are on the sides.
- If the fixative needs to be polymerized in a lamp, then send the nails to dry.
It is important to ensure that the applied layer is not too thin, otherwise the topcoat will quickly dry out and flake.
Why does it lie unevenly?
There are several reasons why the sealant layer does not apply evenly:
- poorly degreased nail plate before work;
- poorly dried base and top;
- formation of bubbles in liquid;
- thick applied layer of product;
- poor quality product;
- the product has expired.
What to replace
Many girls think that nail polish is a useless and unnecessary waste of money. But without a good and high-quality product, the result will be depressing. After all, the finishing coat takes care not only of the appearance of the nails, but also of their health.
If you completely abandon the fixative, the varnish gradually delaminates, cracks and chips appear. Today this remedy cannot be replaced by anything. But you should definitely avoid using clear varnish as a fixative.
Secrets of choice
There is no need to skimp on your beauty, much less on your health. When choosing a fixative, you should focus on the quality of the product. A bad product can damage and destroy your nails down to the base.
There are a number of tips from professionals that will help you choose the best nail polish fixer:
- It is necessary to study the product label. The entire composition is written on it. Please remember that the product must not contain formaldehyde or dibutyphthal. These chemicals have a negative effect on the nail plates.
- It is best to give preference to well-known and professional brands.
- You should not buy cosmetics in transitions and cheap stalls, even if the name of a popular brand is engraved on the bottle. Most likely, this is a fake at an inexpensive price.
- It is worth buying the product in wide cosmetic chains and large stores.
- The bottle itself should not have any damage: dents, scratches or chips. All text on the label must be legible. And the shelf life of the product corresponds to today's time.
- Pay attention to the consistency of the product. It should be neither thick nor too thin. Especially there should be no small air bubbles in it.
- If the store has testers, then it’s worth trying it for yourself. This way you will understand whether it is suitable for you or not.
Now you know what nail polish fixer is, how to choose and use it correctly. Use our tips when purchasing your ideal product. Let this product preserve your perfect manicure for many weeks.
The finishing gel is cracking: why?
This problem is not uncommon; even competent and professional craftsmen encounter it. Cracks may appear if the coating is not dried properly. You should check that the lamp is working properly. Sometimes the cause of this effect can be applying too thick a layer of gel. You should try using a thinner coating.
Many cheap gels crack and turn yellow. This spoils the appearance of the manicure. If the bottle is open, dust or any foreign particles could have gotten into it. After drying, they give a negative effect and violate the integrity. It is best not to use the damaged gel again, but to purchase a new one.
Application technique
When applying the finishing coat, you must carefully cover the entire painted surface. Don't forget about the ends. If they are not treated, then after a while the gel in these places will begin to peel off. The finishing varnish must be completely sealed.
If the gel has a sticky layer, it must be removed, otherwise your nails will become covered with dust. Wash with either a lint-free cloth soaked in a special liquid or a degreaser. Some of the produced options are also designed for removing the dispersion layer.
