Types of topcoats: how to choose a topcoat, review of the 10 best brands

The task of the top coat (from the English top coat - top layer) in a three-phase system consisting of a base, colored gel polish and top is the final alignment of the color of the nail plate, and the creation of an ideal, even highlight. Nail service professionals have access to materials with different consistencies and properties, designed to solve a range of problems - from leveling to fixing decorative elements.

Let's look at the features of choosing a top coating for the job, and also review the 10 most popular brands on the market.

Kinds

The choice of top coating will largely be dictated by the tasks that the master needs to solve with its help.

Topcoats fall into 3 main categories:

• With a sticky layer;
• No sticky layer;
• Matte.

In each of the categories, you can choose a material with different characteristics, consistency, UV filters, plasticity and the ability to turn blue or yellow during wear. Let's look at all types of finishes and their characteristics in more detail.

We recommend looking at the layers of coating in manicure:

Layers of coating in manicure - what are they, how to apply them correctly

Expert's choice

Super Shine Top coat UNO without sticky layer

Super Shine Top coat UNO without a sticky layer.
Photo: market.yandex.ru The top fixes the color of the gel polish, maintains shine, and also protects from the negative effects of external factors. With it, you can forget about problems such as chips and scratches at the very beginning of wearing a manicure. The top coat from UNO will ensure the durability of the manicure and give your nails a glossy shine. Its advantage lies in the excellent ratio of volume, quality and price of the product. Pairs perfectly with different brands of colored gel polish.

Protects manicure from chipping, gives a glossy shine, and can be combined with different brands of colored gel polishes

May not suit thin nails

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With a sticky layer

The sticky layer is also called the dispersion layer. After applying the finishing coating, the dispersion is removed with a special liquid, since it is a waste material. The gloss of these topcoats is not as bright and expressive as it is obtained when using materials without dispersion, which can only be said by comparison.

They are practical, versatile and suitable for all types of gel polish, with the exception of some types of designs. They are inconvenient to use for rubs and sliders. At the same time, they cope well with sand and powder textures, which are attached to the dispersion surface, and only then polymerize in a lamp.

How to remove the dispersion to maintain maximum gloss? At this stage it is important to follow the rules:

1. Allow the topcoat to cool after polymerization in the lamp for 30-60 seconds;
2. Use a new section of the napkin or a new napkin to remove the dispersion on each finger.
3. To do this, a lint-free napkin is generously moistened in a special liquid, and then one finger is treated with it.
4. Remove the dispersion using a smooth, tightening motion from the cuticle to the end of the nail, without rubbing.
5. If necessary, go over the same nail again with the other side. We don’t use this napkin anymore, otherwise we will get cloudy stains and loss of brightness of the highlight on the next nail or nails.

You can use cotton pads instead of a lint-free wipe. Instead of liquid to remove the dispersion, use an alcohol antiseptic. If we take a degreaser as an analogue, it behaves more aggressively towards the coating and can make the top layer cloudy.

Examples of brands of topcoats with dispersion: Neonail Hard, Emi, Kodi, FOX, UNO.

What is a sticky layer and means for removing it

Types of topcoats

Gel polish tops vary in consistency, texture, decorative qualities and other properties. Popular categories of finishing coatings are:

1. Glossy or classic - such fixatives provide the coating with a shining effect and protect the applied color from fading in the sun.
2. Reflective finishes - they contain small silver particles that reflect light rays, giving the nails a shine and shimmering effect.
3. Matte tops, including corduroy, velvet, suede and sand, give the manicure a matte effect, emphasizing the naturalness of the color and the beauty of the design. Thanks to their soft, plush texture, these finishes provide an incredible tactile sensation. It’s so nice to run your fingertips across their surface!
4. Satin or cream tops are also matte finishes. In terms of tactile sensations, they are inferior to the previous group of coatings. But satin compositions are not so porous, less prone to contamination and are suitable even for light shades of varnish.
5. Rubber - these finishes make the coating more elastic, resistant to fading, peeling, cracking and chipping. They are easy to apply, spread well over the surface and mask minor flaws in the nail plate. In addition, rubber fixatives hold rhinestones, voluminous designs and metal decor well.
6. Finishes for fixing designs - thanks to their special formula, they perfectly fix rub-ins, rhinestones, elements using the casting technique, slider designs and other decor. In addition, such fixatives are elastic and contribute to long-lasting manicure without peeling or chipping.
7. Fragrant and decorative tops are exclusive products with unique properties. This category includes topcoats with a rub-in effect, shimmer, sparkles, flakes, micro-glitter, holographic effect and other interesting additions.
8. Shimmer tops contain sparkles of different sizes and shades. Thanks to them, the monochromatic coating takes on a more elegant and interesting look. In addition, glitter finishes perfectly mask unevenness and other defects of the nail plates.

No sticky layer

The main advantage of a coating without a sticky layer is that it saves the technician time. Immediately after polymerization in the lamp, the manicure is ready and the client can be released. There is no need to remove the dispersion. It is strictly forbidden to degrease such coatings, otherwise the gloss will become cloudy.

To further enhance the gloss, after polymerization, you can wipe your nails with a dry cotton pad as a polisher.

The second significant plus is the brightness and saturation of the gloss that the top coat gives without a sticky layer.

The finish without dispersion is good to wear and does not lose its properties over time.

Tops without a sticky layer can have different textures - from liquid to thick. They do not turn yellow, they can turn blue, especially on black.

When we cover light shades of gel polish, the bright gloss of the top coat is not a priority, since the highlight is not as noticeable as on a dark background.

Finish brands without a sticky layer: Uno Supershine, Bagheera B4, Klio Brilliant, Diva Brilliant.

Reviews of the best top coat for gel polish

Shellactop reviews help girls choose the most suitable option for themselves and not fall for the tricks that marketers use to attract attention specifically to their brand. The most obvious drawback, based on most reviews from users of the product, is the need to use an ultraviolet lamp in most cases. Consequently, the health of the plate may leave much to be desired over time. But most of the reviews are positive, and many say that it was the top coating that allowed masters of absolutely any level to learn how to competently create nail designs and maintain them for quite a long time.

Yesenia, 25 years old, Moscow

I used to think for a long time why my manicure didn’t last longer and was washed off after a couple of contacts of my hands with water. I came across such a product on the Internet as a nail finish. Since then, having chosen a Russian brand, I have had no problems. The composition of the model was perfect and I am now drawing the most daring designs.

Olga, 20 years old, master, Kirov

Previously, I used additional products in the form of a smart coating. But it was much more expensive and often did not live up to its name. I found information about the top on the Internet, searched for a suitable option for a long time and settled on two that received the most positive feedback from clients. The tops helped both maintain the master’s reputation and increase his experience with the flow of satisfied clients.

Matte

The third category of finishing coatings, characterized by a matte texture.

A matte top cannot be applied over a glossy one after leveling, otherwise it will chip or peel off as a film. If it is necessary to combine materials in this approach, then after using the glossy top it is necessary to remove the dispersion, sand the surface with a polisher or buffer, and then only apply the matte finish.

Matte top is easily soiled when worn. It looks better on dark versions of gel polish, and over time it turns gray on light ones. For the latter, it is better to take more rubberized versions of top coatings with less velvety expression.

Rating of tops for gel polish

When choosing the best top for gel polish, most girls look at popular ratings and reviews. According to the latest data, the list of the best nail toppers is topped by the following manufacturers and models:

1. ShellacCND. This company, specializing in the sale of gel polishes and top coats for shellac, is considered the strongest in the world and has been winning the love of the public for many years now. The quality and durability of topcoat for nails from this company allows you not only to secure the design, but also to protect it from damage.
2. OPIGecolor. Another leading company that presents coatings with various effects to the general public, from glossy to diamond shine. It’s worth noting right away that this product for nails is considered premium and will cost no less than 800 rubles. But the nails will definitely reward the owner with a long-term design.
3. KodiProfessional. This company specializes mainly in the production of rubber top coat for nails. Topcoat from this company is durable and easy to apply. Which is ideal for those new to manicure. The cost is cheaper than previous analogues, and it also has 2 in 1 functionality.
4. Pnbtop is famous for its durability and lack of pigment when worn on nails. The bottle volumes of this company are fixed and are 8 and 17 ml. The varnish costs even less, around 400 rubles. But the quality is practically not inferior to previous analogues.
5. RuNail. A Russian brand that was included in the list of the best, according to customer reviews, both local and foreign markets. Protecting nails from minor damage, such toppers create an additional and fairly durable gloss. The line of models with a color effect attracts the greatest attention from consumers.

As you can see, the choice is quite wide, and every girl can find her own brand, both in price and other characteristics.

For design, fixing

Decor such as rubbing, sliders, sand, rhinestones require special top coatings. They often come with the For Sliders prefix.

Rubbing: what it is, how to use it and all application methods with step-by-step instructions

Velvet sand on nails: features, application technology, design ideas

These tops are flexible. They can be with or without a sticky layer. For example, a finish without dispersion will be required when making a design with rub-in or pigments. The best option is Alena Kapriz.

For sliders we use a final coating with a sticky layer. They are plastic and have a porous texture. Ib.Di brands are suitable. Nails, Neonail, Nollon Pro, Clio For Sliders.

For sand and powder, the consistency should be very thick, with a sticky layer. For example, the Artex Rubber Top brand is suitable. This finishing coat must be applied in an even layer without excess volume, so that it then dries well in the lamp and does not chip when worn.

What types of nail tops are there?

Classification of finishing coatings is made on several grounds, that is, on a number of unrelated characteristics. They affect the speed and ease of working with the material, the application technology and the range of tasks to be solved. The most important signs are:

1. Glossy top or matte;
2. With or without residual sticky layer;
3. Elastic or hard;
4. Thick or liquid;
5. Turns yellow or blue;
6. Whether it bubbles or not;
7. Resistant to damage and rubbing or not;
8. Specialized or general purpose;
9. Decorative top or classic fixative.

UV filter

The criterion for the presence of a UV filter is relevant for all types of topcoat. It affects whether the finish in the sock turns blue or yellow. Knowing the presence or absence of a filter, we can choose the right topcoat for light or dark shades of varnish, so as not to get unsightly color shifts.

The presence of a filter in the finishing coating ensures blocking of ultraviolet radiation in the sun and solarium, and prevents the color coating from fading. They are suitable for light and bright shades of gel polish, for French manicure.

You can tell that there is a UV filter if your nails appear blue or blue in the lamp. The downside of these topcoats is that they can become stained in the first 24 hours after polymerization due to a chemical reaction. This is considered the norm.

How else can you tell whether a top is with or without a UV filter? This information is indicated by the manufacturer on the jar. You can ask a consultant in the store when purchasing or check the manufacturer’s information provided on the Internet or in specialized information brochures.

It is better not to apply a finish with a UV filter to dark shades of gel polish; it will have a strong blue tint.

It is better not to apply topcoats without a UV filter to light shades, as they will yellow the color of the varnish.

comparison table

In order to compare the products presented, we recommend that you study the comparison table in the article below.

Hardness and softness

As with bases, tops can be soft or hard. This criterion affects whether the product will crack during wear.

Causes of cracking:

• Incorrect combination of base and top in terms of rigidity and elasticity;
• If the top layer is severely overdried in the lamp, its elastic properties “burn out”;
• Very thin layers of soft both base and top: the nail “walks”.

Soft can always be applied to hard, but hard to soft cannot be applied, hence all the problems with the durability of coatings.

How to check this characteristic? We apply a small drop of material to a plastic surface, for example, a thick film, and polymerize it in a lamp. The resulting sample can be bent and twisted, and how it behaves can reveal its characteristics of elasticity, hardness and brittleness.

Also stretchy are all tops with the definition of For Sliders. Brands: Emi, Neonail, Nollon Pro, CND, Ib Di.

They have a thick texture, are plastic, and after polymerization do not leave a pronounced gloss. At the same time, airbrushing, rubs, pigments, sliders, sequins, foil, and mica hold up well on them. They don't scratch. They often turn yellow. This type of finish is a must have in a craftsman’s kit for attaching designs to the main coating.

The topcoat marked Rubber is not elastic.

A fragile or hard topcoat on an elastic base coat and gel polish can crack, creating a web-like network in which dirt and dust get clogged. After just a few days, your nails look untidy. Therefore, it is necessary to select the appropriate material for the top coat on natural or extended nails.

The finish can be used to highlight and level, although it is better to use the base for leveling. The top eliminates all color unevenness and creates a perfect highlight.

Base coatings: types, selection criteria, review of the best

If you apply a lot of topcoat, bubbles will form at points of large accumulation of the layer, and the area may turn yellow more intensely.

Special purpose finish

NeoNail Top for Slider and Pole thick top for fixing volumetric decor

These topcoats are designed to secure the decor. They produce tops for sliders, for rubbing, for attaching rhinestones, bouillons, etc. All their properties are best selected to solve a specific problem. For example, the finish for fixing volumetric decor will be without a sticky layer, thick and as transparent as possible. The slider top will be medium thick, with a very sticky dispersion and a little yellowish (which is okay). Typically, such coatings are not used as basic and universal ones.

Top 10 brands

Let's look at the most popular options for top coatings, which are used by professional craftsmen and recommended for beginners. We remember that the arsenal should have several options for tops for combination with different types of bases, for dark and light shades, as well as for use as a base for designs, for example, rubs, sliders, sand or rhinestones. Let's consider coverage according to the main criteria:

• Hardness or softness;
• Presence or absence of a dispersion layer;
• Blue or yellow to choose from when applied to dark or light gel polish;
• Manufacturer;
• Price category.

Kodi Professional Rubber Top Coat

Soft coating with a sticky layer. When applied, the blueness is medium, it is better to apply it to dark shades of gel polish. The coating has a liquid consistency, can spread, and is not suitable for top leveling. It is recommended to apply a thin layer and quickly send for polymerization.

It has a pronounced shine. Combines well with gel polishes from other manufacturers. Available in 8, 12 and 14 ml containers.

It has a good, comfortable brush with soft, elastic hairs. The length allows you to cover a nail of medium length and width well, and paint it over from the first application of the product. The smell is moderate, slightly sweet. Manufacturer: USA or Ukraine. The cost is about 450 - 500 rubles per 8 ml.

Klio Professional Brilliant

Has medium softness. Without a sticky layer, it can be used for fixing rhinestones, sliders, and applying rubbing. Turns yellow when applied to light and medium shades of gel polish. The coating can be purchased in a volume of 15 ml, which is economical for salons and professional professionals with a large and stable flow of clients.

The brush is comfortable, medium length, the hairs are well distributed over the surface of the nail when applying the material. Consistency – medium-liquid. It is convenient to apply in a thin layer and does not create excess volume. Not suitable for upper leveling of the nail plate. The cost varies from 600 to 700 rubles. Manufacturer – Russia.

Lianail All Stars

Claimed as a top for rhinestones. Characterized by medium hardness. The coating is without a sticky layer, which makes it ideal for working with lay-out designs and rubbing in.

The product turns very yellow, which will be noticeable after some time on light shades of gel polish. Looks very impressive with dark or black coatings. Gives nails a matte texture. Compatible with other brands of varnishes. Has a convenient brush for application.

Bottle – 10 ml. Cost - 400 - 500 rubles. Manufacturer – Russia.

Ib Di Top Coat for Nails Wraps

Claimed as a coating for sliders. Has medium-soft hardness. If your nails are soft, it is better to strengthen them with a base. Product with a sticky layer. It turns yellow when worn for a long time, it is better to combine it with dark and very dark shades of varnish.

When fixing sliders, it is recommended to apply two layers, carefully sealing the ends. The brush is long and comfortable. The consistency of the product is medium thick. Levels out well after application.

Comes in a 15 ml container. The cost is about 700 rubles. Manufacturer – Russia.

Mollon Pro Professional Top Coat

Soft top with a sticky layer. It turns yellow when worn for a long time, and turns a little blue on dark colors. Suitable for polymerization in hybrid lamps. The product has a medium consistency, can be applied in a thin or medium layer, and does not spread. Gives a nice bright highlight. Virtually no bubbles.

Additionally strengthens the nail plate and protects the coating from scratches. The formula is claimed to be environmentally friendly. Does not contain formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate. Recommended for allergy sufferers.

Allergy to manicure: how to determine the cause, remove symptoms and how to replace gel polish

The brush is soft, medium padding. Convenient to distribute the coating. The finish does not have a strong odor.

Comes in a 12 ml bottle. Manufacturer – France. Cost - 650 - 700 rubles.

Uno Lux High Gloss Top Coat

Medium hard finish. No sticky layer. The finish gives a very high gloss that can be difficult to rub in. In this case, it is better to treat your nails while the top layer is still wet.

It may turn a little yellow with prolonged wear on light gel polishes and turn very blue on dark gel polishes. A high content of UV filters is declared to protect the color from fading, which is important in the summer season.

It comes in a 15 ml bottle, a fairly large volume that is convenient for the salon, and with a large flow of clients at the master’s home. Consistency – liquid. Does not self-level well; two coats may be required.

Cost - 600 - 700 rubles. Manufacturer – USA.

Vogue Nails Extra Top

Hard coating without a dispersion layer. A little yellow, not blue. Contains UV filters to protect color from fading. Polymerizes in hybrid lamps. Self-leveling.

It has a comfortable brush of medium length and padding. Texture – medium-liquid. Not suitable for plate alignment.

Comes in a volume of 10 ml. Cost – from 500 rubles. Manufacturer – Russia.

TNL Professional No Wipe Top Coat

Medium hard in terms of characteristics. No sticky layer. Holds rhinestones, rubs and sliders perfectly. The sock turns yellow after some time. Does not bluish on dark shades.

Consistency – medium liquid. Economical in consumption. It has a densely packed and flexible brush of medium length. The smell is not strong, light. Self-leveling. Gives excellent gloss. It is enough to apply one layer. It fits well under mirror rubbing and holds rhinestones for the entire period of wear, up to 3 weeks.

It has an economical cost - 300 rubles, and at the same time is not inferior in quality to more expensive analogues. Comes in a volume of 10 ml. You can take 50 ml in salon packaging. Manufacturer: Russia and South Korea for different lines.

Artex Artylac Rubber Top Wipe Off

Medium hardness with a sticky layer. It turns very yellow on light gel polishes and slightly blue on dark ones. Texture – medium thickness. Comfortable brush of medium length, densely packed.

Self-leveling. Gives perfect bright highlights. Contains UV filters to protect color from fading. Recommended as hypoallergenic.

Comes in bottles of 15 ml. Cost – from 800 rubles. Manufacturer – England.

Bagheera Nails B-5

Medium soft without a sticky layer. May turn slightly yellow after application. On dark shades there is a pronounced bluish tint. Bagheera Nails differs from the popular B-4 in its lighter, more flexible consistency.

Comes in bottles of 16 ml. Gives a very pronounced beautiful highlight on the nails. Self-leveling. Not suitable for fixing rhinestones and rubbing. Polymerizes in UV and LED lamps. Cost – from 800 rubles. Manufacturer – Russia.

Now, when selecting a top coating, you will have a number of criteria that you should focus on.
If you have any questions, write to us in the comments. Comment

Popular questions and answers

, will talk about the types of tops, the features of their use, as well as whether it is possible to combine a top and colored gel polish from different brands . industry.

Is it always necessary to cover gel polish with a top coat?

Gel polish must be covered with a top coat so that the artificial coating lasts for several weeks. Main functions of the top: color protection from scratches and various mechanical damage; protection of color from environmental influences, hard water, chemicals. The top allows you to create the perfect highlight. If it contains ultraviolet filters, it protects the manicure from fading in the sun and helps securely fix the design.

The best nail polishes

Due to the fashion for “naturel”, the demand for ordinary varnishes is growing

Is it possible to combine top and cover from different brands?

It is possible, although most manufacturers recommend using one line of products to achieve the best result. This is partly a true statement. After all, when developing products, technologists take into account the best compatibility of materials in the entire line.

But often craftsmen use tops from different manufacturers. Here it is important to choose a working combination and it is better to choose a top “a level higher” than the color.

What types of gel polish tops are there?

With and without a sticky layer, matte, with shimmer, with various effects, such as “cat’s eye”, thick and liquid, for fixing designs.

Is it possible to immediately remove the sticky layer from the top coat after drying?

It's better to wait a couple of minutes. Preferably with a top coat without a sticky layer. During polymerization, the microparticles of the top coat heat up, so they must be allowed to cool so that the top coat does not become cloudy.