For a more vibrant or opaque color, add multiple layers of polish. Wait a few minutes between layers so the nails are dry before adding new layers. Make sure your nails are cut and filed before you clean or paint them. If your cuticles need work, push them back and scrape away dead tissue. [2] X Research source If you’re worried about UV damage, apply SPF 30 sunscreen to your hands or put on opaque gloves with the fingers snipped off before painting. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
If the regular polish is still too wet, the top coat might peel or slide off. The regular polish might also wrinkle or crack underneath the gel, too. [6] X Research source
Paint and cure your thumbs separately since the angle of the thumb when you place your whole hand under the light makes it hard to light the whole nail. [10] X Research source Only keep your nails under the light for the recommended time—excess exposure can increase your risk of premature skin again or even cancer. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Stick to lint-free wipes rather than cotton balls—they can leave fuzz on your fresh manicure. Apply cuticle oil to your cuticles if they’re feeling dry. Just wait 1-2 minutes for the alcohol to dry before putting it on.
Alternatively, use a very fine nail file and go over each finger with just a few light strokes. Err on the side of buffing too little rather than too much to avoid wearing down your nails.
If the alcohol is too drying, try a non-acetone nail polish remover instead. Skip the cotton balls for cleaning your nails—they might leave behind fibers or fuzz. To protect your skin from the UV or LED light, put SPF 30 sunscreen on your hands before cleaning your nails, or wear opaque manicure gloves. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
If you get any gel on your skin or cuticles, wipe it away with a clean alcohol wipe before you cure the base coat in the LED or UV light.
Only leave your fingers under the light for the specified time. Too much UV or LED light can prematurely age your skin or increase your risk of cancer. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
If you don’t have a specific polish to gel transformer, try using a gel topcoat instead. Alternatively, apply several thin coats of regular polish to the gel base. Wait 5 minutes between layers and add thin coats until the color is opaque. [22] X Research source
Add a second coat and cure again. If the color is not as opaque as you want it, keep adding layers and curing in between until you’re satisfied with the look. If you opted to use regular nail polish, wait several hours (up to 24) for it to thoroughly dry before adding a gel topcoat. [24] X Research source
Wipe off any topcoat that gets on your skin or cuticles with a clean alcohol wipe. If the color layer is not fully dry, you’ll trap moisture under the topcoat which can lead to wrinkling, cracking, or even fungus (in rare cases).
Your final results may vary based on the brands you used. If it doesn’t turn out perfect, experiment with different products next time for a better result.
