Discover the Perfect Finish: Shine & Matte Top Coats

No manicure is truly complete without the perfect Top Coat. At Pink Gellac, we offer two essential finishes to seal and protect your gel manicure: the Shine Top Coat and the Matte Top Coat. Whether you're after a sleek, glossy result or a chic, velvety finish, our gel polish Top Coats ensure your colour stays vibrant and flawless. These Top Coats are carefully formulated to deliver salon-quality results at home, offering one of the best gel polish Top Coat experiences.

What is a Top Coat & Why is it Essential?

A Top Coat is the final step in your gel manicure. Applied over your gel colour or gelstickers, this transparent layer locks in your polish, protects it from daily wear and discolouration, and enhances the overall finish. The Shine Top Coat delivers a high-gloss finish that boosts colour vibrancy and offers lasting protection. The Matte Top Coat is a modern alternative to the Shine; it provides a unique velvety texture that sets your manicure apart.

How to Apply a Gel Polish Top Coat

Applying your gel polish Top Coat correctly is key to achieving that salon-quality finish. After applying and curing your chosen gel colour or gel nail stickers, follow these steps: (Always prevent the gel polish from coming into contact with the skin and cuticles to minimize the risk of a possible acrylate allergy. If any polish touches the skin, remove it immediately.)

1. Apply a thin, even layer of the Top Coat over the entire nail.
2. Ensure the edges are properly sealed to prevent the gel polish from lifting or peeling.
3. Cure for 60 seconds under the Compact or Premium LED lamp.
4. Wait two minutes, then wipe off the sticky layer.

What is the sticky layer and how to remove it

Many gel Top Coats, including our Shine and Matte versions, leave behind a tacky layer after curing. This is known as the inhibition layer, more commonly referred to as the sticky layer or wipe-off layer. It may appear as though the Top Coat hasn’t cured properly, but rest assured, it has. The sticky layer is simply a normal part of the gel curing process and will disappear once wiped away. To reveal the final, perfected finish, use Pink Gellac Cleaner. Gently wipe each nail with a Lint-Free Wipe with the Cleaner. If you skip this step with a sticky formula, your nails may remain dull or feel sticky to the touch.

Why Can Shine Sometimes Appear Dull?

If your Shine Top Coat appears less glossy than expected, it doesn’t necessarily mean the application was incorrect. One common reason is that the sticky layer wasn’t properly. It’s also important not to wipe off the sticky layer too soon. Wiping too early can cause the Top Coat to appear dull. Other possible causes include exposure to household cleaning products or general wear and tear, which can affect the finish over time. Applying the Top Coat too thickly may also lead to a less glossy result. To achieve that ultra-glossy shine finish every time, ensure your nails are completely dust-free before application. Apply the Top Coat in a thin, even layer, cure it properly, and allow at least two minutes of rest time before wiping away the sticky layer with Pink Gellac Cleaner and a Lint-Free Wipe.

Why Does a Matte Topcoat Sometimes Appear Patchy?

A Matte Top Coat may appear uneven or slightly shiny in certain areas when applied incorrectly. This is usually due to applying a layer that is too thick, insufficient curing time, or leftover residue on the nail surface. To achieve a flawless matte effect, it’s important to apply the Top Coat in a thin, even layer and ensure that your LED Lamp is functioning correctly. Once cured, always remove the shiny sticky layer using a Lint-Free wipe and Pink Gellac Cleaner. This final step activates the true matte finish and reveals its smooth, velvety texture.

How to Prevent Colour Bleeding Under Your Top Coat

One common concern is colour bleeding or smudging when applying your gel polish Top Coat. This usually happens when the colour layer hasn’t been fully cured before sealing. To prevent this, make sure to cure your colour thoroughly using the LED Lamp, and allow a few seconds of cooling time before applying the Top Coat. When you're ready to apply the Top Coat, use a gentle floating technique, lightly glide the brush over the surface without pressing too firmly or dragging it through the colour. This helps avoid disturbing the cured layer beneath.

Whether you're aiming to create a high-gloss manicure with the Shine Top Coat or prefer the elegance of a matte finish, Pink Gellac offers the ultimate solution for a long-lasting result. With easy application, professional-quality results, and dependable colour protection, our UV gel top coats are a must-have in any gel polish routine.