Buzz
If you love the long-lasting quality of gel nail polish but crave the extensive color options of regular nail polish, you might wonder if mixing the two is possible. Fortunately, with careful attention and patience, it can be done! To easily combine the two, apply regular polish first, then add a layer of gel polish once the regular polish has dried. For enhanced durability, create a “sandwich” effect by placing the regular polish between two layers of gel polish.
Steps
Apply gel polish over the regular polish
Apply regular nail polish as you normally would. Use your favorite shade of regular nail polish. For better adhesion, file and clean your nails beforehand. You can also apply a regular (non-gel) base coat if desired.
- Apply multiple coats for a richer or more opaque color. However, avoid applying the polish too thickly, as the gel layer may not adhere properly.
- Paint the polish to the edge of your nails but avoid going under the free edge.
Wait for the polish to dry completely. This is a crucial step for successfully combining regular and gel polish. Before applying the gel layer, allow several hours for the regular polish to dry. Ensure it is fully dry before proceeding.
- The minimum drying time is 4-6 hours, but waiting a full 24 hours is ideal.
- Drying time may increase if multiple coats of polish are applied.
- If the polish isn’t completely dry, the gel layer may peel or crack, causing the nail polish to shrink or split beneath the gel coating.
Apply gel polish over the regular polish. Once the regular polish is dry, apply a layer of gel polish. Brush from the base to the tip of the nail. Seal the edges by applying a small amount of gel to the free edge.
- If gel polish gets on your skin or cuticles, clean it off before curing. Otherwise, it will be difficult to remove later!
Cure the gel polish under an LED or UV lamp. Place your hand under an LED or UV curing lamp to dry the gel polish. Keep your nails under the light for the recommended duration.
- Check the gel polish bottle for the required curing time. Typically, 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp is needed.
- You can purchase gel curing lamps online, at supermarkets, or beauty supply stores.
Warning: Using LED or UV curing lamps can expose your skin to high levels of UV radiation, potentially causing skin damage over time. If you frequently use gel polish, protect your hands with broad-spectrum sunscreen or UV-blocking manicure gloves.
Wipe off the sticky residue with an alcohol-soaked cloth. After curing the gel polish, a sticky layer will remain on your nails. To remove it, use a lint-free cloth dipped in 91% isopropyl alcohol and wipe each nail. Alternatively, you can use pre-moistened alcohol wipes.
- Avoid using cotton balls, as they may leave fibers on your nails.
- If possible, use a separate section of the cloth for each nail to prevent smudging the gel polish.
- If your cuticles feel dry, wait 1-2 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate, then apply cuticle oil.
Use the “sandwich” layering technique
File your nails to create a slightly rough surface. Before applying the base coat, gently buff your nails to help the gel polish adhere better. Use a 220-grit buffer or file, moving it in an X-shaped motion 6-8 times across each nail.
- Be careful not to over-file, as this can damage your nails.
- If using a file instead of a buffer, choose one with a fine grit. Gently glide it back and forth a few times to avoid harming your nails.
Wipe your nails with an alcohol-soaked cloth. Clean the filed nails using a lint-free cloth dipped in 91% isopropyl alcohol. This removes dust and adds slight moisture, ensuring the gel base coat adheres firmly.
- You can also use disposable alcohol wipes, like those found in first-aid kits.
- Avoid cotton balls, as they may leave fibers on your nails.
Apply a gel base coat. Brush a thin layer of gel base coat onto each nail, starting from the base to the tip. This acts as the foundation. After covering the nail surface, seal the free edge by applying a small amount of gel along the tip.
- Avoid getting gel on your cuticles, as this can cause the base coat to lift more easily.
Cure the gel polish under an LED or UV lamp. Place your nails under the lamp for the recommended time. Typically, cure for 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 1 minute under a UV lamp.
- If concerned about UV exposure, apply sunscreen or wear UV-protective manicure gloves to shield your hands.
Wipe off the sticky residue from each nail with an alcohol-soaked cloth. After curing the base coat, a sticky layer will remain on your nails. Clean each nail using a lint-free cloth dipped in 91% isopropyl alcohol.
- You can also use disposable alcohol wipes for this step.
Apply 1 or 2 coats of regular nail polish. Choose your favorite polish, dip the brush, and wipe off excess polish on the bottle’s edge. Apply a thin, even layer to each nail. Wait 5 minutes for it to dry, then apply a second coat if desired.
- Avoid applying the polish too thickly, as the top gel layer may not adhere properly.
- Paint to the edge of the nail but avoid going under the free edge to prevent peeling.
Wait for the polish to dry completely. To prevent shrinking or cracking under the gel layer, ensure the polish is fully dry. Ideally, wait several hours or even a full day before applying the gel top coat.
- If using quick-dry polish, you can apply the gel layer after 15-20 minutes.
Apply the gel top coat. Once you’re certain the regular polish is completely dry, apply the gel layer evenly, avoiding the cuticles. Seal the edges by brushing gel along the free edge.
- Sealing the edges locks in the regular polish and prevents peeling.
Cure the gel polish under the lamp for the recommended time. Place your hand under an LED or UV curing lamp to dry the gel. Check the polish bottle’s label for the required curing duration.
- Typically, cure for 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp.
Wipe off the sticky residue with an alcohol-soaked cloth. After curing, remove the sticky layer using a lint-free cloth dipped in 91% isopropyl alcohol. You’ll now have a beautiful, long-lasting manicure thanks to the sandwich technique!
- Apply cuticle oil for moisture if desired. Wait at least a minute after wiping the residue to avoid smudging the top gel layer.
What You’ll Need
- Nail buffer
- Lint-free alcohol-soaked cloth
- 91% isopropyl alcohol
- Gel base coat
- Regular nail polish
- Gel top coat
- UV or LED curing lamp
Tips
- Before applying nail polish, trim and shape your nails to the desired length and style. Attempting to shape nails after polishing can ruin the finish.
