To apply gel polish to acrylic nails, you must first prepare the acrylic surface by removing its shine, this will allow the gel to adhere properly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Gel Polish on Acrylic Nails
| Step | Description | Tool/Material |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Surface: Buff the acrylic nails to remove any shine. This process creates a rougher surface to which the gel can stick. | Fine-grit emery board or buffer |
| 2 | Clean the Nails: Remove any dust or debris from filing. | Nail brush or lint-free wipe with isopropyl alcohol |
| 3 | Apply Base Coat: Apply a thin layer of gel base coat. | Gel base coat, gel brush |
| 4 | Cure Base Coat: Cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. | UV or LED lamp |
| 5 | Apply Gel Color: Apply a thin layer of your chosen gel color. | Gel color, gel brush |
| 6 | Cure Color: Cure the gel color under the lamp as directed. | UV or LED lamp |
| 7 | Apply Second Coat (Optional): Apply a second coat of gel color for more even coverage and intense color. | Gel color, gel brush |
| 8 | Cure Second Coat (Optional): Cure the second color layer under the lamp as directed. | UV or LED lamp |
| 9 | Apply Top Coat: Apply a thin layer of gel top coat to seal the color and add shine. | Gel top coat, gel brush |
| 10 | Cure Top Coat: Cure the top coat under the lamp. | UV or LED lamp |
| 11 | Cleanse (if needed): If the top coat has a sticky residue, clean it with a lint-free wipe and alcohol. | Lint-free wipe with isopropyl alcohol (optional) |
Important Considerations:
- Buffing: The reference mentions that "You need to rough up the acrylic or the gel will not adhere to the surface... Use a fine-grit emery board or buffer to gently buff the acrylic until the shine is gone." This step is crucial for proper adhesion.
- Thin Layers: Applying gel polish in thin layers ensures that the polish cures properly and prevents issues like wrinkling or bubbling.
- Curing Time: Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended curing times to achieve the best results for each coat.
- Product Compatibility: Make sure all the products used (base coat, color, and top coat) are compatible with one another.
By following these steps and keeping in mind the need to roughen the acrylic surface, you can successfully apply gel polish to your acrylic nails.
