Acrylic nails have gained popularity among those who wish to improve the aspect of their natural nails. They are durable and allow for the creation of a variety of designs. If you’re a fan of acrylic nails and want to know so, this article provides information about whether you can put gel polish on acrylic nails.
What Is Acrylic Nails
The natural nail or nail tips are coated with a mixture of liquid monomer and a powder polymer to produce acrylic nails. When exposed to air, the mixture hardens, generating a solid and durable artificial nail.
Individual preferences can be accommodated by shaping, filing, and personalizing acrylic nails. They provide durability and strength, making them a popular option among nail enthusiasts.
What Is Gel polish?
Gel polish, also known as soak-off gel or gel nail polish, incorporates the advantages of traditional nail polish and gel. It is available in various colors and finishes and provides a high-gloss sheen that is more durable than conventional polish.
Gel polish must be cured under a LED lamp or UV to harden and solidify, ensuring a long-lasting and chip-free manicure.
Can You Use Gel Polish on Acrylic Nails?
Yes, gel polish can be applied to acrylic nails. Combining gel varnish and acrylic nails permits a versatile and long-lasting manicure. It is important to follow the appropriate application steps to ensure the best results and longevity of your manicure. So here are the steps to use gel polish on acrylic nails.
1. The Compatibility Of Gel Polish And Acrylic Nails
Gel polish is compatible with acrylic nails because both products are cured by UV or LED lamps. The gel polish adheres well to the acrylic surface, producing a glossy and flawless finish. Before applying gel polish, it is essential to ensure that the acrylic nails are adequately prepared and free of debris and oils.
2. Procedures For Applying Gel Polish To Acrylic Nails
To apply gel polish to acrylic nails, perform the following steps:
- Prep your nails: Remove any existing nail varnish, file and shape your nails, and create a smooth base by lightly buffing the acrylic surface.
- Cleanse your nails: Use a lint-free wipe immersed in nail cleanser or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue or oils from your nails.
- Apply a base coat: Ensure the entire nail surface is covered with a thin layer of gel base coat. Cure it under the LED lamp or UV, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply gel polish: Apply a thin coating of gel polish in the color of your choice, being careful to cap the edges of the nails for increased durability. It should be cured under a UV or LED source.
- Repeat gel polish application: If desired, apply a second coating and cure it under the lamp. This phase improves coverage and color intensity.
- Apply top coat: Complete the manicure by applying a layer of gel full skin to seal the pigment and add shine. Cure it under an ultraviolet or light-emitting diode lamp for the final time.
- Cleanse your nails: Using alcohol or a nail cleanser, remove the sticky residue from your nails to reveal a lustrous finish.
Pros And Cons
Before applying gel polish to acrylic nails, it is crucial to understand the pros and cons of this combination.
Pros:
- Gel polish provides a high-gloss shine that accentuates the look of acrylic nails, giving them a salon-quality appearance.
- Gel manicure has many colors, finishes, and effects, allowing for limitless creativity and nail design options.
- Gel polish dries almost instantly due to the curing process under a UV or LED lamp, saving you time and preventing smudges.
Cons:
- Gel polish must be removed from acrylic nails by soaking them in acetone, which can be time-consuming and may cause the acrylic structure to deteriorate if not performed correctly.
- While applying gel polish to acrylic nails at home is possible, salon-quality results typically require professional skills and equipment.
- Gel polish and the necessary UV or LED lamp can be more costly than regular nail varnish, making it a more expensive option for some.
Tips For Applying Gel Polish On Acrylic Nails
Consider the following guidelines when applying gel polish to acrylic nails for optimal results:
- Proper nail preparation entails extensively cleaning and preparing acrylic nails by removing oils, debris, and old nail polish for improved adhesion.
- Apply gel polish in thin layers to prevent a dense and uneven application. This assures improved preservation and durability.
- Cap the margins: To prevent lifting and chipping, seal the edges of the nails with each layer of gel polish.
- Follow the curing times prescribed by the manufacturer of your gel polish under a UV or LED lamp. Overturning or under-curing can affect the manicure’s durability.
- Acrylic nails can be more dehydrating than natural nails, so it is essential to moisturize your cuticles and nails regularly to maintain their health.
Removal Of Gel Polish From Acrylic Nails
When it’s time to remove gel polish from your acrylic nails, it’s crucial to do so correctly to prevent nail damage. Here’s a straightforward removal method:
- Buff the top layer: Using a fine-grit buffer, buff the top layer of the gel polish to shatter the shine and remove the seal.
- Soak in acetone: Soak a cotton ball or pad in acetone and position it on each nail. Aluminum foil should be wrapped around each fingertip to hold the cotton ball in position.
- Wait 10 to 15 minutes: Soak the nails in acetone for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the gel varnish.
- Remove gel polish: After soaking, use a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to push the gel polish off the nails delicately. Take caution not to scratch or otherwise damage the acrylic nails.
- Cleanse and moisturize: After removing the gel pigment, cleanse your nails with alcohol or a nail cleanser to eliminate residue. Apply cuticle oil or moisturizer to the nails and cuticles to hydrate them.
Conclusion
Gel polish can be applied to acrylic nails for an attractive, long-lasting manicure. Gel varnish and acrylic nails are compatible, allowing for limitless nail design and customization possibilities. Remember to care for your nails by moisturizing them regularly and seeking professional assistance if necessary.
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FAQs
1. Can conventional nail polish be applied to acrylic nails?
Yes, conventional nail polish can be used on acrylic nails. Normal polish may not be as durable as gel varnish and may require more frequent touch-ups.
2. How long does gel varnish on acrylic nails last?
Gel polish can last two to three weeks on acrylic nails, depending on the individual’s manicure care routine and daily activities.
3. Can gel polish be reapplied to acrylic nails?
Yes, gel polish can be infilled on acrylic nails. As the natural nails develop, the gap near the cuticle can be filled with new gel polish to ensure a seamless and durable manicure.
4. Can you mix gel polish and regular polish on acrylic nails?
Gel polish requires curing under a UV or LED lamp, while regular polish does not. It is possible to mix gel polish and regular polish on acrylic nails for nail art purposes, but it is essential to remember that gel polish requires curing under a UV or LED lamp.
5. Is a UV or LED lamp required to cure gel polish on acrylic nails?
A UV or LED lamp is required to cure gel polish on acrylic nails. The curing process helps gel polish solidify, resulting in a durable and long-lasting manicure.