The Mystery Of Shrinking Base Coats: Unveiling The Culprits

There are many reasons why a base coat might shrink. Incorrect nail preparation, not removing the cuticles, applying thick coats of polish, and not applying the topcoat to all the edges and tips can all cause nail polish shrinkage. Natural growth and poor-quality products can also be factors.

Applying top coat to wet polish

Applying a top coat to wet nail polish is a quick way to achieve a long-lasting, high-shine manicure. The top coat is the final step in a manicure, coming after a base coat and two layers of your chosen colour. It adds a protective layer to your nails, ensuring the colour remains vibrant and chip-free for longer.

There are different types of top coats, and the way you apply them depends on the formula. Fast-drying top coats, such as Seche Vite, should be applied to wet nails. This is because they penetrate the layers of wet polish and dry everything to a solid, shiny finish. If you apply a fast-drying top coat to dry nails, it will peel off. When applying a fast-drying top coat, ensure your nails are not dripping wet—they should be tacky and slightly sticky to the touch. You should also use a generous amount of top coat to avoid dragging the colour off your nails.

Regular top coats, on the other hand, should be applied to dry nails. They do not have the same penetrative properties as fast-drying formulas, so they will not dry wet polish. Applying a regular top coat to wet nails will result in a soggy mess!

To apply a top coat, start down the centre of the nail and work your way up in quick strokes to avoid the product accumulating around the cuticle area. Remember to shake the bottle before you start and remove any excess product before you begin.

Using an angled brush dipped in pure acetone

Firstly, it is important to choose the right brush. Look for a brush with soft bristles, as this will help you achieve a smooth line near the cuticle. The shape of the brush is not as important, but an angled brush can provide more precision and control. You can find angled brushes specifically designed for nail art, or you can use an angled eyeliner or concealer brush. Just make sure the bristles are not too short, as this may cause the acetone to wick up into the ferrule and loosen the glue holding the bristles.

Next, pour a small amount of pure acetone into a dish or the lid of your acetone bottle. This will help prevent spills and evaporation. Dip only the bristles of your brush into the acetone, being careful not to immerse the entire brush head. This will help minimise the dissolution of the glue holding the bristles.

Now, gently dab off any excess acetone from the brush. You don't want the brush to be dripping wet, as this can cause the acetone to run onto your nail polish and smudge your manicure.

Using the angled brush, carefully clean the sides of your nails and around the cuticle area. The acetone will quickly dissolve any nail polish mistakes, and the angled brush will give you the precision needed to create a smooth, neat line.

Once you have finished cleaning up your manicure, be sure to wipe your brush on a paper towel or cotton pad to remove any remaining acetone and polish. You can also rub the brush with a small amount of cuticle oil to condition the bristles and help them retain their shape.

Finally, store your brush in a safe place. If your brush came with a cap, place it over the bristles to protect them. Alternatively, you can store your brush in a vertical brush holder with the bristles pointing up, or horizontally with the bristles lying flat. Storing the brush with the bristles pointing down can cause them to bend out of shape.

Ensuring the product comes into contact with the nail plate

Ensuring that the product comes into contact with the nail plate is crucial to achieving a successful manicure. Here are some detailed tips to guarantee this:

Firstly, it is imperative to apply the top coat to wet polish. This allows the top coat to penetrate the polish, creating an ultra-durable layer for long-lasting results. Secondly, clean the sides and the area around the cuticle with an angled brush dipped in pure acetone before applying the top coat. This step ensures that the nail plate is free of any residue, creating a pristine surface for the top coat to adhere to.

Most importantly, when applying the top coat, make sure it comes into contact with the nail plate around all edges of the polish. Wrap the free edge of the nail to create a sealed barrier. You can use an orange stick or an angled brush to remove any excess top coat afterward. This technique prevents the manicure from shrinking and lifting at the sides, preserving your hard work.

Additionally, remember to seal the edges of the top coat. Run the brush over the top edge of the nail to connect the tip with the main body, ensuring the manicure doesn't shrink back. By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking manicure that resists chipping and maintains its shine for an extended period.

Sealing the edges of the top coat

To effectively seal the edges, it is recommended to load the brush with a generous amount of polish to avoid the need for double dipping. Additionally, working quickly is essential, as the top coat dries fast and can become lumpy if left out for too long. It is also important to note that the top coat works best when the layers underneath are slightly wet, allowing it to bond them together effectively.

By following these tips, you can achieve a smooth, glossy, and long-lasting manicure that is resistant to chipping and peeling.

Using a heavy-duty top coat

If you're looking for a heavy-duty top coat, the Polyvine Heavy Duty Extreme Varnish is a great option. It is the strongest of all 'one pack' varnishes, providing the ultimate protection for interior and exterior surfaces, including kitchen cabinets, tabletops, floors, and more. With a UV filter, this varnish will protect your surfaces from greying, ageing, and deterioration, while also guarding against mildew, mould, and fungus.

To apply this top coat, start by removing any old finishes, dirt, oil, wax, or grease from the surface, as these can cause the varnish to fail. Sand the surface in the direction of the grain, then clean it thoroughly. Make sure to follow the instructions in the technical data sheet provided with the product. Do not shake the varnish; instead, ensure it is well mixed.

Apply 2 to 3 coats of the varnish using a good-quality brush. For new softwood or porous surfaces, dilute the first coat by 10% with water. Lightly sand the surface between applications to remove any raising of the grain. If you're after a dead-flat finish with high durability and stain resistance, apply two coats of satin followed by one coat of dead flat.

When it comes to nail care, a top coat is essential to protect your nail polish and give your manicure a clean finish. While it may be tempting to use a top coat as a substitute for a base coat, it's important to note that these products have different properties and are not meant to be used interchangeably. Base coats are designed to adhere to the nail plate and hold onto the polish, while top coats contain more nitrocellulose and plasticizers for gloss, flexibility, and scratch resistance. Using a top coat as a base will not adequately protect your nails and may cause the colour polish to peel and chip.

For an effective and highly-reviewed top coat, consider the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. This product helps your manicure dry quickly, stay glossy, and last for an extended period with minimal chipping and peeling. Remember to load up the brush with a generous amount of polish and seal the edges of your nails to prevent the manicure from shrinking back.

Frequently asked questions