How can I get my gel manicure to last longer?

If you are a new user of Gel Nail Polish, please don’t be disheartened if your first few manicures don’t last as long as expected. There are many tips and tricks to applying Gel Nail Polish that make the difference between a long-lasting application and an application that doesn’t last long enough (i.e. chips easily or peels). Often, new users of Gel Nail Polish make small mistakes during the application process that cause premature chipping or peeling. Once you've mastered your Gel Polish application, you'll enjoy flawless, long-lasting manicures time and time again. Practice really does make perfect!Please be patient, read our Application Guide carefully, and take note of our tips and tricks. Make sure you are using Gelous brand Base Coat, Colour Coat, Top Coat and Gel Nail Lamp. Gelous Gel Nail Polish and the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp are designed to be totally compatible, with the UV LED Gel Nail Lamp operating at 365-405nm and the Gel Polish curing within this wavelength. Though we use a reasonably generic curing wavelength, we do advise against using different polishes with our lamps, different lamps with our polish, or different brands polishes with our polish, as they may not be compatible. Incompatibility could result in under-curing which can cause serious damage to your hands or nails. Ensure your nails are strong enough for a gel manicure. If your nails are too weak, they can bend and cause the Gel Nail Polish to pull away from the nail. Nourish your nails with products such as Cuticle Oil, Moisturiser and Nail Defense to improve their strength, and consider adding a Builder Gel into your manicure routine.Nail prep is very important and will directly influence the longevity of your mani or pedi. Before applying your Gel Nail Polish, gently buff the entire surface of each nail. Make sure to buff in one direction and remember, you are trying to rough up your nails not make them smooth, so the whole nail should appear dull from the buffing (not shiny). You need to be very thorough with the buffing, paying particular attention to the sides of the nails and around the cuticle, as this is where lifting may occur if not buffed correctly.Make sure to clean your nails thoroughly after buffing, as any residual buffing dust, oil or other contaminants will reduce adhesion of the gel and affect the longevity. To clean, simply apply Nail Polish Remover to a Lint Free Wipe and thoroughly clean the surface of your nails, including the area under your nails and around the cuticles.Use Nail Primer before your Base Coat to prime and dehydrate the nails.Don’t apply your coats of Gel Nail Polish too thick and make sure they are an even thickness. Pay attention to the cuticles and the sides, as this is where Gel Polish can get thicker if you have too much Gel Nail Polish on the brush. To achieve a thin application, remove excess Gel Nail Polish from the brush by circling it around the inside of the bottle neck, pressing it off.Cap every coat of Gel Nail Polish by running the brush horizontally over the free edge of your nail. View capping diagram here. If you have shorter nails, start each coat by using a Nail Art Brush or the tip of your bottle brush to cap the free edge. When applying, start in the middle of the nail then ‘push’ the Gel Nail Polish gently towards the cuticle without it touching. It is important to leave a thin gap between the edge of the Gel Nail Polish and your cuticle when applying. If the Gel Nail Polish is applied to the cuticle, it can separate and lift as your nail plate grows. Aim to avoid getting any Gel Nail Polish on your skin or cuticle, however if you do, remove it with an Orangewood Cuticle Stick, Nail Art Brush or Lint Free Wipe before curing. In terms of aftercare, avoid washing dishes or using cleaning products without gloves, use Cuticle Oil regularly to help your nails looking fresh for longer, and if you get a snag, file this down so it does not catch and cause further damage.

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Gel Nail Polish Application Guide

Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly.
Apply sunscreen to your hands 15-30 minutes before the following steps. Avoid getting sunscreen on your nails and wipe off if you do.
Using the curved side of the Gelous Nail File, gently push back your cuticles. This provides a clean surface for the gel polish to stick to, while creating longer, more even-looking nails.
Using the fine 180 grit side of the Gelous Nail File, file your nails to the desired shape, making sure the edges of each nail are smooth.
Using the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File, gently buff the entire surface of each nail. Make sure the whole nail appears dull from the buffing, paying particular attention to the sides of your nails and around the cuticle, as this is where lifting may occur if not buffed correctly.
Apply Nail Polish Remover to a Lint Free Wipe and thoroughly clean the surface of your nails, including the area under your nails and around your cuticles. This removes dust and oils on your nails while dehydrating the nail bed, giving the Base Coat a fresh surface to apply to.
Apply Nail Primer and leave to air dry for 60 seconds.

Applying UV/LED Nail Repair Glue:

Apply a thin coat of UV/LED Fibre Nail Repair Glue over your nail tear and cure under the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
Depending on the nail tear size, repeat this step if necessary for added protection.

Apply a thin coat of Gelous Base Coat to your nails and cap the free edge (view capping diagram here). When applying, leave a small gap between the Gel Nail Polish and your cuticle. Aim to avoid getting any Gel Nail Polish on your skin or cuticle, however if you do, remove it with an Orangewood Cuticle Stick before curing. Cure for 60 seconds with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Your Base Coat and Colour Coat should remain slightly sticky after curing, so that when you apply the following layer it sticks to the layer below.
If you are using Gelous Builder Gel, apply 2-3 thin coats and cap the free edge. After each coat, cure for 60 seconds with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
Apply 2-3 thin coats of Gelous Colour Coat and cap the free edge. After each coat, cure for 60 seconds with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.

Applying Chrome Powder:
Applying over Just White or Black Out will intensify Mirror Chrome Powders, and change the colour of Aurora Chrome Powders.

Option 1: for a smooth look

Apply a thin coat of Gelous Top Coat and cap the free edge. Cure for 60 seconds with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
Moisten a Lint Free Wipe with Nail Polish Remover and wipe your nails.
Dip the Chrome Powder Application Sponge into the Chrome Powder jar then gently rub the Chrome Powder in circular motions onto your nails.
Use the Gelous Dust Brush to brush away any excess powder from the skin and nails.
Put Top Coat onto a Nail Art Palette, then use a Spare Replacement Brush or Multi-Purpose Brush to apply it.

Option 2: for a shimmery look

Dip the Chrome Powder Application Sponge into the Chrome Powder jar.
Gently rub the Chrome Powder in circular motions onto your nails.
Use the Gelous Dust Brush to brush away any excess powder from the skin and nails.
Put Top Coat onto a Nail Art Palette, then use a Spare Replacement Brush or Multi-Purpose Brush to apply it.

Applying Magnetic Gel Nail Polish:
See Colour Coat recommendations for your Magnetic Gel Nail Polish on its product page.

Apply a thin coat of Magnetic Colour Coat and cap the free edge.
Hover the Magnet slightly above your nails and experiment for different results. If you aren't happy with the result, moisten a Lint Free Wipe with Nail Polish Remover, wipe your nails, reapply and redo.
Once you are happy with the result, cure for 60 seconds with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.

Applying Blooming Gel:

Apply a thin coat of Gelous Blooming Gel to your nails and do not cure.
Using your desired Gelous Colour Coat and a Gelous Nail Art Brush, draw your design into the uncured Blooming Gel.
Allow some time for it to bloom, then cure for 60 seconds with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp once you are happy.

Applying French Nails

Option 1: touching up before curing

If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer by moistening a Lint Free Wipe with Nail Polish Remover and wiping your nails.
Peel a French Tip Nail Guide from the sheet.
Place the French Tip Nail Guide just below the white tip of your fingernail or toenail and press firmly in place.
Apply 2-3 thin coats of your nail tip Colour Coat to the area above the French Nail Tip Guide, curing after each coat with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
Peel off the French Nail Tip Guide and touch up with a Nail Art Brush as required.

Option 2: touching up after curing

If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer by moistening a Lint Free Wipe with Nail Polish Remover and wiping your nails.
Peel a French Tip Nail Guide from the sheet.
Place the French Tip Nail Guide just below the white tip of your fingernail or toenail and press firmly in place.
Apply a thin coat of your nail tip Colour Coat to the area above the French Nail Tip Guide, and then remove it.
Tidy up with your Oblique Nail Art Brush and touch up with your Detail Brush.
Once you are happy with the result, cure with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.

Applying Nail Transfers:

If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer by moistening a Lint Free Wipe with Nail Polish Remover and wiping your nails.
Remove the protective film on the Nail Art Transfers.
Cut around the design you would like to use.
Soak the design in a small bowl of room temperature water for 5-10 seconds.
Use Nail Art Tweezers to remove the design from the bowl and separate it from the paper backing. Take care when doing this, as they are very thin and can tear easily.
Using the Nail Art Tweezers, place the design on your nail.
Use the Gelous Silicone Tool to gently press over the surface, ensuring it is completely stuck down and there are no air bubbles.
Let the design air dry.

Applying Nail Stickers:

If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer by moistening a Lint Free Wipe with Nail Polish Remover and wiping your nails.
Using the Gelous Nail Art Tweezers, gently peel off the Gelous Nail Art Sticker you would like to use. Take your time, as they are very thin and can tear easily. Make sure to avoid touching the sticky side with your fingers, as this will reduce adhesiveness.
Using the Gelous Nail Art Tweezers place the Gelous Nail Art Sticker on your nail.
Use the Gelous Silicone Tool to gently press over the surface, ensuring it is completely stuck down and there are no air bubbles.

Applying Striping Tape:

If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer by moistening a Lint Free Wipe with Nail Polish Remover and wiping your nails.
Using the Gelous Nail Art Tweezers, place the Gelous Striping Tape at the edge of your nail, then roll across, lightly pressing as you go.
Cut the Gelous Striping Tape at the edge of your nail.
Use the Gelous Silicone Tool to gently press over the surface, ensuring it is completely stuck down, paying special attention to the edges.

Applying Nail Foils:

Apply a thin coat of Gelous Foil Gel, curing afterwards with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
Cut out the section of the Gelous Nail Art Foil you want to use and carefully place on your nail with the image side facing upwards.
Use the Gelous Silicone Tool to gently press over the surface in a sliding motion, ensuring it is completely stuck down & there are no air bubbles.
Slowly and carefully pull off the Gelous Nail Art Foil backing.
Apply extra Gelous Foil Gel if needed and re-apply Gelous Nail Art Foil to any gaps.

Apply a thin coat of the Gelous Top Coat (Gelous Rubber Top Coat is recommended for Nail Art and Chrome Powder) and cap the free edge. Cure for 60 seconds with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Your Gel Nail Polish should be hard and smooth after the final cure.
Apply Gelous Cuticle Oil around your nails and rub into your skin to nourish and moisturise.
With that, you have completed your manicure or pedicure, resulting in a durable and professional-looking set of gel nails that will last over two weeks!