Using a matt top coat gel is the final step in achieving a non-shiny, velvety finish for your gel manicure. It is applied after the color gel and cured under a UV/LED lamp.
Applying a matt top coat gel follows the standard process for a gel manicure, replacing a traditional glossy top coat with a matte one. The key steps involve preparing the nail, applying base coat, color, and then the specialized matte top coat, followed by curing and finishing.
Steps for Applying Matt Top Coat Gel
Achieving a perfect matte gel manicure involves careful application following these steps:
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Prep Your Nails: Begin by preparing your natural nails.
- File your nails to the desired shape.
- Buff the nail surface gently to create a clean, dry base for the gel polish to adhere to.
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Push Back Cuticles: Carefully push back your cuticles. Trim any excess if necessary, ensuring a clean nail plate.
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Clean Nails: Cleanse the nail surface thoroughly to remove any dust, oils, or debris. This is crucial for proper gel adhesion.
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Apply the Base Coat: Apply a thin, even layer of gel base coat to each nail. Be sure to cap the free edge (wrap the polish around the tip of the nail). Cure according to your product's instructions under a UV or LED lamp.
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Apply the Colour Gel: Apply a thin layer of your chosen gel colour. Again, cap the free edge. Cure under the lamp. Apply a second thin coat if needed for opacity, curing after each coat.
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Apply the Top Coat: This is where you apply the Matt Top Coat Gel.
- Apply a thin, even layer over the cured colour gel.
- Ensure you cap the free edge with the matt top coat as well.
- Cure this layer under your UV or LED lamp according to the product's instructions.
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Remove the Shine: After curing the matt top coat, there will likely be an "inhibition layer," which is a sticky residue.
- Use a lint-free wipe saturated with a gel cleanser or isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the surface of each nail.
- This removes the sticky layer and reveals the true matte finish underneath.
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Wrap Your Nails: This step usually refers to "capping the free edge" during application of each layer (base, colour, top coat) as mentioned in the steps above. This helps seal the layers and prevent chipping.
Following these steps ensures a durable and perfectly matte finish for your gel manicure.
Quick Reference Table
Step | Action | Purpose |
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1. Prep Nails | File & Buff | Shape nails & create a surface for adhesion |
2. Push Back Cuticles | Push back, trim (if needed) | Clean nail plate |
3. Clean Nails | Cleanse surface | Remove dust/oils for adhesion |
4. Apply Base Coat | Thin layer, cap edge, cure | Promote adhesion & protect natural nail |
5. Apply Colour Gel | Thin layer(s), cap edge, cure each | Add colour |
6. Apply Top Coat | Apply Matt Top Coat Gel, thin layer, cap edge, cure | Achieve matte finish & seal layers |
7. Remove the shine | Wipe with cleanser on lint-free wipe | Remove sticky layer, reveal matte finish |
8. Wrap your nails | Ensure free edge is capped with each layer (Base, Colour, Matt Top) | Seal polish, prevent chipping (done throughout) |
Using a matt top coat gel provides a unique aesthetic compared to traditional glossy finishes, offering a sophisticated and modern look.