Can I use base coat as top coat OPI?

A base coat can be used as a top coat and a top coat can be used as a base coat. Top Coats and Base Coats tend to use the same ingredients. But they use them in different proportions. For example, a base coat would use more plasticizers and sticky resins, and a top coat would contain more film formers.

What is the difference between OPI base coat and top coat?

Base coats are usually thicker and stickier, which helps the nail polish adhere better. Topcoats are thinner and contain more ingredients that create a durable surface on the nail. They are made to add strength, dry quickly and protect the polish from daily wear and tear.

Do you need a UV light for OPI Gelcolor top coat?

Is OPI Gel UV or LED? A: Yes! “Gel” nail polish products which do not require an LED or UV light to cure are not real gel nail products—they are regular nail polish being deceptively marketed. With any genuine gel nail polish (like OPI), an LED light is a must.

Can you use OPI nail polish with gel top coat?

Fortunately, if you’re careful and patient, you can! For a simple combined manicure, apply your regular polish and then add a gel topcoat once it’s dry. For a little extra durability, make a “gelly sandwich” by layering regular polish between 2 gel coats.

Do you need base coat for OPI?

Be sure to start with properly prepped nails and apply 1 even coat of base coat to start, for OPI Nail Lacquer application start with OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, and for OPI Infinite Shine application start with OPI Infinite Shine Primer– this will allow additional color application layers to have optimum sticking …

Is base coat or topcoat more important?

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., it’s more important to wear a base coat than a top coat. “If you don’t wear a base coat, polish will potentially weaken and stain your nails, especially if you choose a dark color,” she tells Bustle.

Will OPI gel polish cure with LED?

OPI Gelcolor soak off gel polish (released on October of 2011) applies just like traditional nail polish, but gives your like a super shiny finish that lasts up to two weeks. You can just simply apply the gel like regular nail polish and cure it under a UV or LED lamp for the specified period of time.

Do you need a light for OPI gel polish?

Q: Do I really need an LED light? A: Yes! “Gel” nail polish products which do not require an LED or UV light to cure are not real gel nail products—they are regular nail polish being deceptively marketed. With any genuine gel nail polish (like OPI), an LED light is a must.

Can I put a gel top coat on regular polish?

You should NEVER use a Gel Topcoat over regular polish, here’s why. It takes regular polish a whole 24hours to dry completely; through and through. If, like myself, you are a consistent regular polish user, you will agree that all the quick dry products: Seche Vite Fast Dry, Sally Hanse Insta-Dri, etc.

Can you use a gel top coat over regular polish?

In short, no you should NOTs apply a Gel Polish topcoat to regular nail polish. Regular polish has a different drying time and is made out of slightly different materials. When Gel polish dries it’s in 30-60 seconds and dries like plastic. This leaves any moisture under your gel top coat to get trapped.

Do you let OPI base coat dry?

It only takes about 2 to 3 minutes for an OPI base coat to dry. After that time, you should feel free to add the color coating.

Should I use base coat nail polish?

A base coat is your best defense against staining. It “provides a clear protective layer between the nail and the pigment of the polish above,” says Waldorf. A good rule of thumb is that the darker the color, the more important it is to use a base coat.