Top for nails – how to use, what to replace, 7 best top coats

A top coat is a crucial step that can make all the difference in attaining the ideal manicure. This clear coating prolongs the life of your manicure by sealing in the color and giving your nails a gorgeous shine. It also keeps your manicure from chipping. The correct top coat can improve the look of your nails regardless of whether you like the traditional glossy finishes or a matte appearance.

What occurs, though, if you run out of your go-to top coat or are searching for substitutes that produce effects that are comparable? Making the most of what you have on hand and looking into alternative solutions that can still give your nails a polished and polished look are helpful skills to have.

This post will go over how to apply a top coat correctly, what you can use in a pinch as a substitute, and a list of the top seven top coats that are currently on the market. Whether you’re an enthusiast for nail art or simply enjoy a polished, glossy look, this guide will help you maintain a faultless manicure.

What is a top for gel polish

Nail toppers can be broadly classified into two categories: gel polish toppers and regular polish toppers. As a final coat, gel polish is typically used as a top coat to ensure the manicure lasts longer after nail strengthening or extension. However, in this instance, selecting the appropriate style of top is essential. Additionally, there are a few subtleties here that I will discuss with you in a moment. Let’s now discuss the role that the top plays in a gel polish manicure.

The English translation of "TOP COAT" or "TOP GEL" is "top layer" or "top gel." Furthermore, this is not a coincidence. As the final step in a manicure, the top coat is applied to the nails with the purpose of fixing them. In other words, this "top layer" is the same. However, there are only two gel polish application systems that offer this layer: two-phase and three-phase. The top, base, and gel polish are mixed together in a single-phase system (i.e. 3 in 1).

The three layers that make up the traditional gel polish application method are generally the base, the gel polish itself, and the top layer. We refer to this system as three-phase.

A two-phase system has two layers: the top layer is the second layer, and the first layer is gel polish mixed with the base (i.e., 2 in 1).

Systems that operate on one or two phases were created expressly to make manicures easier and faster. But a manicure done with a three-phase method is thought to be the most DURABLE. A manicure done with a single-phase or two-phase system, for instance, lasts roughly a week to two weeks, and one done with a three-phase system, three to four weeks.

Its four main functions

Let’s now examine the purposes of a top coat and the reasons why nails require one.

• Protection of gel polish from damage: chips, scratches, cracks, hard water, household chemicals. In addition, if the top contains a UV filter, it additionally protects the gel polish from fading in the sun.
• Giving a super shine to your manicure. It is impossible without a top coat.
• Reliable fixation of design elements – rhinestones, sliders, broths, drawings.
• Can be an additional decorative element – will give a matte finish to your manicure, add a cat"s eye effect or ombre.

The varnish coating turns dull and loses its sheen as it dries. This won’t occur if you apply a top coat over it. You can transform an ordinary coating into one that is glossy and appealing with just one bottle.

Therefore, the top coat gives the manicure longevity and defense against various damages. Use a top coat if you want your manicure to be glossy and long-lasting.

Types of top coats for gel polish

Nowadays, nail top coats come in a wide variety of forms:

• With a sticky layer
• Without a sticky layer
• Universal
• Matte
• Rubber
• With shimmer
• With a cat"s eye effect
• With UV filters
• Hypoallergenic
• Camouflage
• Holographic
• Thermo-tops

You can create an intriguing design or add different effects to a manicure by using a top. A matte or glossy finish can be achieved. You can apply a holographic effect or a shine manicure. Use stickers or rhinestones to embellish the pattern.

Furthermore, if the top is properly selected, your manicure—whether it is on naturally occurring nails or nails that have been built—will last for a very long time without chipping or cracking.

The tasks you wish to accomplish with the top will determine which one you should choose. There are many choices; I’ll now go over each kind of top coating in chronological order. And to start, let’s talk about different kinds of gel polish top coats.

TOP with a sticky layer

The tops are separated into tops with and without a sticky layer in the traditional manicure system. What’s the difference, and if there are already gel polish tops without a sticky layer, why do you need one more? If you can avoid it, why endure the pain of using a special liquid to remove this sticky layer at the conclusion of your manicure? We’ll figure it out now.

Let’s begin by applying a sticky layer to the top. That dispersion is that same sticky layer. That is, a chemical reaction that causes a sticky film to form on the surface when the coating dries in a lamp. The formation of this film occurs when the base, gel polish, and top coats dry.

This sticky film’s primary purpose is to firmly attach (glue) each layer of the gel polish system together. Naturally, the top layer has no need for a sticky film because it is the last layer and has nothing else to adhere to.

However, this stickiness served a useful decorative purpose. For painting designs and affixing foil, the sticky layer on top is ideal. With this finish, the design details will hold up better and more consistently, and your nails won’t develop chips or tiny cracks after a few days of use.

Furthermore, compared to top coats without sticky layers, those with sticky layers are thought to be more elastic. Thus, thin, soft, flexible nails work well with this top.

Even after the coating is applied, thin, brittle nails will continue to bend. Furthermore, the gel polish may start to peel off the nail and microcracks may start to show. When selecting a top, take into consideration the state of your nails to prevent these unpleasant outcomes. It is preferable to use a top coat with a sticky layer for such nails.

How to remove the sticky layer

A sticky layer developed on the surface after we applied the top and let it dry under the lamp. Let’s examine the proper method for removing the sticky layer from the top of gel polish.

There are various methods:

• With the help of a cleanser – this is a special product for degreasing and removing the sticky layer from nails

• Any wet wipes for hands from a hardware store – just take the edge of the napkin and gently remove the sticky layer from the cuticle to the edge of the nail with pulling movements
• Any cuticle oil – carefully apply the oil to the nail, take a dry cotton pad, and remove the sticky layer along with excess oil, with gentle circular movements until it squeaks

Top without a sticky layer

Let us now discuss the best gel polish remover (Top ¡oat no wipe) that doesn’t leave a sticky layer.

It is evident from the name that this top lacks a sticky layer even after drying under a lamp. In other words, you can get rid of the sticky layer on your nail without having to wipe it off. By doing this, you can expedite the manicure process and avoid spending money on products to take it off.

This shirt is less stretchy and more rigid. As a result, it works great with gel-enhanced or nail extensions.

Applying it to thin, flexible nails or an elastic base may cause microcracks to appear on the manicure in three to five days. It is possible to apply an elastic top to a hard base simultaneously.

It is noteworthy that this top gives us a very lovely glossy finish after drying under a lamp. Its gloss is thought to be marginally stronger than that of a top coated in sticky material. However, compared to a top with a sticky layer, this super-gloss effect rubs off more quickly.

If you apply tops without a sticky layer in more than one layer, your manicure will develop chips and cracks.

Furthermore, nail rub is typically applied to surfaces devoid of a sticky layer because doing so will present significant challenges. The rub may lie in certain places or roll into lumps. Of course, you can try applying the rub to the top after removing the sticky layer, but there are some subtleties to be aware of. More information on this can be found here.

Furthermore, for the final coating of convex volumetric design elements, like bouillons, modeling, and rhinestones, tops without a sticky layer are essential. You won’t need to try to reach into every irregularity to wipe off the sticky layer with a napkin after they’ve dried under the lamp.

You can take a drop of your top, apply it to a regular plastic bag, and dry it under a lamp to determine whether it is soft or hard. You have a soft top if the drop bends; if not, it is hard.

Therefore, a sticky-layered top is elastic and better suited for natural nails. It forms an all-encompassing shield that protects the nail plate and the color coating from chips, scratches, and cracks precisely and long-lastingly. This coating’s shine at the exit will persist for as long as feasible.

Regarding the top that does not have a sticky layer, this results in an incredibly gorgeous glossy effect right away. However, because these tips are harder, they work better on nails that have been strengthened or extended.

Hypoallergenic top

It is preferable to use a hypoallergenic nail polish for girls with allergies and for those with sensitive skin on their hands. You must look for the matching markings on the label to determine how safe and hypoallergenic the top is: Two, five, seven, or nine free. The top contains fewer dangerous substances the higher the number. It will therefore be hypoallergenic and safer.

The following businesses make these tops: ECO Puf, Grattol, Gelish Harmony, Jessica Geleration, and CND. Since more costly and less dangerous raw materials are used in their production, their costs are higher than those of regular non-hypoallergenic tops.

Rubber top

Gel polish tops with rubber content are called rubber tops. One material with rubbery qualities is rubber. As a result, the coating has increased density, thickness, elasticity, and durability.

We frequently strike our nails on a variety of surfaces in daily life. Particularly numerous micro-impacts must withstand the nails of women who frequently clean the house. Nails with rubber coating are more consistently shielded from these tiny blows, almost as if the surfaces are pushing the nails away. It completely encases every nail and keeps the nails from developing chips and microcracks.

Matte (satin, velvet) top

All fashionistas have a deep place in their hearts for matte nails. Additionally, they have held the top spots in the hit parades of the most well-liked manicures for a number of years running.

Velvet tops are extremely matte nail covers that can be applied to nails. and less matte, giving the nails a nubuck look. These are satin tops; because of their softer matte finish, they are also known as velor or velveteen.

The velvet top feels like velvet because of its high porosity and the large velvety microparticles that are present. But because of this porosity, it also gets dirty very easily. Velvet tops are therefore best suited for darker gel polish shades; do not experiment with lighter shades.

Satin top feels like nubuck and has less porosity. It is excellent for light shades of gel polish because it gets dirty less frequently. Because it doesn’t eat up designs as much as a velvet top would, it is also a very good fit for them.

Glossy top (diamond, diamond)

The glossy top adds a stylish glossy finish to the nails. Due to the excellent shine it can give nails, it is also known by the names Super Shine (Super Blood), High Gloss (strong shine), Ultra Gloss (ultra shine), Diamond Top, and Top Brilliant (Top Brilliant). Gloss always draws interest. It also gives the nails luster and radiance while shielding them from harm.

Camouflage top

The translucent colored camouflage top for nails comes in peach, pink, and dairy shades. It’s intended to produce delicate fingernails.

It is advised to apply the base on the nails first in order to create a lovely nude manicure with this top. Next, apply a transparent layer of sticky material over it. Next, apply a layer or two of top that is colored like camouflage. The saturation of the shade you wish to achieve as a result determines how many layers of camouflage top you need. It offers shine, a delicate shade, and damage protection for nails.

Top with UV filter

The white color of the gel polish will turn a brilliant white shade and stay that way for the duration of wear because of strong UV filters in the top. Additionally, it will give the gel polish’s black color a blue-black hue that will delight you for up to three to four weeks. The top coating’s ultraviolet filters keep the manicure’s color from fading in the sun. Such a top is simply indispensable in the summer. It also adds shine and shields nails from damage.

Top for fixing designs

Additionally, tops for repairing designs—such as tops for sliders—can be found in manicure shops. Generally speaking, any top will work to fix the design on your nails. However, it is preferable to use specially made tops if you want the best outcome possible.

The composition of tops for fixing designs is more elastic. As a result, they work well for airbrushing, rubbing, repairing slider designs, and applying large amounts of decorative stickers. All forms of tiny décor, such as broken glass, kamifubuki, and rhinestones, are covered and held in place by quality. They hold the design elements in place as best they can by perfectly self-leveling and aligning beneath.

The top coat is your best friend when it comes to getting a perfect manicure. It prolongs the life of your manicure, adds shine, and seals in the color of your nails. This post will teach you the proper way to use top coats, offer substitutes in case you run out, and introduce you to the top 7 top coats on the market right now. These pointers will assist you in maintaining salon-quality nails, regardless of whether you’re going for a glossy finish or a long-lasting appearance.

Top with shimmer (glitter)

This top will give the appearance of shimmer to your manicure because it has a transparent base and a ton of reflecting particles that are drowned in it. The glitter can be mixed with small and large glitter, or it can be ground fine or coarse. Any color—gold, silver, red, blue, or green—can be found in glitter. Alternatively, they might be a blend of various hues. Feel free to use this kind of top coat if your goal is to shine brighter than the stars. It also adds a festive glow and shields nails from harm.

Magnetic top

You can easily create a lovely "Cat’s eye" effect on any color of your favorite gel polish by using a top with a magnetic effect. To achieve the desired result, apply this top coat to your nails at the conclusion of the manicure, and then run a special magnet over its surface before it dries in the lamp.

You can achieve a variety of intriguing effects because this top contains tiny metallized particles that are drawn to the magnet. For instance, multiple oblique stripes or a central stripe that resembles a cat’s eye. You can generally experiment here.

You can also select between the following colors for these particles: gold, silver, blue, and green. Black gel polish looks especially stunning with this effect.

Holographic and thermal top

Your nails will appear to have a "rainbow glow" or "holographic iridescence" thanks to holographic top coat. These gorgeous glitter accents will add a truly magical touch to your manicure. It will appear excellent against both light and dark backgrounds.

Includes a large number of microscopic particles that shimmer and reflect light in various shades. Your nails will seem to have space or something otherworldly on them if you apply a holographic top coat on a black or blue background.

Similar to an ombre manicure, a top with a thermal effect will also enable you to create a very unique and intriguing design. The gel polish’s color must be one tone lighter than the thermal top’s color in order to be eligible.

Altering the temperature of the surroundings or the fingers and nails themselves produces the gradient effect on the nails. Throughout the day, these color transitions will change. The top will be colorless in the warm and take on its thermal color in the cold.

Furthermore, the thermal top may also show up as a French manicure at the tips of the nails. The reason for this is that the finger’s heat is under the nail rather than on the tip. As a result, the nail’s tip will be colder than the nail.

Try experimenting with various types of tops to find the one that suits you best and keeps your manicure looking as good as it did when it was first applied.

What is a top coat for regular varnish and its types

You can use a top in a manicure with regular nail polish as well. Additionally, it provides the manicure with durability and shields it from outside factors like fading, chips, scratches, and household chemicals. Most importantly, it leaves the nails with a gorgeous shine.

However, unlike the top for gel polish, the top for regular varnish dries outside without the need for a lamp. This is both a benefit and a drawback. The benefit is that you can dry your nails without spending money on an expensive UV or LED lamp; the drawback is that nails dry much more quickly outside.

Furthermore, a manicure completed without a top using standard varnish will wear off considerably faster than one using one. A manicure, for instance, can last three to five days without a top coat and up to ten days if one is applied.

Of course, ordinary polish will appear lifeless and boring without a top coat. The top shines like nothing else.

Do a test on yourself. Apply varnish alone to one hand, as you would normally do, and varnish and top to the other. After two to three days, you’ll notice that the first hand’s manicure is messy and that the first chips are starting to show, especially around the edges. Additionally, the second hand—where the top was used—will continue to look good.

Top coat types for standard varnish:

Glossy top: this type of top adds a glossy, expressive glare to the manicure. Known as glossy top, diamond top (brilliant), or super shine (shine gloss). gives the nails luster and radiance while shielding the manicure from harm.

Top "quick drying": this is a top plus drying, which helps to drastically shorten the time it takes for the nail varnish to dry. Functions in a matter of minutes. gives the nails luster and brilliance.

The effect of wet nails on top creates a long-lasting, incredibly glossy layer that extends the polish’s wear life and shields it from chips and scratches. gives your nails a wet shine appearance.

Any shade of nail polish can easily be given a "Cat’s eye" effect with the help of magnetic effect top coat, a decorative top coat. All you need to create a lovely design is a magnet, which is typically included with the top coat. The top coat also adds shine and shields your manicure from harm.

A stylish matte finish can be achieved with any color of polish by using a matte nail effect top coat. prolongs the wear life of your manicure while protecting it.

A universal 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 product, universal top coat serves as a base coat, a top coat, and a care product. may include different vitamins, oils, and nutritional elements. adds shine, takes care of your manicure, and guards against damage.

Glitter or shimmer top coat: this is a top that contains either small or large glitter. may include holographic (Holographic Top) or multicolored or monochromatic glitter. Looks stunning with colored varnish or unpainted nails. increases the shine and wear life of nails.

Transparent top with gel polish effect that adds extra volume through the application of gel coating. Benefits of this top: 1) Nails appear as though they have been polished with gel; 2) This top is worn without a lamp. gives manicures more luster and protection against damage.

UV-filtered top: a top that keeps your manicure’s color from fading in the sun. essential in the summertime. Shines and shields the manicure from harm.

How to use nail top

Basic guidelines for using and applying gel polish top coat:

1. Top is applied strictly after gel polish.
2. Before using the top, to mix it, you need to take the bottle and gently roll it between your palms for 1 minute. Never shake or swirl the bottle with the top coat, as this may cause the top coat to bubble when applied to the nails.
3. Apply all top coats from the cuticle to the edge of the nail plate with light movements, holding the brush parallel to the nail. Do not press hard on the brush. Then the top will lie beautifully and evenly.
4. Be sure to seal the end and sides of the nail when applying the top coat, this will help extend the durability of your manicure.
5. The drying time of the top coat in UV, hybrid or LED lamps is indicated by the manufacturer on the bottle with the top coat. Always follow this time exactly. The top coat must not be under-dried, otherwise it will release toxic substances that can get into the stomach. And if the top coat is over-dried, this can lead to the formation of cracks and chips on your manicure.

You can apply the base directly to the top if you want to give your nails a polished appearance and shield them from damage, but you don’t like colored varnish or you have to observe certain social mores in your environment. It will be fashionable and simplistic.

Using and applying a top coat for regular polish follows these basic guidelines:

1. The top coat is applied after the color polish has completely dried, as the last layer.
2. Do not shake it before use, otherwise it may leave bubbles on the manicure.
3. You can cover your nails with the top coat 1 or 2 times, as desired, the main thing is to dry each layer thoroughly in the open air.

Tips and life hacks when using the top coat

• It is advisable to use all the products of the gel polish system of the same brand. Since sometimes, when using a top coat of a different brand than the base and gel polish, the top coat may conflict with the gel polish and roll off in the cuticle area. Or chips may begin to form on the nails very quickly.
• Chips and cracks may also form due to too thin layers of the base and top coat, that is, the nail will “walk”, since it is not sufficiently strengthened.
• To prevent the top with a sticky layer from becoming cloudy, after drying the nails in the lamp, you need to let them cool for literally 2 minutes, and only then can you remove the sticky layer with a special product. Then the top will not become cloudy.
• Since all tops are relatively liquid, unlike bases, you will not be able to level the nail plate much with their help. You can only slightly level the surface of the nail. To do this, you need to cover your nails with the top 2 times, and after each application, dry each layer of the top well in the lamp.

However, it will be more difficult to remove the gel polish from your nails later on the more layers of top coat you apply. Using a nail base for the primary leveling is still preferable.

• If the top for gel polish has thickened, it can be diluted with a fresher or new top. You can also try to lower the bottle with the top into a container with hot water for 5 minutes, gently mix the contents with a brush and start applying to the nails. But, there is a chance that the top will lose its former durability, or will become cloudy and will not shine as before.
• If you accidentally applied the base instead of the top, then the next day you can take a file with a hardness of 180 grit, and with its help, carefully file this layer, and then apply the top to your nails.

It is almost useless to apply a base instead of a top coat because the coating will stay hazy after the sticky layer from the base is removed.

• Be sure to follow the order of applying products to your nails: first the base, then the gel polish, and then the top. The durability of your manicure depends on this.

Topic	Details
How to use	Apply the top coat after your nail polish has dried, ensuring an even layer to protect the color and add shine.
What to replace	If you don"t have a top coat, you can use a clear nail polish, but it may not last as long or provide the same shine.
1. Seche Vite	Fast-drying, glossy finish, long-lasting.
2. Essie Gel Setter	Gives a gel-like finish without a UV lamp.
3. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri	Dries quickly, protects color.
4. OPI Top Coat	High-shine, durable protection.
5. Revlon Extra Life No Chip	Prevents chipping, extends wear.
6. Zoya Armor	Vegan, long-lasting protection.
7. CND Super Shiney	Ultra-glossy, protective finish.

To achieve a gorgeous, long-lasting manicure or pedicure, a top coat is a must. It prevents chipping and fading of your nail color in addition to adding a glossy finish. A decent top coat can significantly improve the longevity and appearance of your nails, regardless of whether you’re using gel, conventional polish, or even trying out different nail art designs.

Though they might not provide the same level of protection, you can try clear nail polish or even a gel top coat over regular polish if you ever run out of your favorite top coat. You can find the best option that suits your needs and preferences by investigating your options.

Think about things like shine, durability, and drying time when selecting a top coat. Whether you value long-lasting wear, ultra-glossy finishes, or quick drying, there is something for everyone among the seven top coats we reviewed. Purchasing a superior top coat will guarantee that your nails remain flawless and well-groomed for several days.

Video on the topic

SAVING TIME! GEL POLISH WITHOUT A BASE AND TOP COAT! GRADIENT, MARBLE / QUICK MANICURE AND FASHIONABLE DESIGN

All about TOPS for gel polish | How to choose and distinguish tops | FINISHING coating how to choose | Guide

What to replace a degreaser for nails? | TOP-4 PRODUCTS for degreasing | THINGS.PRO

Regular polish is back? 😳 How to cover your nails with regular polish?

All about tops for gel polish / WHICH TOP IS THE BEST ? Test drive how to choose and distinguish