Types of tops: how to choose a finishing coat, an overview of the 10 best brands

The top coat you select can have a huge impact on how well your manicure or pedicure turns out. A quality top coat extends the life and gloss of your nail art in addition to sealing it in. Choosing the best option can be overwhelming because there are so many to choose from. But don’t worry, this guide will assist you in navigating the vast array of options to select the ideal nail polish.

There are several varieties of top coats, and each is intended to produce a distinct outcome. There is a top coat out there for everyone, whether they want a matte effect, a high-shine glossy finish, or even just a hint of sparkle. To help you understand what each type of product offers and how it can fit into your nail care routine, we’ll break down the salient features of these products.

We’ll also highlight the top 10 brands in this post that are renowned for producing outstanding top coats. We’ll review the best products available, emphasizing their advantages and qualities that set them apart, ranging from high-end choices to drugstore favorites. By the time you’re done, you’ll know exactly which top coat you should start using again for perfectly polished, long-lasting nails.

Types

The tasks that the master needs to complete with its assistance will determine the top coat selection in large part.

Three primary categories are used to classify top coats:

• With a sticky layer;
• Without a sticky layer;
• Matte.

You can choose a material in each category that has distinct qualities, such as consistency, UV protection, plasticity, and the capacity to change color from blue to yellow when worn. Let’s take a closer look at each type of finish and its attributes.

We advise examining the manicure’s layers of coating:

With a sticky layer

Another name for the sticky layer is dispersion. Since the dispersion is a waste product, it is removed with a specific liquid after the top coat is applied. Only in comparison can one say that the gloss of these tops is not as vivid and expressive as it is when dispersion-free materials are used.

They are useful, adaptable, and work with almost any kind of gel polish—aside from some kinds of patterns. It is inconvenient to use sliders for rubbing. They will also be able to handle the texture of sand and powder, which is adhered to the dispersion surface and then polymerized in the lamp.

How can dispersion be eliminated to preserve the highest gloss? At this point, it’s crucial to abide by the guidelines:

1. Let the top coat cool after polymerization in the lamp for 30-60 seconds;
2. Use a new section of the napkin or a new napkin to remove the dispersion on each finger.
3. To do this, a lint-free napkin is generously moistened in a special liquid, and then one finger is treated with it.
4. Remove the dispersion with a tightening, even motion from the cuticle to the end of the nail, without rubbing.
5. If necessary, go over the same nail again with the other side. Do not use this napkin anymore, otherwise you will get cloudy streaks and a loss of brightness of the glare on the next nail or nails.

Use cotton pads in place of lint-free napkins if necessary. An alcohol antiseptic should be used in place of a liquid to remove dispersion. Analogously, a degreaser acts more aggressively against the coating and has the potential to obscure the top layer.

Examples of brands of finishing coatings with dispersion: Neonail Hard, Emi, Kodi, FOX, UNO.

Without a sticky layer

Time savings for the master is the primary benefit of a coating without a sticky layer. The manicure is complete and you can release the client as soon as the polymerization in the lamp is complete. The dispersion doesn’t need to be removed. Degreasing such coatings is strictly prohibited as it will cause the gloss to become hazy.

After polymerization, you can use a dry cotton pad as a polisher to further activate the gloss on your nails.

The gloss’s brightness and saturation, which are provided by the top coat without a sticky layer, are the second important benefit.

Wearability is good and the finish without dispersion holds up well over time.

Textures of tops without a sticky layer range from liquid to thick. They can turn blue, especially on black, but they do not yellow.

The brilliant gloss of the top coat is not as important when covering light shades of gel polish because the glare is not as obvious as it would be on a dark background.

Brands of finish without a sticky layer: Uno Supershine, Bagheera B4, Klio Brilliant, Diva Brilliant.

Matte

The matte texture of the third class of finishing coatings.

After leveling, matte top cannot be applied over glossy top; otherwise, it will peel off as a film or chip. If this method of combining materials is required, the glossy top must be used first, followed by the removal of the dispersion, sanding the surface with a polisher or buff, and finally applying the matte finish.

Wearing a matte top makes it easily soiled. It appears better on darker gel polish shades and eventually turns gray on lighter ones. For the latter, it is preferable to use top coats that are less noticeable velvety and more rubberized.

For design, fixing

Particular top coats are needed for décor like rubbing, sliders, sand, and rhinestones. They frequently have the prefix For Sliders attached.

Their plasticity sets these tops apart. They may or may not have a sticky layer on them. For example, when creating a design using rubbing pigments, a finish free of dispersion is necessary. And Alena Kapriz is the best choice.

Use a finishing coat with a sticky layer for sliders. They have a porous texture and are pliable. Ib brands work well. Clio For Sliders, Di. Nails, Neonail, Nollon Pro.

A sticky layer and a very thick consistency are required for sand and powder. For instance, Artex Rubber Top works well. To ensure that the finishing coat dries well under a lamp and doesn’t chip when worn, it needs to be applied in an even layer without using too much volume.

UV filter

For every kind of top, the requirement regarding the inclusion of a UV filter is applicable. It influences whether the final coat wears blue or yellow. By being aware of the existence or lack of a filter, we can select the appropriate top for light or dark varnish shades, preventing unsightly color spills.

In addition to preventing the color coating from fading, the top coat’s filter ensures that UV radiation from the sun and solarium is blocked. They work well with bright, light-colored gel polish shades for French manicures.

If your nails appear blue or light blue when illuminated by a lamp, it’s likely that a UV filter is present. The drawback of these top coats is that, as a result of a chemical reaction, they may become patchy in the first day following polymerization. This is regarded as typical.

Is there any other way to determine whether the top coat contains a UV filter? The manufacturer has printed this information on the jar. When making a purchase, you can check the manufacturer’s information online or in brochures with specific information, or you can speak with a consultant in the store.

Hardness and softness

Top coats can be hard or soft, just like bases. This factor influences the likelihood of product cracking under wear.

Causes of the cracking:

• Incorrectly selected combination of base and top in terms of hardness, elasticity;
• The top layer is very overdried in the lamp, the elastic properties "burn out";
• Very thin layers of soft and base and top: the nail "walks".

All of the issues with coatings’ wearability stem from the fact that soft can always be applied to hard, but hard to soft.

How can I verify this attribute? Apply a tiny droplet of substance—such as a thick film—to a plastic surface and let it polymerize under the lamp. The resultant sample can be bent and twisted, and you can determine its elasticity, hardness, and fragility based on how it responds to these forces.

These are all tops with the definition for sliders; they are also elastic. Brands: CND, Ib Di, Neonail, Emi, and Nollon Pro.

They are plastic-like in texture and do not leave a noticeable gloss behind after polymerization. Airbrushing, rubbing, pigments, sliders, sequins, foil, and mica all adhere to them flawlessly at the same time. They don’t itch. frequently turning yellow. To adhere designs to the primary coating, the master’s kit needs to include this type of finish.

The top coat with the label "Rubber" is not an elastic.

On an elastic base coat and gel polish, a fragile or hard top may break, forming a web-like mesh that collects dust and debris in its crevices. A few days later, the nails are messy. For natural or extended nails, it is therefore important to choose the right material for the top coat.

While alignment and highlighting can be achieved with the finish, base alignment is preferable. Additionally, the top makes the perfect highlight and removes any color irregularities.

If you apply a thick layer of top coat, the area may become more intensely yellow and bubbles may form at the points where the layer has accumulated.

Top 10 brands

Let’s examine the most widely used topcoat choices that experienced nail technicians suggest to novices. Keep in mind that your arsenal should include a few top choices that can be combined with various bases, both light and dark, and that can be used as a base for designs like rubbing, sliders, sand, or rhinestones. Let us examine the coatings based on the primary criteria:

• Hardness or softness;
• Presence or absence of a dispersion layer;
• Blueness or yellowness to choose when applying to dark or light gel polish;
• Manufacturer;
• Price category.

Kodi Professional Rubber Top Coat

A sticky layer topped with a soft coating. The blueness is medium when applied; dark gel polish shades work best for this type of application. The coating can spread, has a liquid consistency, and is not recommended for top leveling. Applying a thin layer and sending it for polymerization right away is advised.

It shines quite visibly. It complements gel polishes made by other producers nicely. available in capacities of 8, 12, and 14 milliliters.

Its hairs are elastic and soft, and the brush is nice and comfy. With just one coat of the product, you can paint a medium-sized nail that is well covered by the length. It has a mild, slightly sweet scent. Manufacturer: Ukraine or the USA. For 8 ml, the price ranges between 450 and 500 rubles.

Klio Professional Brilliant

Possesses a medium level of softness. Can be used to apply rubbing, adjust sliders, and fix rhinestones without leaving a sticky layer. When applied to light and medium shades of gel polish, it turns yellow. The coating comes in a 15 ml volume, which is affordable for professional masters and salons with a steady stream of large-scale customers.

When applying the material, the medium-length, comfortable brush distributes the hairs evenly across the nail’s surface. Coherence: moderately fluid. Easy to apply in a thin layer without adding too much volume. Unsuitable for nail plate alignment in the upper region. The range of prices is 600–700 rubles. Producer: Russia.

Lianail All Stars

Proclaimed to be a rhinestone top. It has a medium level of rigidity. It is the perfect coating for working with layout designs and rubbing because it doesn’t have a sticky layer.

The product has a strong yellow tint, which will become apparent on lighter gel polish shades over time. With dark or black coatings, it looks amazing. imparts a matte texture to the nails. mixed with varnishes from other brands. features an application that is easy to use.

10 milliliter bottle. Expense: 400–500 rubles. Producer: Russia.

Ib Di Top Coat for Nails Wraps

Proclaimed to be a slider coating. It is stiff, but not overly so. It is preferable to strengthen the base if the nails are soft. sticky covering. Long-term wear can cause yellowing, so it’s best to pair it with dark or extremely dark varnish colors.

It is advised to apply slider fixer in two layers, being cautious to seal the ends. Brush: long and practical. The product has a medium-thick consistency. It becomes much more even after application.

Contains 15 milliliters. It costs roughly 700 rubles. Producer: Russia.

Mollon Pro Professional Top Coat

Sticky layer on top of a soft layer. It turns slightly blue on dark tones and yellow with prolonged wear. Ideal for polymerization in lamps that are hybrid. The product does not spread, has a medium consistency, and can be applied in a thin to medium layer. produces a nice, bright glare. Doesn’t really form bubbles.

Strengthens the nail plate and offers scratch protection for the coating. It is stated that the formula is eco-friendly. Does not include dibutyl phthalate, toluene, or formaldehyde. Suggested for individuals with allergies.

Soft, medium-filling brush. Easy to spread the coating over. There’s no strong smell to the finish.

Contains a 12-milliliter bottle. France is the manufacturer. Price range: 650–700 rubles.

Uno Lux High Gloss Top Coat

A top coat that is medium-hard. Not a sticky film. The finish leaves a very bright gloss that can be challenging to rub in. It is preferable in this instance to process the nails before the top layer cools.

With extended use, light gel polishes may turn slightly yellow, and dark gel polishes may turn strongly blue. It is stated that a high UV filter content prevents color fading, which is important during the summer.

Comes in a 15 ml bottle, which is a decent amount and ideal for a salon or the master’s house where there is a high clientele flow. Fluid consistency. Inadequate self-leveling; two coats may be needed.

Expense: 600–700 rubles. American manufacturer.

Vogue Nails Extra Top

Hard coating devoid of a layer of dispersion. Rather yellow in color; does not become blue. includes UV filters to prevent color fading. forms polymers in hybrid lighting. Self-adjusting.

Features pads and a handy medium-length brush. Texture: liquid-medium. Not appropriate for nail plate leveling.

Contains a 10 ml volume. Price: 500 rubles or less. Producer: Russia.

TNL Professional No Wipe Top Coat

Medium-hard in terms of qualities. Not a sticky film. Excellent for rubbing, sliders, and holding rhinestones. becomes yellow when worn for a while. does not become blue in dim lighting.

Fluid with a medium consistency. economical in terms of use. possesses a medium-length, flexible brush that is packed densely. It smells mild and not overbearing. Self-adjusting. provides outstanding gloss. You only need to apply one layer. Perfect for rubbing against mirrors, retains rhinestones for up to three weeks of wear.

It costs only 300 rubles, which is cheap, but its quality is on par with that of its more costly counterparts. contains a 10 ml volume. It is available in 50 ml salon packaging. South Korea and Russia are the manufacturers for various lines.

Artex Artylac Rubber Top Wipe Off

Sticky layer with medium hardness. intense yellow tones on light gel polishes, with hints of blue tones on dark ones. Medium thickness texture. Tightly packed, handy medium-length brush.

Self-adjusting. provides the perfect amount of brightness. has UV filters integrated into the composition to prevent color fading. Suggested as a hypoallergenic.

Bottles hold 15 milliliters. Price: 800 rubles or less. England is the manufacturer.

Bagheera Nails B-5

Without a sticky layer, medium soft. After application, it could turn slightly yellow. distinctly blues on deep hues. lighter, more flexible consistency sets it apart from the well-liked B-4 Bagheera Nails.

Bottles hold 16 milliliters. creates a striking, lovely highlight on the nails. Self-adjusting. Not recommended for rubbing and repairing rhinestones. UV and LED lamps cause polymerization. Price: 800 rubles or less. Producer: Russia.

You now have a lot of factors to consider when selecting a top coat. Please ask any questions you may have in the comments section.

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One comment on “Types of tops: how to choose a finishing coat, review of the 10 best brands”

Svetlana Fomenko

Type of Top Coat	Brand Overview
Glossy Top	Provides a shiny finish. Popular brands: OPI, Essie, and Sally Hansen.
Matte Top	Gives a flat, non-shiny look. Recommended brands: Zoya, CND, and Orly.
Quick-Dry Top	Dries nails faster for convenience. Top brands: Seche Vite, INM, and Essie Good To Go.
Gel-Like Top	Mimics a gel finish without UV light. Best brands: Essie Gel Couture, Revlon Gel Envy, and Sally Hansen

Your manicure or pedicure can look completely different depending on the top coat you choose. Finding an option that meets your needs and preferences is crucial, especially with so many to choose from. Each of the top coats we’ve reviewed here has a special advantage, such as increased shine or longer wear, so your nails will look their best for longer.

Don’t forget to think about what your top coat really needs. Are you searching for something that will resist wear and chips, a glossy finish, or a matte appearance? Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each brand will help you make an informed decision.

The top coat that best suits your needs will be the one that highlights your overall appearance and goes well with your nail care regimen. Through experimentation and performance evaluation, you can identify the ideal fit for your requirements and personal style. Cheers to polishing!

The perfect manicure or pedicure requires selecting the right top coat, which not only prolongs the life of your polish but also improves the appearance of your nails. This post will discuss the various kinds of top coats that are available, including glossy and matte finishes, and it will also evaluate the top ten brands that are notable for their high caliber, dependability, and simplicity of use. This guide will assist you in selecting the ideal top coat for your nail needs, whether you’re searching for a high-shine finish or a barrier that keeps chips from happening.

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