1. What is top coat?
A top coat is an essential part of your manicure. This functional and hard transparent layer is applied as the last step. Its main task is to protect your artificial nails. By using a top coat, you not only extend the life of your artificial nails, but you also ensure that they continue to look beautiful and cared for longer. Whether you are a fan of glitter, matte or shiny finish, a top coat is indispensable for a perfect manicure.
2. Why is it important to apply top coat?
A top coat is the key to protecting your artificial nails. It prevents chipping, discoloration, and external damage and also ensures that your nails look beautiful and well-groomed. By applying a top coat, you not only protect your manicure, but you also extend the life of your artificial nails.
3. Am I required to apply a top coat?
A manicure isn't complete without applying a top coat. This is an essential step to protect and shine your artificial nails. Not only does it ensure longevity, but it also enhances the color, finish, and overall look of your nails.
4. How do you apply/remove top coat?
4.1 Apply top coat
However, it is important to follow the right steps to ensure that your nails look perfect. Applying a top coat is the final step of a manicure. But before you start your manicure, you must first prepare your nails for the next steps. First, apply anail prep ,primer ,base coatandgel polish coloron. As a final step, apply a top coat and let the top coat harden under a UV/LED lamp. If there is a sticky layer, you can remove it quickly and easily using acellulose swabandcleaner .
It is very important that the base coat, the gel polish color and the top coat are cured correctly via a UV/Led lamp or a UV lamp. The curing time varies per nail product, you can find the curing times on the jar itself or on the product page on the webshop of the supplier/manufacturer.
4.2 Removing top coat
If you want to update or remove your old artificial nails, it is recommended to remove the top coat first. There are different methods to remove gel polish nails such as using a file, milling machine or the soak off method. However, it is important to know that most top coats cannot be soaked off, only the soak off top is suitable for this. If you want to soak off the artificial nails with other top coats, you must first file or mill away the protective layer of your artificial nails (top coat).
4.3 How long should top coat cure?
In general, a top coat takes 60-90 seconds to cure under an LED lamp and 120 seconds under a UV lamp. For an optimal shine of your nails, we recommend to cure your top coat for 120s. However, it is very important that you always check the curing times on the jar or on the website of the supplier/manufacturer.
4.4 What is the adhesive layer of top coat?
A sticky layer is a sticky layer that is created during the curing process of a UV curing product, such as gel polish. This layer is caused by the oxygen that is present in the air and that can disrupt the curing process of the artificial nails. Some UV curing products are developed to accelerate the curing process so that the oxygen does not have time to disrupt the formation of molecular chains. In top coats, we call this a top coat without a sticky layer 'no wipe'.
4.5 What is a top no wipe?
If you are a fan of applying gel polish, you probably know the benefits of a no wipe top coat. This type of top coat ensures that there is no sticky layer left on your nails after curing, so you no longer have to clean your nails with a cellulose swab and cleaner. With a no wipe top, you have one less step to perform, allowing you to finish your manicure faster.
5. How to seal your nails with top coat?
If you have artificial nails, you naturally want to prevent them from coming off. A good seal is essential for this. To properly seal your artificial nails, it is best to hold your brush at a 90° angle to your nail plate (vertically) and use the side of your brush. Make sure that there is not too much top coat on your brush and then apply it slowly and evenly from left to right, to cover the tip of your nails. By carrying out this process carefully and precisely, you create a strong layer that protects your artificial nails from coming off and damage. It is therefore definitely worth paying extra attention to sealing your artificial nails for a long-lasting result.
6. What is the difference between top coat and base coat?
These two products are essential for a beautiful and durable manicure. Each layer has its own function. For example, the base coat is the first step of a manicure that ensures a strong bond between the natural nail plate and the artificial nails. This prevents your artificial nails from coming loose quickly. The top coat, on the other hand, is the last step of a manicure and has the function of protecting your artificial nails from external impacts and discoloration.
7. Can you use top coat as a base coat?
It is important to know that using a base coat as a top coat or vice versa is strongly discouraged. This is because both products have a specific function. If you use these products together, the durability of the manicure will be greatly reduced.
A base coat is generally quite thick in structure and contains special ingredients that give your nails extra strength. On the other hand, a top coat is thinner and contains ingredients that create a durable surface on your nails. In addition, a top coat offers more protection against bumps and other external factors.
But don't worry, there are products on the market that combine both properties. These products are called Base & top and are designed to combine the adhesion power of a base coat and the protection from external factors of a top coat.
8. Top coats from our range
The Mistero Milano range offers a wide choice of different types of topcoats. But which topcoat should you choose? That depends on your personal preference and the finish you want. To make choosing easier, we will explain the different topcoats we offer below.
8.1 Quick top no wipe
The Quick top no wipe is a transparent top coat with a glossy finish. The formula does not leave a sticky layer after curing, which together with the self-leveling consistency ensures that the work is accelerated. The Quick top is also flexible with a high scratch resistance that will not crack on flexible nail plates. The formula of the quick top does not change the color of underlying products.
8.2 Flexi top
The Flexi Top is a flexible top layer that is particularly suitable for all types of nail plates. After the top layer has hardened, a sticky layer remains that can easily be removed using a cleaner and cellulose swab. The unique feature of the Flexi top is its flexibility, which prevents cracks in the top layer and increases the durability of the nail.
8.3 Mineral top no wipe
The Mineral Top No Wipe is a top coat without sticky layer and has an ultra glossy finish. The formula contains rose quartz, which ensures a significant increase in the durability of the nails. The crystal clear color of this top coat prevents discoloration of the underlying nail products.
8.4 Make me glossy top no wipe
The Make Me Glossy top no wipe is part of the Make Me Free collection. The special feature of this collection is that all products are free of HEMA and solvents. The composition minimizes the chance of allergic reactions and irritations, making these products ideal for people with sensitive skin.
This top coat does not contain a sticky layer after curing and has a medium thick self-leveling consistency. In addition, the top coat does not affect the color of the underlying artificial products and prevents the nails from becoming dull. It provides effective protection against abrasion and mechanical damage, ensuring a long-lasting and intense shine for up to 3 weeks.
8.5 Hype Top no wipe
Hype Top No Wipe is a transparent topcoat that protects your gel and gel polish styling for up to 4 weeks with an intense shine. The no wipe formula makes cleaning unnecessary, while the no scratch technology ensures extra durability and scratch resistance. Thanks to the self-leveling formula, it creates a smooth, even finish without running to the cuticles. In addition, it maintains the color intensity of your polish or gel and is HEMA, di-HEMA and TPO free. Professional quality for an attractive price!
8.6 No wipe top matt that
The No Wipe Top Matt That is a transparent top coat with a matte finish and no sticky layer after curing. The formula has a self-leveling consistency, which speeds up the work. In addition, the top coat is flexible and offers high scratch resistance that prevents cracking on flexible nail plates. The formula of the Matt That top coat does not affect the color of underlying products.
When the Matt That top coat gets dirty from makeup, for example, it is enough to wash hands and nails with soap. The formula is non-porous so it will not absorb dirt.
8.7 Dot on top no wipe
The Dot On Top is a no wipe topcoat with a matte finish and characteristic with black or white speckles. The top coats are ideal for the Easter Nails trend. The formula has no sticky layer after curing and offers a self-leveling consistency which ensures that the work is accelerated. The top coat is flexible and offers a high scratch resistance, so that it does not crack with flexible nail plates. In addition, the formula of the Dot On Top does not affect the color of underlying products and prevents yellowing.
8.8 Soak off top – Lucido
The Soak Off Top Lucido is a soak-off top coat that offers long-lasting shine. The formula combines incredible flexibility with maximum durability. After curing, there is a sticky layer that you can easily remove with a cellulose swab and cleaner. In addition, the Soak Off Top Lucido can be removed after just 5 minutes with a remover.
8.9
The Base & Top Lucido is a special product that can be used as both a base coat and a top coat. This multifunctional application makes the product very attractive to many nail stylists.
As a base coat, this product provides superior adhesion to the nail plate. When used as a top coat, it offers high abrasion resistance and scratch resistance to mechanical damage. This makes the product very suitable for customers who regularly perform manual labor. It is also an excellent choice for pedicures. After curing, Base & Top leaves a sticky layer that can be easily removed with a cellulose swab and cleaner.
8.10 Easy – Fizzy top no wipe
The Easy Fizzy top is available in 6 different glitter colours. It is a top coat that contains various sizes of glitter. This top coat is extremely suitable for those who want to add an extra effect to the manicure. The application of loose glitter is unnecessary, because this top coat creates an attractive glitter nail art and provides the nails with top coat in one step.
The Easy Fizzy top coats do not contain a sticky layer after curing, which reduces the treatment time. Thanks to their medium-thick, self-leveling consistency, you can work quickly and minimize the risk of smudging into the nail folds. The top coats guarantee a long-lasting intense shine, protect the manicure from mechanical damage and do not change the underlying color.
8.11 Reflective top no wipe
The Reflective Top No Wipe is a top coat that does not leave a sticky layer after curing. The glitters present in this top coat have a reflective effect in the light. In addition, this top coat does not affect the underlying color.
8.12 STAR top no wipe
The Star Top No Wipe topcoats do not contain a sticky layer. The tops are composed of a variety of glitter particles. The formula offers a long-lasting and exuberant shine that can last up to 3 weeks. In addition, this top coat does not affect the underlying colors.
8.13 SHINE PINK & SPARKLE GOLD top no wipe
The Shine pink & Sparkle gold top no wipe are topcoats with a 2-in-1 effect: it protects your manicure and gives your nails a beautiful, shiny finish. Thanks to the solvent-free formula, the color stays beautiful longer, and it is also HEMA-free!
8.14 Top color BB no wipe
The Top Color BB No Wipe has a medium thick consistency with 30% coverage and protects your style for a long-lasting hold of several weeks. Thanks to the no wipe formula, cleaning after curing is not necessary, while the scratch-free technology prevents streaks and imperfections. In addition, this soak-off topcoat is easy and quick to remove when you want to change your manicure. They are available in a few colors: milky, nude & pink.
8.15 Prom queen top no wipe
The Prom Queen Top No Wipe is a non-sticky topcoat with beautiful holographic flakes for an effortless wow-effect. The flakes reflect all the colours of the rainbow, depending on the base colour, light and viewing angle. A 2-in-1 product for a sparkling finish! They are available in three different effects: rose (pink glitter), confetti (mix of glitters) & unicorn (glitters with rainbow shine).
9. Conclusion – Which topcoat should I choose?
A perfect manicure is not complete without the finishing touch, namely applying a top coat. A good top coat not only minimizes chipping, but also extends the life of your manicure. In addition, a quality top coat protects the artificial nails from discoloration. But with so many different top coats on the market, it can be difficult to choose. It is important to know what kind of end result you want to achieve and whether you want a top coat with or without a sticky layer. With the help of this blog you can select the right top coat to achieve the desired end result.
