How to use Regular and UV Gel Polish in your Manicure

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uv and normal polish used for mult chrome nails

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I have done my nails using this hybrid of regular polish underneath the UV gel polish top coat for years. It is my favorite way to do my nails. The reason I love it is because it gives me the mixture of something that is easy to remove without having to do a soak and then scraping off of the gel, but I get the benefits of having the hard and smooth topping of the UV gel, which to me is much more shiny, durable and uniform than a regular nail polish top coat.

What are the benefits of using regular nail polish for the base and UV gel top coat?

Many more color options for regular nail polish base colors than the limited UV colors
Regular nail polish is easier to apply for the base coat and doesn’t have to be done perfect
Regular nail polish comes off a lot easier by just popping the nails off when you’re ready to remove them (I just peel them off)
Stronger nails with the UV top coat means less breaking, chipping, and peeling
UV top coat is longer lasting, shinier and more even than regular polish
Dry time for the top coat is FAST and you can use your nails as soon as they are done (in a couple minutes)
UV polish hides imperfections in the base nail polish application

Prep steps:

Preparing your nails by shaping them, pushing back the cuticles, and removing any old polish ensures a clean and neat canvas for your manicure. Applying a base coat can provide additional benefits such as protecting your natural nails and preventing staining. However, the use of a base coat is optional depending on your personal preference and the condition of your nails.

1. Gather your materials:

– Regular nail polish (color of your choice)
– UV gel top coat
– Nail file
– Cuticle pusher
– Nail polish remover
– Cotton pads or balls
– UV or LED nail lamp – this one is so inexpensive and I have used it consistently for years
– Base coat (optional)
– Cuticle oil (optional)
– Chrome Powder for chrome effects (optional)

I also prefer to use a ridge filler, because I have deep ridges on my nail which causes an uneven, ugly, bumpy, finish. If you have these, try this ridge filler prior to your base coat or first coat of polish – it works great.
Also optional – in my video you will see I use Chrome Powder to get a multi-shift chrome effect. You can use these or other cool effecct nail products like nail foils over the UV top coat, and then apply another layer of the UV top coat after that to seal it in.

2. Prep your nails:

– Remove any existing nail polish using nail polish remover and cotton pads or balls.
– File your nails to your desired shape and length.
– Gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher.

Xtra step: If you have deep ridges also consider using a ridge filler prior to the base coat.

3. Apply a base coat:

– If you prefer added protection for your nails or want to prevent staining, apply a thin layer of base coat. This step is especially useful if you’re using dark or highly pigmented nail polish.

4. Apply the regular nail polish:

– Shake the nail polish bottle well to ensure the color is mixed properly.
– Start by applying a thin layer of regular nail polish to your nails, starting from the base and moving towards the tip.
– Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat if desired. This will help to achieve a smoother and more opaque finish.

5. Apply the UV gel top coat:

– Once the regular nail polish is dry, apply a thin layer of UV gel top coat to each nail.
– Ensure that you cap the free edge of your nails by brushing the top coat along the edge to seal and protect the polish.
– Place your nails under a UV or LED nail lamp according to the manufacturer’s instructions to cure the gel top coat. This usually takes around 30-60 seconds, depending on the lamp’s power.

After this step you would apply your nail powder or nail foil to achieve a special look

6. Repeat the UV gel top coat application (optional step unless using chrome powder or nail foils):

– Apply a second thin layer of UV gel top coat to each nail.
– Again, cap the free edge of your nails and cure them under the UV or LED nail lamp.

7. Final touches and aftercare:

– After curing the gel top coat, use a cotton pad or ball soaked in alcohol to gently wipe off any tacky residue on your nails.
– If desired, apply a small amount of cuticle oil to hydrate your cuticles and moisturize your nails.