Putting regular clear nail polish over gel nails is not recommended. Gel polish is formulated differently than regular polish and requires special removal to avoid damage to the natural nail. Applying regular polish over gel can lead to peeling, chipping, and other issues. There are some alternatives to get a shiny top coat over gel manicures without using regular clear polish.
How Gel Nail Polish is Different from Regular Nail Polish
Gel nail polish contains ingredients that allow it to cure under UV or LED lamps. This gives gel polish its durable, long-lasting finish that can go 2-3 weeks without chipping or peeling. Some key differences between gel and regular polish include:
| Gel Polish | Regular Nail Polish |
|---|---|
| Contains polymers that bond to the nail | Does not bond to the nail |
| Cures under UV/LED light | Air dries |
| Very hard finish | Softer finish |
| Requires soaking in acetone to remove | Can remove with polish remover |
| Lasts 2-3 weeks | Lasts 4-7 days |
As you can see, gel is formulated to cure on the nail in a durable, long-lasting finish. Regular polish simply air dries and does not bond to the nail. Putting one product over the other can lead to issues.
Problems with Putting Regular Polish Over Gel
There are a few reasons why putting regular clear polish over gel manicures is problematic:
- Adhesion issues: The ingredients in regular and gel polish are not designed to bond to each other. The regular polish may have trouble adhering and end up peeling or popping off.
- Can ruin the gel manicure: If you put regular polish over gel, when you go to remove it, the regular polish can take parts of the gel color with it. This can ruin the gel manicure and require a fill or redo.
- More work to remove: To avoid damaging the gel layer, you need to carefully remove the regular polish only. This requires more time and care than removing a typical manicure.
- Dulls the gel shine: Gel polish has a gorgeous, glossy shine to it. Adding regular polish over gel can make it look dull and muted.
While it is not impossible to put regular clear polish over gel manicures, it does come with the risk of creating these issues. Going through the extra effort to safely add and remove the regular polish defeats the convenience and longevity of getting gel in the first place.
Better Options for Shiny Top Coats Over Gel
Instead of using regular clear polish over gel manicures, here are some better options to get a shiny top coat:
Use a Gel Top Coat
The best option is to use a true gel top coat formulated to go over the gel polish. This will provide a beautiful, high-gloss finish and will cure properly over the gel color. Using a gel top coat avoids the adhesion issues and peeling that can happen with regular polish over gel. It leaves a thick, durable shine that lasts just as long as the gel color underneath. No need to worry about ruining the manicure trying to remove regular polish either.
Apply Nail Oil
Nail oil can also add a beautiful shine over cured gel polish. The oil smooths and hydrates the nail surface, enhancing the glossy look of the gel. Apply a small drop of nail oil over each nail and massage it in. Let it soak in for a few minutes before wiping away any excess. Jojoba, vitamin E, and cuticle oils all work well to boost shine. Reapply daily for best results.
Use Non-Acetone Polish Remover
If you want to use regular polish as a top coat over gel, try a non-acetone remover instead of acetone. Acetone is extremely drying and can break down layers of the gel manicure when removing regular polish. A non-acetone formula will minimize the risk of ruining the gel underneath. Still go slowly and carefully when taking off the polish.
DIY Gel Top Coat
You can make your own gel top coat by mixing regular clear polish with a nail hardener or polygel. This creates a thicker, gel-like consistency. Mix a few drops of the hardener or polygel into the clear polish and apply over cured gel manicures. It should help avoid chipping or peeling. Be sure to do a patch test first.
Tips for Applying Regular Polish Over Gel
While regular polish over gel is risky, many people still do it. If you really want to use regular clear polish as a top coat over gel manicures, here are some tips to get the best results:
- Wait until gel is fully cured – Never put regular polish over “tacky” gel that is still curing. Let the gel dry under the light completely.
- Use thinner coats – Keep layers of regular polish very thin so it adheres better and is easier to remove.
- Cap the tips – Brush regular polish over the tips to “seal” the edges and prevent lifting or peeling.
- Avoid acetone – Use non-acetone polish remover only to take off the regular polish gently.
- Remove slowly – Take your time removing the polish. Don’t rip it off or you may take gel layers with it.
- Reapply gel top coat after – Once regular polish is removed reapply a gel top coat to restore shine.
Even with these precautions, issues can still occur when mixing gel and regular polishes. Only do so if you are prepared to re-do the gel manicure if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn’t you put regular polish over gel polish?
Regular and gel polishes are formulated differently and adhere differently to the nail. Putting one over the other can lead to chipping, peeling, dulling of shine, and other issues. The ingredients are not designed to bond to each other.
Can I use clear polish as a gel top coat?
Clear polish is not an effective substitute for a true gel top coat. Gel top coats are thicker and cure under UV light. Polish will not cure over gel and risks chipping and peeling quickly. For best results use a real gel top coat.
What happens if you put regular polish over gel?
Potential issues with putting regular polish over gel include peeling, chipping, dullness, and possible damage to the gel manicure underneath when removing the polish. It usually does not adhere as long or smoothly as using a real gel top coat.
Why does regular polish chip on gel nails?
The ingredients in regular and gel polishes are not formulated to bond to each other, which is why the regular polish has trouble adhering smoothly over gel. The hardness of the cured gel can also lead to chipping of the softer regular polish on top.
Can you use nail polish as gel top coat?
It’s best not to use regular nail polish as a substitute gel top coat. Polish does not cure like gel under a UV/LED lamp. At best it may dull the shine compared to a real gel top coat. At worst it can damage the gel manicure. Use polish over gel with caution.
The Bottom Line
While using regular clear polish over gel manicures is possible, it comes with risks of chipping, peeling, and damaging the gel layer. For best results, use a real gel top coat formulated to cure over the gel polish to maintain shine and longevity. If you do use regular polish, apply thin coats and remove very gently with non-acetone remover to limit damage to the gel underneath. With some extra care and caution, you can successfully layer regular polish over a gel manicure, but a true gel top coat is always the safest option.