How to remove the sticky layer from gel polish

Gel polish is a common coating for neatly decorating a girl’s natural nails, but the price of doing the work in a salon is quite high, which is why many people prefer to do a manicure themselves. The procedure has quite a lot of subtleties that need to be taken into account so that the result lasts longer.

Many topcoats applied at the end of a manicure have a sticky layer. In order not to accidentally smear the work, it is removed with a special compound, which is not always available. However, there are several alternatives to the solution that can replace it.

What is the sticky layer and why does it remain?

When performing a manicure at home, enterprising young ladies take into account many points: the quality of the coating itself and accompanying decorative materials, sharpening the working edges of scissors or tweezers, as well as the optimal abrasiveness of the nail file. All this is under the sensitive attention of the craftswoman. The one thing that is often overlooked is removing the sticky layer. No, no, we are not talking about the standard removal of stickiness from the finishing top, but about the dispersion layer of the classic gel.

In order to answer the question asked 100% correctly, it is important to understand what exactly the mixture contained in the shellac bottle consists of. In fact, contrary to popular belief, the entire periodic table is not hidden behind transparent glass walls. Most often, the following ingredients can be seen in the formula:

Formula Component	Its purpose
Plasticizers	Particles of a substance that gives the polymerized gel elasticity and plasticity. Plasticizers are especially important at the moment when there is a mechanical effect on the nail plate. It is the quality of the plasticizer raw material that determines whether the coating will be chipped or not.
Polymers	Another mandatory item in the list of ingredients of any gel polish. Polymers are designed to improve durability and increase the degree of adhesive adhesion of natural nail keratin to artificial coating. It is logical that in expensive varnishes the plasticizers are also of higher quality, while in budget ones they are cheaper
Solvents	It is a mistake to believe that polymerization is an ordinary process of hardening varnish under a UF or LED lamp. In fact, polymerization is the process of evaporation of solvents from the surface of the coating, due to which it hardens
Silicates	An auxiliary ingredient that should also be included in any varnish. Silicates control the degree of pigment settling and prevent the varnish from delaminating; they are also responsible for the overall viscosity of the consistency
Titanium dioxide	Another “chemical” ingredient. Essentially, this is a snow-white pigment that is added to almost every gel polish to emphasize the intensity of the original shade.
TSF	Perhaps the most “controversial” component of varnish. It is designed to improve the degree of adhesion of the coating and the nail plate, which directly affects the durability of the manicure. But such an additive is safe only in the absence of formaldehyde. Read the ingredients carefully
Mica	The component thanks to which we observe a delicate pearl shimmer. Essentially, mica is an accumulation of finely dispersed reflective particles that block direct sunlight or artificial rays
Camphor	The same plasticizer, but of natural origin. At the moment, camphor is being removed from use, as it is a powerful allergen.

This, perhaps, is the entire “base” on the basis of which shellac or gel polish is then formed. Naturally, each of the presented components directly affects the quality of the coating itself, its intensity and durability, but part of the responsibility for this also lies with the master who processes the nail plates. So what is this sticky layer of shellac? Essentially, polymerization is the process of turning a measure into a viscous but liquid consistency, which gradually hardens under UF or LED lighting by evaporating solvents. As a result of this metamorphosis, a sticky layer called a dispersion layer is formed on the hard surface. It is needed for adhesion of materials of different nature. In the case of gel manicure, to increase the adhesive ability of the artificial gel and natural keratin contained in the nails.

In other words, dispersion is a by-product of drying the gel coating, necessary for better bonding of all layers of the gel and the natural nail. And answering the question: “Do I need to remove the sticky layer from the base?” – the answer is clear – “No!” A sticky layer is simply necessary so that all layers of the manicure - base, color and top - adhere well to each other. When removing the dispersion, both from the base and from the color layers, the manicure loses its strength; it chips and peels off from the nail faster.

The nuances of using a degreaser

It would seem that the degreaser is very simple to use: apply it to a cotton swab and wipe the nail. You shouldn't use regular cotton wool because it leaves behind small fibers. However, there are several nuances that can make cleaning a manicure much easier:

Gel polish and degreaser must be from the same manufacturer.
If you think that removing the sticky layer will be easy without a cleanser, be prepared for the manicure to fall off the first time it gets wet.
You shouldn't skimp on a degreaser. It is better to use lina cleanser plus or, for example, gel cleanser. For example, the Lina brand has proven itself well.
Apply cleanse to each nail separately, rather than treating them all at once.
After completing your manicure, be sure to remove the sticky layer.
To degrease without problems, purchase special lint-free wipes.

By the way, you can find bottles of the final coating marked no cleanser for nails. This means that such a coating does not leave behind a dispersion layer and clean is not needed.

How to remove the sticky layer

A newcomer to the nail service will probably have a question - how to remove the sticky layer without compromising the quality of the coating and what products from famous brands should be purchased for this. In fact, you should not pay attention to the price or name of the product. In fact, a specialized cleaner, which is the very liquid for eliminating dispersion, is an aqueous-alcohol solution of a certain concentration. Only, unlike its homemade counterpart, a pleasant perfume scent has been added to it. It is advisable to purchase a clinser of the same brand as the gel polish itself, as it is believed that they will interact with each other more harmoniously.

The algorithm for your manipulations is simple: moisten the napkin generously in the solution, and then use massage movements to remove the stickiness from your fresh manicure. Also, when eliminating the dispersion layer, use exclusively lint-free cloth wipes made from synthetic material. Standard cotton-based cotton pads not only violate the integrity of the coating, but also leave particles of their lint behind, which will visually spoil the appearance of manicured fingers.

Many women are interested in the question: is it possible to remove the sticky layer with nail polish remover? After all, it copes perfectly with all its stated functions. Well, let’s be categorical here - it’s better not to start such experiments and still fork out for a professional cleaner. Why? Yes, simply because the liquid contains highly concentrated acetone, which corrodes even plastic. What do you think it will do with a thin coating? That's right, it will remove not only the dispersion, but also the varnish itself. To be fair, let us note that some non-acetone analogues do not contain acetone directly, but contain ethyl acetate, glycerin and isopropyl alcohol. Again, the purpose of such a liquid is to remove nail polish from extended nails without damage. Some brands of cleansers, such as Sensationail, still contain acetone, but in a very low concentration, and only as an addition to the alcohol base. This allows you to combine the stripper and degreaser into one solution. Although here, most likely, acetone gives a more drying effect, because isopropyl alcohol itself dissolves fats quite well.

Homemade substitute

Many people keep a bottle of good vodka in their house for a special occasion. If there is one in the bins, then you need to get it, because high-quality vodka is considered one of the best substitutes for expensive clinser.

The dispersion layer removed with vodka does not damage the color and gloss. It must be remembered that vodka should only be of good quality. She will be able to remove the sticky layer of gel polish, while the color and structure will remain intact.

When purchasing materials, it is very important to take into account the fact that a cheap gel set from a little-known manufacturer does not last long, and the color of the coating instantly changes if you use low-quality cleaner substitutes, which cannot be said about expensive analogues. However, not everyone can afford professional products, so the choice is always up to the fashionista.

When to remove the sticky layer

Beginners are probably wondering: how to remove the sticky layer from the top coat and when is the best time to do it? And if the first point has already been considered by ProstoNail specialists, then the second requires somewhat more detailed elaboration. In fact, everything is quite easy: you just need to complete your trendy manicure with a layer of top coat (glossy or matte finish - at your discretion), and then, having additionally sealed the free edges of the plate, put your fingers under the ultraviolet radiation of the lamp. After waiting for a certain period and turning off the timer, let your fingers cool a little. Literally after a couple of seconds, take a lint-free napkin (cotton will leave traces of cellulose), moisten it generously in the cleanser and pass it over the dispersion layer. If you strictly adhere to the sequence of actions declared in this instruction, then no problems with the durability, gloss or pigmentation of the coating will arise in the future.

Do I need to remove the sticky layer from the base?

The base is the coating option that is applied directly for preparatory purposes. There is no need to confuse the base with the primer, since their functions are fundamentally different. The primer, regardless of whether it contains acid or not, is designed to eliminate excess oil produced naturally on natural nails. While the base should level the plate and also provide better adhesion of the colored pigment of the varnish to the nail. So why remove the sticky layer from the base? In fact, there is no need. This need arises for masters only in a few cases:

when a too cheap and low-quality base is used. As a rule, its components leave much to be desired, which is why the basic properties and consistency of the product are violated. Then it is logical to wipe the dispersion layer with a lint-free cloth;
When the bases of some brands, such as TNL or IRISK, do not require removal of the sticky layer from them, in many cases this leads to the gel polish peeling off from the base. Here you need to look at the situation and read the instructions for use;
when you have added new, previously unknown and untested products to your collection. Naturally, then you cannot predict how one or another component of your ideal manicure will behave in collaboration. Then it makes sense to immediately remove the sticky layer from the base;
In addition, some manicurists believe that removing the sticky layer provides better controlled distribution of the base layer, and this is true - after all, the sticky base layer literally absorbs (adheses) the gel polish over the entire surface;
when you need to make particularly filigree nail art. This is also true for fashionable design using the negative space technique. Indeed, in this case, you need to apply gel or acrylic paint immediately over the base.

Every rule has its exceptions. The main thing is to diligently study the theory before you start making complex decorations on your graceful fingers.

Dehydrator

A common analogue of a clinser is a dehydrator. This is practically the same tool. But they have different scales of impact. The cleanser is soft, it removes fat and only the top layer of moisture on the fingers. And the dehydrator penetrates deep into the nail plate, squeezing out moisture. On the one hand, this provides better adhesion of the nail to the base, and on the other, it dries it out greatly.

The main ingredient in the composition is butyl acetate. It has a good pH level and is gentle on human skin. Water reserves, as well as the balance of the body, are restored very quickly after degreasing with a dehydrator.

What to do if the sticky layer comes off with the varnish?

Often, after polymerization and removal of the dispersion layer, the gel varnish itself goes along with the napkin. What is the problem and how to avoid this unpleasant phenomenon? Think about it, you may be making the following mistakes:

Do not dry the varnish completely. Check the timer on the lamp and adjust the drying time depending on the manufacturer's requirements;
replace the lamps. There is a possibility that it is your lamp that is faulty, then you just need to change the light source to a more advanced and new one;
Perhaps this defect is caused by poor-quality liquid. Check its composition for the presence of acetone. If its percentage is exceeded, either do not use this bottle, or try diluting it with water;
if there is more pigment in a color gel than necessary, then with a considerable degree of probability it will not polymerize well;
Pressing the plate too hard while removing the dispersed layer can also cause imperfections. Your movements should be progressive and soft.

Almost certainly, when “holes” form in the coating, one of the above reasons is to blame. Analyze the information and correct your mistake.

How to replace the liquid for removing the sticky layer

We have already talked about the fact that the liquid that removes the sticky layer from the gel is sold in literally every specialized store. It can also be found among products on online platforms. But sometimes there are situations when the clinser has run out, and only one question is pulsing in your head - how can you remove the sticky layer if you don’t have the treasured bottle at hand? ProstoNail experts decided to put together a whole list of budget alternatives:

water-alcohol mixture. Perhaps the easiest way to “mess up” something similar to a cleanser is to mix an aqueous-alcohol solution yourself. At the same time, do not forget about the proportion: 70% liquid and only 30% high-quality medical alcohol (it can be purchased at the pharmacy). In case of an imbalance, characterized by an excess of alcohol content, you risk burning the cuticle and drying out natural nails, but if there is more water, the sticky layer may not come off at all. By the way, be also prepared for the fact that the pigmentation of the manicure may decrease significantly, and the varnish will lose its original mirror gloss;
vodka. If you have a bottle of this strong drink in your home bar, you can also easily replace the clinser. All you need to do is uncork the bottle and generously soak a lint-free napkin with its contents, removing the dispersion barrier from it;
a degreaser, which in professional circles is also proudly called a dehydrator. Perhaps this is the most optimal substitute. It will not dissolve the gel coating, will reliably remove the dispersion, and will give a pleasant glossy shine. However, it will not provide proper strengthening of the top layer;
nail polish remover. This is probably the most extreme option. Why? Yes, because it was originally designed to remove coating. But since the situation requires it, then use this solution, but only if it does not contain acetone. Otherwise, you will not only not see the famous glossy shine that attracts the gaze of aesthetes, but also the varnish itself. It is likely that it will come off after the cotton pad.

As you can see, a product for removing the sticky layer is not the last resort, but still, if you decide to get a gel manicure, then immediately purchase everything you need. Of course, every enterprising young lady can resort to the help of analogues once or twice, but that’s why they are analogues, only to emphasize the perfection of the original.

Creating a flawless manicure is not an easy task. But for readers of the ProstoNail portal there are no difficulties.