Types of topcoats: how to choose a topcoat, review of the 10 best brands

The task of the top coat (from the English top coat - top layer) in a three-phase system consisting of a base, colored gel polish and top is the final alignment of the color of the nail plate, and the creation of an ideal, even highlight. Nail service professionals have access to materials with different consistencies and properties, designed to solve a range of problems - from leveling to fixing decorative elements.

Let's look at the features of choosing a top coating for the job, and also review the 10 most popular brands on the market.

Kinds

The choice of top coating will largely be dictated by the tasks that the master needs to solve with its help.

Topcoats fall into 3 main categories:

• With a sticky layer;
• No sticky layer;
• Matte.

In each of the categories, you can choose a material with different characteristics, consistency, UV filters, plasticity and the ability to turn blue or yellow during wear. Let's look at all types of finishes and their characteristics in more detail.

We recommend looking at the layers of coating in manicure:

Layers of coating in manicure - what are they, how to apply them correctly

With a sticky layer

The sticky layer is also called the dispersion layer. After applying the finishing coating, the dispersion is removed with a special liquid, since it is a waste material. The gloss of these topcoats is not as bright and expressive as it is obtained when using materials without dispersion, which can only be said by comparison.

They are practical, versatile and suitable for all types of gel polish, with the exception of some types of designs. They are inconvenient to use for rubs and sliders. At the same time, they cope well with sand and powder textures, which are attached to the dispersion surface, and only then polymerize in a lamp.

How to remove the dispersion to maintain maximum gloss? At this stage it is important to follow the rules:

1. Allow the topcoat to 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 using a smooth, tightening 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. We don’t use this napkin anymore, otherwise we will get cloudy stains and loss of brightness of the highlight on the next nail or nails.

You can use cotton pads instead of a lint-free wipe. Instead of liquid to remove the dispersion, use an alcohol antiseptic. If we take a degreaser as an analogue, it behaves more aggressively towards the coating and can make the top layer cloudy.

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

What is a sticky layer and means for removing it

No sticky layer

The main advantage of a coating without a sticky layer is that it saves the technician time. Immediately after polymerization in the lamp, the manicure is ready and the client can be released. There is no need to remove the dispersion. It is strictly forbidden to degrease such coatings, otherwise the gloss will become cloudy.

To further enhance the gloss, after polymerization, you can wipe your nails with a dry cotton pad as a polisher.

The second significant plus is the brightness and saturation of the gloss that the top coat gives without a sticky layer.

The finish without dispersion is good to wear and does not lose its properties over time.

Tops without a sticky layer can have different textures - from liquid to thick. They do not turn yellow, they can turn blue, especially on black.

When we cover light shades of gel polish, the bright gloss of the top coat is not a priority, since the highlight is not as noticeable as on a dark background.

Finish brands without a sticky layer: Uno Supershine, Bagheera B4, Klio Brilliant, Diva Brilliant.

How can you replace nail topcoat?

Experts do not recommend replacing top with other means. This recommendation is especially relevant if the design is a shellac coat. In a number of individual cases, for example, regular varnish, you can replace the top with a base. Masters also use tools such as a smart coat or an additional layer of regular clear varnish. If you have a so-called 2 in 1 product on hand, you can use that too.

In any case, if you need high-quality nail care, you can’t do without coattop. With the help of a high-quality top coat, you can extend the life of your manicure by at least a week. It is often not recommended to replace shellac top without a sticky layer with anything.

Matte

The third category of finishing coatings, characterized by a matte texture.

A matte top cannot be applied over a glossy one after leveling, otherwise it will chip or peel off as a film. If it is necessary to combine materials in this approach, then after using the glossy top it is necessary to remove the dispersion, sand the surface with a polisher or buffer, and then only apply the matte finish.

Matte top is easily soiled when worn. It looks better on dark versions of gel polish, and over time it turns gray on light ones. For the latter, it is better to take more rubberized versions of top coatings with less velvety expression.

What is a gel polish topcoat?

Top or finish, fixer, top coat is the top coat, the third phase in a three-phase system, the final stage in the procedure of applying gel polish to nails. First, the nails are covered with a base coat, then with colored gel polish and finally a top coat is applied. Each layer is polymerized separately. The finish is applied in a thin layer or with a slight leveling of highlights, but it is never used to strengthen the nails. Sometimes a design is made on top of the finishing coating, for example - gel modeling, three-dimensional painting, convex decor, loose glitter, etc.

For design, fixing

Decor such as rubbing, sliders, sand, rhinestones require special top coatings. They often come with the For Sliders prefix.

Rubbing: what it is, how to use it and all application methods with step-by-step instructions

Velvet sand on nails: features, application technology, design ideas

These tops are flexible. They can be with or without a sticky layer. For example, a finish without dispersion will be required when making a design with rub-in or pigments. The best option is Alena Kapriz.

For sliders we use a final coating with a sticky layer. They are plastic and have a porous texture. Ib.Di brands are suitable. Nails, Neonail, Nollon Pro, Clio For Sliders.

For sand and powder, the consistency should be very thick, with a sticky layer. For example, the Artex Rubber Top brand is suitable. This finishing coat must be applied in an even layer without excess volume, so that it then dries well in the lamp and does not chip when worn.

UV filter

The criterion for the presence of a UV filter is relevant for all types of topcoat. It affects whether the finish in the sock turns blue or yellow. Knowing the presence or absence of a filter, we can choose the right topcoat for light or dark shades of varnish, so as not to get unsightly color shifts.

The presence of a filter in the finishing coating ensures blocking of ultraviolet radiation in the sun and solarium, and prevents the color coating from fading. They are suitable for light and bright shades of gel polish, for French manicure.

You can tell that there is a UV filter if your nails appear blue or blue in the lamp. The downside of these topcoats is that they can become stained in the first 24 hours after polymerization due to a chemical reaction. This is considered the norm.

How else can you tell whether a top is with or without a UV filter? This information is indicated by the manufacturer on the jar. You can ask a consultant in the store when purchasing or check the manufacturer’s information provided on the Internet or in specialized information brochures.

It is better not to apply a finish with a UV filter to dark shades of gel polish; it will have a strong blue tint.

It is better not to apply topcoats without a UV filter to light shades, as they will yellow the color of the varnish.

Hardness and softness

As with bases, tops can be soft or hard. This criterion affects whether the product will crack during wear.

Causes of cracking:

• Incorrect combination of base and top in terms of rigidity and elasticity;
• If the top layer is severely overdried in the lamp, its elastic properties “burn out”;
• Very thin layers of soft both base and top: the nail “walks”.

Soft can always be applied to hard, but hard to soft cannot be applied, hence all the problems with the durability of coatings.

How to check this characteristic? We apply a small drop of material to a plastic surface, for example, a thick film, and polymerize it in a lamp. The resulting sample can be bent and twisted, and how it behaves can reveal its characteristics of elasticity, hardness and brittleness.

Also stretchy are all tops with the definition of For Sliders. Brands: Emi, Neonail, Nollon Pro, CND, Ib Di.

They have a thick texture, are plastic, and after polymerization do not leave a pronounced gloss. At the same time, airbrushing, rubs, pigments, sliders, sequins, foil, and mica hold up well on them. They don't scratch. They often turn yellow. This type of finish is a must have in a craftsman’s kit for attaching designs to the main coating.

The topcoat marked Rubber is not elastic.

A fragile or hard topcoat on an elastic base coat and gel polish can crack, creating a web-like network in which dirt and dust get clogged. After just a few days, your nails look untidy. Therefore, it is necessary to select the appropriate material for the top coat on natural or extended nails.

The finish can be used to highlight and level, although it is better to use the base for leveling. The top eliminates all color unevenness and creates a perfect highlight.

Base coatings: types, selection criteria, review of the best

If you apply a lot of topcoat, bubbles will form at points of large accumulation of the layer, and the area may turn yellow more intensely.

How to choose the right gel polish?

When choosing gel polish, you should pay attention not only to the brand and price, but also to the details. This will reduce the risk of allergic reactions, get an easy-to-use product and enjoy a beautiful manicure for a long time.

1. Concentration of the product. Liquid ones will leave unpainted areas, especially for light shades. Too thick ones are difficult for a beginner to distribute evenly. Choose something in between.
2. The brush should be thick, dense and not too long, but not short either. Check it for any loose lint.
3. No pungent odor. In itself, it is not harmful and disappears after finishing working with the varnish. But considering that a manicure is not done in 15 minutes, it’s worth considering options without an unpleasant odor or with its minimization.
4. Application system. There are three types of coatings. Single-phase are “3 in 1” products that do not require the purchase of a base and top. But they disappear from the nail very quickly. Two-phase - includes a base and a fetal component, but requires a finishing coating. Three-phase - this gel polish requires a base and a top, so their durability is higher than the previous two.

Top 10 brands

Let's look at the most popular options for top coatings, which are used by professional craftsmen and recommended for beginners. We remember that the arsenal should have several options for tops for combination with different types of bases, for dark and light shades, as well as for use as a base for designs, for example, rubs, sliders, sand or rhinestones. Let's consider coverage according to the main criteria:

• Hardness or softness;
• Presence or absence of a dispersion layer;
• Blue or yellow to choose from when applied to dark or light gel polish;
• Manufacturer;
• Price category.

Kodi Professional Rubber Top Coat

Soft coating with a sticky layer. When applied, the blueness is medium, it is better to apply it to dark shades of gel polish. The coating has a liquid consistency, can spread, and is not suitable for top leveling. It is recommended to apply a thin layer and quickly send for polymerization.

It has a pronounced shine. Combines well with gel polishes from other manufacturers. Available in 8, 12 and 14 ml containers.

It has a good, comfortable brush with soft, elastic hairs. The length allows you to cover a nail of medium length and width well, and paint it over from the first application of the product. The smell is moderate, slightly sweet. Manufacturer: USA or Ukraine. The cost is about 450 - 500 rubles per 8 ml.

Klio Professional Brilliant

Has medium softness. Without a sticky layer, it can be used for fixing rhinestones, sliders, and applying rubbing. Turns yellow when applied to light and medium shades of gel polish. The coating can be purchased in a volume of 15 ml, which is economical for salons and professional professionals with a large and stable flow of clients.

The brush is comfortable, medium length, the hairs are well distributed over the surface of the nail when applying the material. Consistency – medium-liquid. It is convenient to apply in a thin layer and does not create excess volume. Not suitable for upper leveling of the nail plate. The cost varies from 600 to 700 rubles. Manufacturer – Russia.

Lianail All Stars

Claimed as a top for rhinestones. Characterized by medium hardness. The coating is without a sticky layer, which makes it ideal for working with lay-out designs and rubbing in.

The product turns very yellow, which will be noticeable after some time on light shades of gel polish. Looks very impressive with dark or black coatings. Gives nails a matte texture. Compatible with other brands of varnishes. Has a convenient brush for application.

Bottle – 10 ml. Cost - 400 - 500 rubles. Manufacturer – Russia.

Ib Di Top Coat for Nails Wraps

Claimed as a coating for sliders. Has medium-soft hardness. If your nails are soft, it is better to strengthen them with a base. Product with a sticky layer. It turns yellow when worn for a long time, it is better to combine it with dark and very dark shades of varnish.

When fixing sliders, it is recommended to apply two layers, carefully sealing the ends. The brush is long and comfortable. The consistency of the product is medium thick. Levels out well after application.

Comes in a 15 ml container. The cost is about 700 rubles. Manufacturer – Russia.

Mollon Pro Professional Top Coat

Soft top with a sticky layer. It turns yellow when worn for a long time, and turns a little blue on dark colors. Suitable for polymerization in hybrid lamps. The product has a medium consistency, can be applied in a thin or medium layer, and does not spread. Gives a nice bright highlight. Virtually no bubbles.

Additionally strengthens the nail plate and protects the coating from scratches. The formula is claimed to be environmentally friendly. Does not contain formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate. Recommended for allergy sufferers.

Allergy to manicure: how to determine the cause, remove symptoms and how to replace gel polish

The brush is soft, medium padding. Convenient to distribute the coating. The finish does not have a strong odor.

Comes in a 12 ml bottle. Manufacturer – France. Cost - 650 - 700 rubles.

Uno Lux High Gloss Top Coat

Medium hard finish. No sticky layer. The finish gives a very high gloss that can be difficult to rub in. In this case, it is better to treat your nails while the top layer is still wet.

It may turn a little yellow with prolonged wear on light gel polishes and turn very blue on dark gel polishes. A high content of UV filters is declared to protect the color from fading, which is important in the summer season.

It comes in a 15 ml bottle, a fairly large volume that is convenient for the salon, and with a large flow of clients at the master’s home. Consistency – liquid. Does not self-level well; two coats may be required.

Cost - 600 - 700 rubles. Manufacturer – USA.

Vogue Nails Extra Top

Hard coating without a dispersion layer. A little yellow, not blue. Contains UV filters to protect color from fading. Polymerizes in hybrid lamps. Self-leveling.

It has a comfortable brush of medium length and padding. Texture – medium-liquid. Not suitable for plate alignment.

Comes in a volume of 10 ml. Cost – from 500 rubles. Manufacturer – Russia.

TNL Professional No Wipe Top Coat

Medium hard in terms of characteristics. No sticky layer. Holds rhinestones, rubs and sliders perfectly. The sock turns yellow after some time. Does not bluish on dark shades.

Consistency – medium liquid. Economical in consumption. It has a densely packed and flexible brush of medium length. The smell is not strong, light. Self-leveling. Gives excellent gloss. It is enough to apply one layer. It fits well under mirror rubbing and holds rhinestones for the entire period of wear, up to 3 weeks.

It has an economical cost - 300 rubles, and at the same time is not inferior in quality to more expensive analogues. Comes in a volume of 10 ml. You can take 50 ml in salon packaging. Manufacturer: Russia and South Korea for different lines.

Artex Artylac Rubber Top Wipe Off

Medium hardness with a sticky layer. It turns very yellow on light gel polishes and slightly blue on dark ones. Texture – medium thickness. Comfortable brush of medium length, densely packed.

Self-leveling. Gives perfect bright highlights. Contains UV filters to protect color from fading. Recommended as hypoallergenic.

Comes in bottles of 15 ml. Cost – from 800 rubles. Manufacturer – England.

Bagheera Nails B-5

Medium soft without a sticky layer. May turn slightly yellow after application. On dark shades there is a pronounced bluish tint. Bagheera Nails differs from the popular B-4 in its lighter, more flexible consistency.

Comes in bottles of 16 ml. Gives a very pronounced beautiful highlight on the nails. Self-leveling. Not suitable for fixing rhinestones and rubbing. Polymerizes in UV and LED lamps. Cost – from 800 rubles. Manufacturer – Russia.

Now, when selecting a top coating, you will have a number of criteria that you should focus on.
If you have any questions, write to us in the comments. Comment

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