You can always apply two or even three coats to get even colour coverage, but thicker coats just look messy. ALWAYS wipe with acetone after applying top coat!
Three to four coats is generally enough to give the work a fully protective coat. The first coat seals the wood and the second gives it enough body to sand, level and recoat without cutting through these base coats. The first coat can be applied with a rag or a brush, depending on the surface area you want to coat.
It is recommended to have a shellac manicure re done every two weeks but most of my clients gets three or more weeks out of shellac with no chips at all and even longer on toes.
As many of us know, Shellac nail polish is the way to go when looking for one of the more durable options of nail polish around. On average, they last up to 2 weeks, with some lucky few getting a good 3 weeks in!
Even if you're not pulling the polish off, Dunne says that frequent Shellac manicures can take a toll on your nails. “During the removal process (especially if not done properly), you can risk removing layers of your natural nails and weakening the nails,” she explains.
After 1 week
If they are peeling at this point you may not be a good candidate for gel manicure. Some nail types are very thin, weak, or oily. Thin and weak nails can't be buffed well enough to create the little “velcro” action that adheres the polish to the nail.
Your shellac nails should remain shiny and chip-free for 14 to 21 days if you take care of them responsibly. Don't worry about your day to day activities: taking out keys, working on the computer and (light) cooking are no match for shellac.
The most common reason why the top coat starts peeling after one day is because the top coat isn't cured properly. Sometimes this is a top coat formula and lamp compatibility issue - or that you just need to cure the top coat for longer.
In our experience, SNS can last up to one week longer than Shellac nails without chipping, and SNS also creates a thicker-looking nail from all that powder getting added on. But we've found Shellac to be a little less damaging to our nails long-term than SNS nails.
To prevent smudging, it is best to wait one to two hours before hopping in the tub or shower. To help speed drying time, use a fast-drying topcoat or a nail polish dryer.
At least three to four layers of shellac are required to achieve an ideal finish.
This is rule number one for shellac nails – DO NOT peel them off. Peeling off the shellac nails yourself can damage your natural nails by peeling off the stronger layers of your nails leaving the weaker nails exposed.
Gel manicures benefit those with weaker nails and lasts just that little bit longer than Shellac. However, the removal process is quite lengthy. Shellac is a thinner polish, so if you want to give your nails more space to “breathe' and have sturdy natural nail beds, this one's for you.
Projects should receive at least two coats, and thinner cuts of shellac will require more coats to build up the same level of protection. After the desired number of coats have been applied, the finish can be rubbed with 0000 steel wool or FFF pumice with paraffin oil.
You do not need to sand between shellac coats, but it can seriously improve the piece's finish. That is because small imperfections like specks of dust get bigger and bigger every time you add a new coat. Shellac will bond with the coat under it, making one layer. Not sanding can leave you with a lumpy finish.
Unfortunately, leaving your CND™ Shellac™ manicure on for too long can result in service breakdown; lifting, chipping, discolouration etc.
Both powders and gels are easy to apply and the result is a durable mani that lasts you around three weeks. What's more, the removal process is comparable to Shellac in speed and ease (it typically involves soaking your nails in an acetone solution) and they cost roughly the same.
Another reason the SNS procedure tends to weaken nails is the removal process. This is an inflexible product, so any breaks or lifting usually takes your own nail with it! People prone to picking or removing can also peel away layers of their own nails with the product.
Shellac Nails can be soaked off with acetone. At the spa we soak a piece of cotton or gauze in acetone and put on each individual nail, and then wrap the nail with tinfoil. Leave this on for 10-15 mins, and when you remove it your Shellac should be able to be lightly scraped off with the orangewood stick.
It will take at least an hour for them to be completely dry. While non-UV gel polish may be convenient, it does take some time to dry, just like regular nail polish. If you have an LED light, the gel will cure underneath the LED just like it will under UV light.
Some pigments are sensitive for chemical exposure during daily activities such as bathing, house cleaning, laundry, gardening, car washing, swimming, etc. Especially the sunlight can be a strong chemical accelerator.
Unlike other artificial nails, you cannot use Shellac to strengthen or lengthen your nails. Shellac is only sold to licensed professionals and requires a special removal process. You cannot apply Shellac, repair a break or even remove it at home.
“Lifting occurs when there isn't a correct bond between the product and the nail plate. Therefore, the best way to prevent lifting is through proper prep of the nail plate and product control. It's important to be very thorough when removing cuticle stuck to the nail plate—a quick swipe of the file isn't enough!
Step 1: Give Your Nails a Break
Most nail technicians suggest giving your nails at least a week-long break every eight weeks. Shellac, gel, dip dye, and acrylics require buffing the nails beforehand, and the harsh acetone for used removal compromises the top layer of the nail.