Gel nails have been a popular choice among women who want longer-lasting manicures and they have been popular for a while now, but if you’re one of those who love to change your nails regularly or your nails get easily ruined, they are probably one of the hardest manicures to change quickly.
There's nothing better than applying fresh gel nails. The design is amazing and the length is flawless! But over time, you start to notice that your flawless nails are no longer so perfect. growth gaps, scratched tips, and broken edges; all started to appear. At the same time, no one wants to make another salon appointment and spend more of their hard-earned money. It's time to get creative. So, what to do? The answer is painting over gel nails.
One of the most popular questions I hear is, is painting over gel nails possible?
Therefore, today this article is written to answer your question: Is painting over gel nails possible, and how to make painting over gel nails? There are a lot of information about painting over gel nails. Just keep on scrolling.
What Are Gel Nails?
Gel manicure or gel manicure involves gel-type nail polish that uses LED or UV light to cure and lock onto your nails. Regular nail polish will fall off after a few days, while gel-type nail polish can stay on your nails for weeks! This is due to the aid of UV light and the thickness of the polishing.
Until your imagination spins out of control, gel nails look just like regular nails, only the former is longer-lasting and stronger. When you do a gel manicure, you can still enjoy the usual nail art, which can last up to a month with proper care.
If you have a lot of things to do and you can't dispose of your nails, or you just want something that will last all summer, a gel manicure is worth it.
Pros And Cons Of Gel Nails
Although gel nails are as great as everything else in life, it also has some drawbacks that you may have to consider. But don't be discouraged. The advantages of gel nails completely outweigh the disadvantages!
Pros Of Gel Nails:
- Lasts longer
The main reason people would consider a gel manicure is its staying power. Even if you don't pay attention to your nails, they can still last up to two weeks.
- Chip-free nails
Regular nail polish usually starts to fall off after a few days, but gel-type nail polish sticks to your nails and won't fall off until you want it. Therefore, as long as you don't bite your nails or pick your nail polish, you won't be embarrassed by having your nails scratched.
- Fast drying
For gel nails, there is no time left to dry. UV or LED lights are used to set gel-based nail polish, so it reduces drying time.
- Do not damage the nails
Different nail polishes can damage your nails in many ways, but this can be avoided with gel nails. As long as you use gel nails correctly and avoid strong or electropolishing, your nails will not be damaged.
You can also protect your nails when you don't pick nail polish or scrap your nails roughly. If you're using ultraviolet rays, it's best to apply sunscreen before you do your nails.
- LED lights are safe
Many gel-based nail polish brands have switched from UV to LED curing, which is safer for your nails and skin. If you are going to have your nails done in a beauty salon, you should ask for this option.
Cons Of Gel Nails:
- The removal process is tricky
Ordinary nails can be gently wiped off with nail remover, while gel nails take a long time to remove. You have to soak your nails in pure acetone and file the remaining nail polish from your nails.
- More expensive than regular nails
If you do nails in beauty salons, they are more expensive than regular nails. You can save money with a family kit, but you have to follow the steps perfectly.
- UV exposure is a safety hazard
If you are using a gel-based nail polish that requires UV curing, this may adversely affect your skin and nails.
How To Maintain Gel Nails?
Gel nails are meant to last, but they do not last by themselves. Some of the steps you take when applying gel nails, such as applying cuticle oil to push the stratum corneum, will help the nails stay longer. Here are some tips on how to care for gel nails:
Be gentle with your nails. Use scissors to open a package, letter, or wrap, not tear it. Be careful not to touch your nails on hard surfaces and don't let those babies come out of your mouth!
You should also avoid washing your hands with hot water. When you have to wash dishes, protect your nails with rubber gloves.
Apply cuticle oil regularly. This will make your nail gel look new and keep your nail bed moisturized. You can also apply a topcoat once a week.
Do not use hand sanitizer, replace it with mild soap.
When a crack appears at the end of your nail gel, or your real nail comes off from the paint, find a way to transform your nail into something new. When your nails are peeled off, you can file the tip.
Is Painting Over Gel Nails With Another Gel Polish Possible?
If you are painting over gel nails with anthother gel polish, you can certainly do so.
Painting over gel nails with anthother gel polish will ensure that even if you uspainting over gel nails with anthother gel polishe two different gel polishes, they still match very well. When using a new gel nail polish, you still need to follow all the normal instructions.
However, painting over gel nails with anthother gel polish has a particular drawback. If you repair only one specific point, you may over-heal the rest of your nails.
Because gel nail polish only hardens under UV exposure, you must expose both old and new nail polish.
Gel nail polish that has been cured for too long will be harder to remove, more brittle, less shiny, discolored, or all of the above. For this reason, it is better to apply a new layer on all old polishings.
In addition, your skin will be exposed to more UV rays and gel nail polish. Although the exposure to UV or LED lights is relatively small, it is always best to minimize it.
Wear fingerless gloves or sunscreen when curing gel nail polish.
How Painting Over Gel Nails With Gel Nail Polish?
Whether you need to fix a small area, add your nail art, or fix your entire nail, here is the best way for painting over gel nails with anthother gel polish. Let's take a look at the way for painting over gel nails with anthother gel polish:
Supplies:
- Gel nail polish
- Gel top coat
- UV or LED lamp
- Nail file
- Buffing tool
Instructions:
- Start by buffing off the top coat of the nail(s) that need a refresh. Afterward, the nail should not be shiny.
- If your nails have grown enough this is a great time to file down the edge of your nails. Make sure not to file your natural nail.
- Paint over the old gel with a fresh coat of color. Make sure to avoid your cuticles.
- Cure the new layer according to the time requirements for that gel polish.
- Add another layer as needed and repeat. This is only required if the single layer of color is not enough.
- Apply a new top coat of gel polish.
- Cure the top coat according to the time requirements.
- If a tacky layer is left behind, clean it with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol.
That’s all there is to it. Since you’re painting over an old gel manicure you’ll need to do your best to cover all of it or it will look messy. If you’re retouching with the same color this is less important.
Is Painting Over Gel Nails With Regular Nail Polish Possible?
A bird's eye view of a manicurist holding another woman's hand while painting over gel nails.
If you don't have gel nail polish or don't want to use it, you can apply a layer of gel nail polish with regular nail polish.
Since polishing is two different types, they may look different when finished.
When it comes to spotting repair, try to choose a regular nail polish that matches the aesthetics of gel nail polish. If you're applying nail polish to an entire gel manicure, you don't have to worry too much.
Instead, you must make sure that you are completely covered with the gel.
As mentioned above, there are two different removal processes for gels and traditional nail polish.
Because most hard gel polishes need to be filed before soaking acetone, you may have to remove the common glazing agent before filing the gel.
Because you don't need any UV light, you don't have to worry about over curing. However, you must have time to air dry.
You can't apply with ordinary nail polish at the last minute.
How Painting Over Gel Nails With Regular Polish?
Here’s the best way to paint over gel nails when using regular polish.
What you will need:
- Regular nail polish
- Polish top coat
- Nail file
- Buffing tool
Instructions:
- Use the buffing tool to remove the top coat of the nail(s) that need repainting.
- If you need to, file down the raised edge of the gel nails. Make sure not to file your natural nail.
- Apply a coat of regular nail polish.
- Wait roughly 2 minutes before applying a new layer.
- Repeat steps 3; 4 as needed.
- Apply the new top coat.
- Wait for your nails to dry.
The time it takes for your repainted nails to dry depends on how thick the coats are and the nail polish.
How To Remove Nail Polish That Is A Mix Of Gel And Regular?
When painting over gel nails with anthother gel polish, you won't have any problems. But what if when painting over gel nails with regular polish? In this case, you have several options.
If you want, you can remove the regular nail polish. Maybe you just apply it to the gel to change the color.
An important part of removing regular nail polish is using a non-acetone nail polish remover.
Acetone will begin to break down the gel nail polish, ruining it. Fortunately, there are plenty of non-acetone options.
If you want to remove both gel and regular nail polish, you should use acetone. The best way is to remove the regular nail polish first and then remove the gel.
Start by removing the plain nail polish described above.
Then you can follow these steps:
- File off the top layer of the gel.
- Soak the gel nails in acetone. You can use a bowl or cotton balls secured by foil.
- After 10 to 15 minutes you should be able to scrape off the gel nail polish.
After this, it is best to rub some cuticle oil into your cuticles.
Some Tips To Perfect For Your New Nail Polish Look
If your gel nail polish is broken and you want to apply a layer on it to save the image, be sure to polish the broken edges clean. This will give you a smoother finish when painting over gel nails.
Another option is to mix nail polish colors. Learn how to darken nail polish to create a stunning nail polish look that will make it hard to notice any debris or cracks underneath the gel manicure.
When covering gel manicures, glitter nail polish is a great option. The texture and shine of glitter nail polish perfectly mask the gel manicure, leaving your nails looking sparkling and tricking the eyes over any imperfections.
Glitter nails are notoriously difficult to remove, but we know the best way to remove glitter nail polish.
Conclusion
Painting over gel nails is a great way to give your nails a break. If you're looking for a way to change up your nail look without having to remove your gel polish, painting over gel nails is a great option. You can use any type of paint, and you'll need to use a top coat to protect the polish.