Why Gel Polish Comes Off on Acrylic Nails & How to Fix It

Gel polish peeling or chipping on acrylic nails could be caused by 3 key issues. Here's how you can solve them:

The LED Curing Lamp Isn't Performing Well

Solution: Check your lamp's performance. Take an orange wood stick and paint a generous amount of gel polish or gel topcoat on the tip.

Flip the LED curing lamp upside down and turn it on at the 60-second timer setting. Slowly lower the orange wood stick with the gel polish into the lamp while it's on. Wait for 30 seconds or until the lamp completes a full cycle and turns off.

After 30 seconds, check if the gel polish has fully hardened. If the gel polish is solid, then the lamp is working fine. If it feels soft like jelly when touched, it's time to replace your lamp.

Not Applying a Base Coat

Some techs skip applying a gel base coat on acrylic nails, believing it's unnecessary. While this can work for some clients, it's common to see chips in the polish over time, which can cause frustration and added time to fix.

Solution: Always apply a base coat for better adhesion.

If you prefer not to use a gel base coat, use a matte gel topcoat instead. The matte finish allows the gel polish to adhere better without a base coat.

Also, don't buff the acrylic nails after filing. Leaving a slightly rough surface helps the gel polish bond better.

Sandwich Technique: When applying gel polish, make sure to leave a small line of gel along all the edges, especially the free edge. When you apply the topcoat, it'll seal all the edges. Finish by lightly filing to maintain the shape and keep the edges sharp.

Sticky Primer for Extra Adherence

Using a sticky primer can boost gel polish adhesion to acrylic nails.

Solution: Apply a sticky gel primer on top of the acrylic nail before applying gel polish. The sticky primer acts like a two-way tape, holding the gel polish securely in place for longer-lasting wear.

By following these tips, you can prevent gel polish from lifting or chipping on acrylic nails and provide your clients with longer-lasting, flawless results!