A classic top coat with a sticky layer leaves a tacky film on the nail after curing – you have to wipe it off with a nail cleanser before the set is finished. A no-wipe top coat works differently: after curing in the lamp it leaves no tacky film, so you skip that step and move straight on to the next stage of the job or finish the gel polish manicure. All the top coats in this category have a thin or slightly thick consistency, don't yellow, don't get dirty and don't change a white base colour to yellow – so the finish of the set stays clean for as long as it is worn.

Our Top Coats – High Gloss, Pure Shine and Shine On

The range includes three top coats, each with a slightly different character of shine:

• High Gloss Top – a thin consistency and a strong, mirror-like shine with a "glass nails" effect. Available in two sizes: 8 ml and 15 ml. It beautifully brings out the depth of dark polish colours.
• Pure Shine (8 ml) – a clear, self-levelling top coat with a slightly thick consistency. It doesn't change the colour of the set and works well for rubbing in nail powders and other nail art.
• Shine On (8 ml) – a light, comfortable consistency and a mirror-like shine with a smooth glass effect, a good choice for gel polish and gel sets.

You will also find all three top coats in the No-Wipe Top Coats subcategory, where you can compare them side by side.

How to Apply a Top Coat Step by Step

1. Apply the top coat over a previously cured base or gel, covered with your chosen gel polish colour.
2. Spread the product evenly over the whole surface of the nail, right up to the free edge.
3. Cure the top coat in the lamp: 30 seconds in a 48W DUAL LED lamp or 180 seconds in a 36W UV lamp.
4. Don't wipe the nail plate – no-wipe top coats leave no tacky film, so the manicure is ready straight away.

It is worth adjusting the curing time to the power of your own lamp – curing for too short a time in a weaker lamp can reduce how long the finish lasts.

A Top Coat for Rubbing in Nail Powders and Other Nail Art

If you are planning nail art, e.g. nail powders, reach for the clear Pure Shine – its sticky, uncured layer makes it easier to rub in the powder evenly, and once it is cured and sealed with another layer of top coat, the nail art lasts as long as the whole set. The same combination works when you are working with foil or other small decorations that need a sticky surface.

Who a No-Wipe Top Coat Is For

The no-wipe formula is a handy solution for nail techs who want to shorten the time at the nail desk – you skip one step, and the set is ready for your client to admire as soon as her hand comes out of the lamp. It works for a classic gel polish manicure as well as for nail art that needs a sticky surface. The top coat you choose also affects the final look of the set – High Gloss and Shine On give a stronger, mirror-like shine, while Pure Shine is better where you want a fully clear finish.

Durability and Protecting the Colour from Chipping

A top coat is there not only for the visual effect but also to protect the whole set from chipping – as the last, outer layer, it is the one that comes into contact with water, detergents and everyday use of the hands. Apply a thin layer: a layer of top coat that is too thick takes longer to cure fully in the lamp and increases the risk that the centre stays soft – the lamp you work with should have enough power to cure even thicker layers properly. This applies to classic shades such as nude as well as intense gel polish colours – a good top coat should work equally well on each of them without changing their shade. A nail protected in this way keeps its shine and smoothness until the next appointment, and the set doesn't need touching up between visits.

How to Choose a Top Coat for Gel Polish

When choosing a top coat, look at two things: the consistency and whether you plan to add nail art on top of it. A classic top coat with a sticky layer leaves a tacky film after curing – that is what makes it easier to set a powder, foil or other decoration, but it has to be wiped off afterwards. A professional no-wipe product, like our High Gloss, Pure Shine or Shine On, doesn't need that step and gives a finished look straight away. If you want maximum shine and a strongly emphasised polish colour, choose a top coat with a thinner consistency – High Gloss. When your priority is a neutral, clear base for nail art, Pure Shine will work better. Whichever top coat you choose, every nail gets a uniform, smooth look and better resistance to chipping than a set without a top layer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a no-wipe top coat different from a classic top coat?

A top coat with a sticky layer has to be wiped with a nail cleanser after curing. A no-wipe product leaves no tacky film, so you skip that step and finish the set faster.

Do I need to wipe the top coat with a nail cleanser?

The top coats in this category – High Gloss Top, Pure Shine and Shine On – don't need wiping, because they are no-wipe products.

Which top coat should I choose for rubbing in nail powders?

The clear Pure Shine is best – its sticky, uncured layer makes it easier to rub in the powder evenly without changing the colour of the set.

How long does a top coat take to cure in the lamp?

30 seconds in a 48W DUAL LED lamp – longer in a lamp with lower power, following the application steps described above. This applies to all the top coats in this category.

Does a top coat change the colour of the gel polish?

The top coats in this category don't yellow and don't change a white base colour, so the gel polish underneath keeps its original shade for as long as the set is worn.

How should I store a top coat?

At room temperature, away from heat and sunlight, in a tightly closed original container – like most professional gel polish products.