Can You Put Matte Top Coat Over Gel Nails?

If you love the look of gel manicures but want to switch it up with a matte finish, you may be wondering if you can apply a matte top coat over your gel polish. The short answer is yes, you typically can use a matte top coat over gel nails.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind to help the matte finish adhere properly and last.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the steps for applying a matte top coat over gel polish, tips for making it last longer, how to remove matte gel nails safely, and answer common questions about using matte top coat over gel manicures.

Applying Matte Top Coat Over Gel Nails

Prep Your Nails

Before applying gel polish, it’s important to properly prep your natural nails. Start by trimming and shaping your nails into your desired length and shape. Then use a nail file to gently buff away any shine from the natural nail plate. This will help the gel polish adhere better.

Next, use nail prep solution or alcohol to cleanse the nails and remove any excess oil or debris. Push back and trim any cuticles so they are neat and tidy. Your nails should now be prepped and ready for gel polish application!

Apply Gel Polish

Once your nails are prepped, you’re ready to apply a base coat, followed by 2-3 coats of your chosen gel polish color. When applying the gel polish, use thin and even coats, and be sure to cap the free edge of the nail on each layer to prevent chipping and peeling.

Allow each layer of gel polish to cure under an LED or UV lamp for the required time before moving on to the next coat. The finished color should be smooth, shiny, and opaque after the final cure.😍

Cure Gel Polish

It’s crucial to properly cure each layer of gel polish, as this will ensure it is completely set and forms a strong, durable bond to the natural nail. Most gel polishes require 30-60 seconds under an LED lamp, or 2 minutes under a UV lamp.

Be sure to use the cure times recommended by the specific gel polish brand you are using. Never wipe or touch the gel polish surface until it has fully cured. Doing so can lead to smudging and layer separation. The general rule is if it’s still tacky, pop it back in the lamp for another cure cycle.

Once properly cured, your gorgeous gel manicure should be rock hard and ready for a matte top coat!

Apply Matte Top Coat

The key product for creating a matte gel manicure is a matte finish top coat. This is applied as the final step over your cured gel polish color. Matte top coats have a flattening agent that eliminates the shine and gloss, yielding a velvety matte look.

Apply the matte top coat using 1-2 thin, even layers. Be sure to seal the free edge and cover the entire nail surface. Avoid flooding the cuticles or nail sidewalls, as matte top coat can be hard to cleanly remove from skin.

Allow each layer to cure fully under the LED or UV lamp before applying the next. Voila, you now have a stunning matte gel mani! 😎

Cure Matte Top Coat

Just like the gel polish layers, it’s very important to properly cure the matte top coat for durable wear. Matte top coats usually require 60-90 seconds under an LED lamp. Never skip this final cure step!

Insufficient curing can lead to a top coat that remains tacky or develops an unwanted shine over time. Once fully cured, your matte nails should feel smooth and velvety to the touch. No gloss, just gorgeous matte perfection! 👍

Tips for Making Matte Gel Nails Last

Use Thin Layers of Matte Top Coat

Applying too many layers of matte top coat can cause it to peel and chip more quickly. For the best wear, use thin, even layers and allow proper drying time between them. Two delicate layers is ideal for a smooth finish that resists cracks and dents.

Let each layer dry for one full minute before adding the next. Thicker coats take longer to set, increasing the chance of smudges and dents from daily activities.

Avoid Touching Up Chips

Chipped matte polish can be tempting to spot fix, but is best left alone. The matte finish has microscopic ridges that make touch-ups clearly visible. Any brushes over chips end up rougher with an obvious sheen difference.

It’s best to remove all the matte color and reapply even new layers every 4-7 days. Properly caring for the entire manicure allows it to last over a week without obvious regrowth or patches.

Moisturize Your Nails

Dry, brittle nails lead to cracking and peeling of matte gel polish. Before gel manicures, apply cuticle oil and hand cream several times a day for at least a week. Keep cuticles pushed back and nails hydrated under the polish by massaging in oil around the edges daily.

Vitamin E, coconut, and olive oil soak into the nail plate for flexibility and prevention of breaks in the polish. After removing matte colors, continue oiling nails to restore moisture lost from the slightly drying finish.

Be Gentle on Your Hands

The delicate matte surface is prone to showing marks from daily wear. Reduce unnecessary bumps and scratches by avoiding contact sports, gardening, and harsh cleaning solutions. Wear gloves for heavy household chores involving chemicals or hot water.

Typing, texting, and swiping on phones also abrade the subtle finish faster. Adjusting activities is key to matte gel manicures lasting over 7 days flawlessly.

Removing Matte Gel Nails

Removing matte gel nail polish can be a tedious process, but with the right supplies and techniques, you can soak off the polish cleanly at home. Start by gathering 100% pure acetone, aluminum foil, cotton pads or balls, orange wood sticks, a nail file, cuticle oil, and a metal cuticle pusher.

Soak Cotton Pads in Pure Acetone

Pour pure acetone into a small bowl and dip several cotton pads or balls to fully saturate them. Acetone breaks down the nail gel formula to allow easy removal. Make sure you use 100% pure acetone, not nail polish thinner or remover which contains oils and won’t dissolve the gel adequately.

Wrap Each Nail

Working one finger at a time, wrap an acetone-soaked cotton pad or ball tightly around the nail using foil to hold it in place. Wrap the entire tip of each finger including underneath and sides of nail to allow full contact of acetone on gel. The foil keeps the cotton flush against nail.

Let sit for 15-20 minutes before unwrapping. The gel should peel or slide off easily using an orange stick if fully soaked.

Let Sit for 15-20 Minutes

Keep the cotton pads soaked around each nail for 15-20 minutes for complete gel breakdown. Check fingers periodically and re-saturate cotton with acetone if pads start to dry out. The gel will get sticky, shriveled and easy to scrape off when ready.

Don’t pull cotton off forcefully or you may rip natural nails.

Gently Scrape Off Gel Residue

Once soak time is done, gently remove foil and slide cotton off each nail using an orange stick tool. Lightly file surface of each nail to remove remaining tacky gel residue. Take care not to overfile natural nails. Use cuticle pusher to gently push back cuticles and remove debris around nail edges.

Apply cuticle oil to condition nails and skin. Your nails will now be clean to polish with regular or gel formulas.

FAQs About Matte Top Coat Over Gel

Does Matte Top Coat Work on Any Gel Polish?

Yes, matte top coats are compatible with most gel polish brands and colors. However, it’s best to use matte top coat from the same brand as your gel polish. Using products from the same line ensures the chemicals are formulated to work together.

An exception is if you use an LED/UV gel – then you can use any matte top coat since LED/UV gels solidify from light activation rather than chemical reaction.

How Long Does Matte Gel Polish Last?

With proper application and care, matte gel manicures can last 2-3 weeks without chipping or fading. That’s comparable to regular high-shine gels. Maintain longevity by avoiding excessive water exposure, using cuticle oil daily, and getting fill-ins as needed.

Removing matte gels properly is also key – don’t peel or pick them off. The longevity ultimately depends on your nail health and lifestyle habits.

Can I Use Regular Nail Polish Under Matte Gel?

You can safely apply regular nail polish underneath matte gel polish. Using a non-gel color underneath creates a custom layered effect. Just ensure the regular polish is completely dry first. Then apply your gel base coat before brushing on the matte gel color.

Finish with a matte gel top coat to seal everything in place. This allows you to get creative with color combos and patterns.

Is Matte Gel Manicure Safe for Nails?

To keep nails healthy with regular gels, be sure to take breaks in between sets. Allow nails to breathe without polish for 1-2 weeks. Always use gentle nail prep and removal techniques as well. And apply cuticle oil daily even while wearing gels.

Conclusion

Using a matte top coat over gel manicures is a great way to change up your nail look. With proper application and care, you can achieve a trendy matte finish over gel polish that will last. Just be sure to prep your nails, apply thin layers of matte top coat, and soak off the matte gel gently at removal time.

With a few easy tips, you can safely rock matte nails over your favorite gel colors.