Gel Nail Polish Application Guide (2025)

  1. Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly.
  2. Apply sunscreen to your hands 15-30 minutes before the following steps. Avoid getting sunscreen on your nails and wipe off if you do. Alternatively, put on the Anti-UV Gloves.
  3. Using the curved side of the Nail File, gently push back your cuticles. This provides a clean surface for the gel polish to stick to, while creating longer, more even-looking nails.
  4. Using the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File, file your nails tothe desired shape, making sure the edges of each nail are smooth.
  5. Using the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File, gently buff the entire surface of each nail. Make sure the whole nail appears dull from the buffing, paying particular attention to the sides ofyour nails and around the cuticle, as this is where lifting may occur if not buffed correctly.
  6. Apply Gel Nail Polish Remover to a Lint Free Wipe and thoroughly clean the surface of your nails, including the area underyour nails and aroundyour cuticles. This removes dust and oils on your nails while dehydrating the nail bed, giving the Base Coat a fresh surface to apply to.
  7. Apply Nail Primer(optional) and leave to air dry for 60 seconds.
◄Applying Fibre Nail Glue
  • Apply a thin coat of UV/LED Fibre Nail Repair Glue over your nail tear and cure under the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
  • Depending on the nail tear size, repeat thisstep if necessary for added protection.

Watch Fibre Nail Glue Tutorial

  1. Apply a thin coat of Base Coat to your nails and cap the free edge (view capping diagramhere). When applying, leave a small gap between the Gel Nail Polish and your cuticle. Aim to avoid getting any Gel Nail Polish on your skin or cuticle, however if you do, remove it with the NailPolish Remover Pen or anOrangewood Cuticle Stick before curing. Cure for 60 seconds with the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Your Base Coat and Colour Coat should remainslightly sticky after curing, so that when you apply the following layer it sticks to the layer below.
  2. Apply 2-3 thin coats of Builder Gel (optional) andcap the free edge. After each coat, cure for 60 seconds with theUV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
  3. Apply 2-3 thin coats of Colour Coatandcap the free edge. After each coat, cure for 60 seconds with theUV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
◄Applying Chrome Powder

Applying over Just White or Black Out will intensify Mirror Chrome Powders, and change the colour of Aurora Chrome Powders.

  • Option 1 (recommended for Mirror, Aurora, Graphite & Glaze ranges)
    • Apply a thin coat of Top Coat and cap the free edge. Cure for 60 seconds with the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
    • Moisten a Lint Free Wipe with Gel Nail Polish Remover and wipe your nails.
    • Dip the Chrome Powder Application Sponge into the Chrome Powder jar then gently rub the Chrome Powder in circular motions onto your nails.
    • Use the Dust Brush tobrush away any excess powder from the skin and nails.
    • Put Top Coat onto a Nail Art Palette, then use a Spare Replacement Brush or Multi-Purpose Brush to apply it.
  • Option 2 (recommended for Stardust range)
    • Dip the Chrome Powder ApplicationSponge into the Chrome Powder jar.
    • Dab the Chrome Powder onto your nails.
    • Use the Dust Brush tobrush awayany excess powder from the skin and nails.
    • Put Top Coat onto a Nail Art Palette, thenuse a Spare Replacement Brush or Multi-Purpose Brush to apply it.

Watch Chrome Powder Tutorials

◄Applying Magnetic Gel Polish

See Colour Coat recommendations for your Magnetic Gel Nail Polish on its product page.

  • Apply a thin coat of MagneticColour Coat and cap the free edge.
  • Hover the Magnet slightly above your nails and experiment for different results. If you aren't happy with the result, moisten a Lint Free Wipe with Gel Nail Polish Remover, wipe your nails, reapply and redo.
  • Once you are happy with the result, cure for 60 seconds with the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.

Watch Magnetic Gel Polish Tutorials

◄Applying Blooming Gel
  • Apply a thin coat of Blooming Gel to your nailsand do not cure.
  • Using your desired Colour Coatand a Nail Art Brush, draw your design into the uncured Blooming Gel.
  • Allow some time for it to bloom, then cure for 60 seconds with the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp once you are happy.

Watch Blooming Gel Tutorials

◄Applying FrenchTips Using Tip Guides
  • Option 1: touching up before curing
    • If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer bymoistening aLint Free WipewithGel Nail Polish Removerand wiping your nails.
    • Peel aFrench Tip Nail Guidefrom the sheet.
    • Place theFrench Tip Nail Guidejust below the white tip of your fingernail or toenail and press firmly in place.
    • Applya thin coat of your nail tip Colour Coat to the area above the French Nail Tip Guide, and then remove it.
    • Touch up with aNail Art Brushor NailPolish Remover Penas required.
    • Once you are happy with the result, cure with theUV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
  • Option 2: touching up after curing
    • If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer bymoistening a Lint Free Wipewith Gel Nail Polish Remover and wiping your nails.
    • Peel a French Tip Nail Guide from the sheet.
    • Place the French Tip Nail Guide just below the white tip of your fingernail or toenail and press firmly in place.
    • Apply 2-3 thin coats of your nail tip Colour Coat to the area above the French Nail Tip Guide, curing after each coat with the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
    • Peel off the French Nail Tip Guide and touch up with a Nail Art Brushor NailPolish Remover Penas required.

Watch French Manicure Tutorial

◄Applying French Tips Using Silicone Nail Stamper
  • Apply a generous coat of Gel Nail Polish to the centre of the Silicone Nail Stamper.
  • Press the tip of your nail firmly into the stamper at a 45-degree angle.
  • Gently pull the Silicone Nail Stamper back to reveal your flawless French tip.
  • Touch up as desired & clean Gel Nail Polish off skin before curing.

Watch Silicone Nail Stamper Tutorial

  • If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer bymoistening a Lint Free Wipewith Gel Nail Polish Remover and wiping your nails.
  • Apply Gelous Nail Art Glue to the nail.
  • Place Rhinestones or Pearls in desired position.
  • Curefor 60 secondsunder the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.

Watch Rhinestones & Pearls Tutorials

◄Applying Nail Transfers
  • If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer bymoistening a Lint Free Wipewith Gel Nail Polish Remover and wiping your nails.
  • Remove the protective film on the Nail Art Transfers.
  • Cut around the design you would like to use.
  • Soak the design in a small bowl of room temperature water for 5-10 seconds.
  • Use Nail Art Tweezers to remove the design from the bowl and separate it from the paper backing.Take care when doing this, as they are very thin and can tear easily.
  • Using the Nail Art Tweezers, place the design on your nail.
  • Usethe Silicone Tool to gently press over the surface, ensuring it is completelystuck down and there are no air bubbles.
  • Let the design air dry.

Watch Nail Decal Tutorials

◄Applying Nail Stickers
  • If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer by moistening a Lint Free Wipe with Gel Nail Polish Remover and wiping your nails.
  • Using the Nail Art Tweezers, gently peel off the Nail Art Sticker you would like to use. Take your time, as they are very thin and can tear easily. Make sure to avoid touching the sticky side with your fingers, as this will reduce adhesiveness.
  • Using the Nail Art Tweezers place the Nail Art Sticker on your nail.
  • Usethe Silicone Tool to gently press over the surface, ensuring it is completelystuck downandthere are no air bubbles.

Watch Nail Decal Tutorials

◄Applying Striping Tape
  • If desired, remove the sticky inhibition layer by moistening a Lint Free Wipe with Gel Nail Polish Remover and wiping your nails.
  • Using the Nail Art Tweezers, place the Striping Tape at the edge of your nail, then roll across, lightly pressing as you go.
  • Cut the Striping Tape at the edge of your nail.
  • Usethe Silicone Tool to gently press over the surface, ensuring it is completelystuckdown, payingspecial attention to the edges.

Watch Nail Decal Tutorials

◄Applying Nail Foils
  • Apply a thin coat of Foil Gel, curing afterwards with the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
  • Cut out the section of the Nail Art Foil you want to useand carefully place on your nail with the image side facing upwards.
  • Use the Silicone Tool to gently press over the surface in a sliding motion, ensuring it is completely stuck down & there are no air bubbles.
  • Slowly and carefully pull off the Nail Art Foil backing.
  • ApplyextraFoil Gelif needed and re-applyNail Art Foilto any gaps.

Watch Nail Decal Tutorials

  1. Apply a thin coat of the Top Coat (Rubber Top Coat is recommended for Nail Art and Chrome Powder) and cap the free edge. Curefor 60 seconds with the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Your Gel Nail Polish should be hard and smooth after the final cure.
  2. Apply Cuticle Oil around your nails and rub into your skin to nourish and moisturise.
  3. With that, you have completed your manicure or pedicure, resulting in a durable and professional-lookingset of gel nails that will last over two weeks!

Watch Application Tutorials

Tips & Tricks

Use compatible products

Use all Gelous products (Base Coat, Colour Coat, Top Coat, and Gel Nail Lamp) to ensure compatibility.

Careful preparation

Thoroughly buff, clean, and dehydrate your nails with Nail Polish Remover before application for ultimate adhesion.

Apply away from sun

Apply your Gel Nail Polish away from sunlight and your Gel Nail Lamp when turned on to avoid it curing on the brush.

Apply thinly

Apply your Gel Nail Polish in thin, even coats, leaving a gap between the Gel Nail Polish & cuticle to prevent lifting.

Avoid skin contact

Remove any Gel Nail Polish on your skin before curing to prevent reactions or allergies.

Use a strengthener

Use Builder Gel or Rubber Base Coat if your nails are weak or flaky.

Cap your coats

Cap every coat of Gel Nail Polish by running the brush horizontally over the free edge of your nail.

Practice aftercare

Avoid washing dishes or using cleaning products without gloves, and use Cuticle Oil daily.

FAQ's

If you are a new user of Gel Nail Polish, please don’t be disheartened if your first few manicures don’t last as long as expected. There are many tips and tricks to applying Gel Nail Polish that make the difference between a long-lasting application and an application that doesn’t last long enough (i.e. chips easily or peels). Often, new users of Gel Nail Polish make small mistakes during the application process that cause premature chipping or peeling. Once you've mastered your Gel Polish application, you'll enjoy flawless, long-lasting manicures time and time again. Practice really does make perfect!

Please be patient, read ourApplication Guidecarefully, and take note of our tips and tricks.

  • Make sure you are using Gelous brand Base Coat, Colour Coat, Top Coat and Gel Nail Lamp. Gelous Gel Nail Polish and the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp are designed to be totally compatible, with the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp operating at 365-405nm and the Gel Polish curing within this wavelength. Though we use a reasonably generic curing wavelength, we do advise against using different polishes with our lamps, different lamps with our polish, or different brands polishes with our polish, as they may not be compatible. Incompatibility could result in under-curing which can cause serious damage to your hands or nails.
  • Ensure your nails are strong enough for a gel manicure. If your nails are too weak, they can bend and cause the Gel Nail Polish to pull away from the nail. Nourish your nails with products such as Cuticle Oil, Moisturiser and Nail Defense to improve their strength, and consider adding a Builder Gel into your manicure routine.
  • Nail prep is very important and will directly influence the longevity of your mani or pedi. Before applying your Gel Nail Polish, gently buff the entire surface of each nail. Make sure to buff in one direction and remember, you are trying to rough up your nails not make them smooth, so the whole nail should appear dull from the buffing (not shiny). You need to be very thorough with the buffing, paying particular attention to the sides of the nails and around the cuticle, as this is where lifting may occur if not buffed correctly.
  • Make sure to clean your nails thoroughly after buffing, as any residual buffing dust, oil or other contaminants will reduce adhesion of the gel and affect the longevity. To clean, simply apply Nail Polish Remover to a Lint Free Wipe and thoroughly clean the surface of your nails, including the area under your nails and around the cuticles.
  • Use Nail Primer before your Base Coat to prime and dehydrate the nails.
  • Don’t apply your coats of Gel Nail Polish too thick and make sure they are an even thickness. Pay attention to the cuticles and the sides, as this is where Gel Polish can get thicker if you have too much Gel Nail Polish on the brush. To achieve a thin application, remove excess Gel Nail Polish from the brush by circling it around the inside of the bottle neck, pressing it off.
  • Cap every coat of Gel Nail Polish by running the brush horizontally over the free edge of your nail. View capping diagram here. If you have shorter nails, start each coat by using a Nail Art Brush or the tip of your bottle brush to cap the free edge.
  • When applying, start in the middle of the nail then ‘push’ the Gel Nail Polish gently towards the cuticle without it touching. It is important to leave a thin gap between the edge of the Gel Nail Polish and your cuticle when applying. If the Gel Nail Polish is applied to the cuticle, it can separate and lift as your nail plate grows. Aim to avoid getting any Gel Nail Polish on your skin or cuticle, however if you do, remove it with an Orangewood Cuticle Stick, Nail Art Brush or Lint Free Wipe before curing.
  • In terms of aftercare, avoid washing dishes or using cleaning products without gloves, use Cuticle Oil regularly to help your nails looking fresh for longer, and if you get a snag, file this down so it does not catch and cause further damage.

You can find our full list of FAQ's here.

See the links below to find our YouTube tutorials.

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