Is your top coat looking dull or losing its shine? Find out the causes: application, curing, UV/LED lamp, cleaning and LuluNails solutions.
Why Does My Top Coat Lose Its Shine or Become Dull? Causes & Solutions | LuluNails Belgium
Is your top coat no longer shiny after curing, does it become dull after a few days, or does it have an uneven finish?
A beautifully applied semi-permanent nail polish, Builder Gel or Acrygel can lose much of its professional look if the finish isn’t shiny enough.
There are several possible causes for this problem: applying the product too thickly, incorrect curing, an unsuitable lamp, contaminated product, poor cleaning or failure to follow the correct procedure.
In this guide, LuluNails Belgium explains how to identify the cause and improve the finish of your manicures.
What is the Top Coat actually for?
The top coat is usually the final step in a manicure.
Depending on the product chosen, it helps to:
- protect the colour;
- add shine;
- create a mirror effect;
- achieve a matt finish;
- complete a nail art design;
- protect a French manicure or a Baby Boomer manicure;
- give the surface a more even appearance.
At LuluNails, we offer several types of top coats: glossy, high-gloss, matt or residue-free. LuluNails
However, to achieve the desired result, you must follow the instructions for the specific Top Coat used.
Why does the Top Coat become dull?
1. The Top Coat layer is too thick
A very thick layer does not automatically provide more shine.
On the contrary, applying too much can make it difficult to achieve even curing.
For a neat finish, apply a coat that is:
even → controlled → without overcoating
The product must cover the nail properly without creating unnecessary thickness.
Tip
Before curing, examine the nail under the light.
The surface should appear even, with no significant build-up near:
- the cuticles;
- the side folds;
- the free edge.
2. The UV/LED lamp is not suitable for this product
The Top Coat must be cured using a compatible lamp.
You should not focus solely on the wattage.
The quality of the polymerisation also depends on:
- the lamp’s technology;
- compatibility with the product;
- curing time;
- the light distribution;
- the position of the hand.
A very powerful lamp does not therefore automatically mean that the recommended curing time should be reduced.
3. The curing time is not observed
A common mistake is to arbitrarily change the time spent under the lamp.
For example:
«My lamp is powerful, so I leave it on for half the time.»
This is not recommended.
Always follow the protocol for the top coat you are using.
Insufficient polymerisation can affect:
- the shine;
- the durability;
- the finish;
- the surface appearance.
Conversely, do not extend the curing times unnecessarily when the manufacturer specifies a precise protocol.
4. The hand is positioned incorrectly in the lamp
Positioning is particularly important.
The four fingers can be positioned correctly whilst the thumb remains turned to the side.
This can result in uneven exposure.
To achieve uniform curing:
- position the hand correctly;
- avoid curling your fingers;
- check that all your fingernails are correctly exposed;
- position your thumb correctly;
- cure the thumb separately when your technique or lamp requires it.
Top Coat with or without residue: be aware of the difference
Not all Top Coats work in exactly the same way.
Non-residue top coat
A No-Wipe top coat is designed so that no final degreasing is required once curing has been carried out correctly in accordance with the protocol.
The LuluNails Finish Top Coat, for example, is marketed as a high-gloss, residue-free finish. LuluNails
Top Coat with tack layer
Some products may leave a dispersion layer after polymerisation.
In this case, the protocol may require the use of a suitable product to remove this layer.
Important
Do not automatically clean a No Wipe Top Coat simply out of habit.
Conversely, do not assume that a product with a dispersion layer works exactly like a No Wipe.
Follow the product information sheet.
5. Incorrect cleaning after curing
When a Top Coat requires a degreasing step, the method used can affect the visual result.
In particular, avoid:
- unsuitable products;
- cotton pads that shed a lot of fibres;
- unnecessary repeated handling;
- dirty surfaces.
Use a product designed for the &step specified in your protocol.
6. Dust present before applying the Top Coat
After filing gel or Builder Gel, particles may remain on the surface.
If the top coat is applied directly over this, it may result in:
- minor irregularities;
- spots;
- lack of uniformity;
- a less crisp finish.
Before application, the surface must be prepared in accordance with the system being used.
Remove dust thoroughly without contaminating the surface with oils or unauthorised products.
7. The Top Coat touches the cuticles
Top Coat that runs onto the skin or into the side creases does not create a professional finish.
Work carefully around the cuticles.
The product must remain on the nail and must not come into contact with the skin.
Before curing, check:
cuticle → leftleft → right → free edge
Correct any overspill before placing your hand under the lamp.
8. The surface beneath the Top Coat is uneven
The Top Coat cannot always conceal an uneven build.
If the Builder Gel shows:
- bumps;
- dips;
- unbalanced structure;
- dust;
- significant filing marks;
the light will reflect differently.
The finish may therefore appear less shiny even though the top coat itself is working correctly.
A good finish therefore begins before applying the top coat.
Why was my Top Coat shiny on the first day but has since become dull?
A manicure can gradually lose its shine with daily use.
Several factors can affect its appearance:
- rubbing;
- household products;
- work-related activities;
- chemicals;
- superficial scratches;
- repeated handling of objects.
Its appearance also depends on the product used and daily habits.
For activities that regularly involve household cleaning products, suitable gloves can help protect your hands and your manicure.
Why does my top coat leave streaks?
Visible streaks may appear, in particular, when:
- not enough product is applied;
- the coat is uneven;
- too much pressure is applied with the brush;
- the underlying surface is not smooth;
- the product has been worked for too long;
- there is dust present.
When applying the Top Coat, aim for an even coat rather than going over the area repeatedly with the brush.
Why is my Top Coat bubbling?
Bubbles may appear when air is trapped in the product or during application.
In particular, avoid shaking the bottle unnecessarily or vigorously just before use.
Work gently with the brush and avoid movements that trap a lot of air in the product.
LuluNails already has a comprehensive guide on bubbles in gel, semi-permanent and Acrygel applications. LuluNails
Glossy or high-gloss top coat: what’s the difference?
Classic glossy top coat
It creates a glossy finish suitable for a wide range of colours.
It is particularly suitable for:
- nude;
- pink;
- red;
- pastel;
- French manicure;
- Baby Boomer.
High-gloss top coat
A high-gloss finish further enhances the luminous effect.
It works particularly well on:
- black;
- burgundy;
- chocolate;
- deep red;
- Cat Eye;
- glitter;
- Nail Art.
The LuluNails Top Coat & Base Coat range includes several products designed for the different stages and finishes of a manicure. LuluNails
When should you choose a matt top coat?
A Matte Top Coat is obviously not intended to produce a glossy finish.
It deliberately transforms the colour into a matt finish.
It can be particularly effective on:
- black;
- burgundy;
- chocolate;
- nude caramel;
- olive green;
- midnight blue;
- minimalist nail art.
Before concluding that your product “doesn’t shine”, check that you haven’t used a matt finish by mistake.
Which top coat should you use with semi-permanent nail varnish?
For a classic application:
Preparation → Base Coat → Semi-Permanent Nail Polish → Top Coat
The final choice depends mainly on the finish you want:
Glossy
For a classic manicure.
High-gloss
For a glossier effect.
Matte
To deliberately eliminate the shiny effect.
Residue-free
For a finish that does not require the final degreasing step when used in accordance with the instructions.
LuluNails Semi-Permanent Nail Varnishes.
Which Top Coat to use on Builder Gel?
When the natural colour of the Builder Gel needs to remain visible:
Builder Gel → Top Coat
To add a colour:
Builder Gel → Semi-Permanent Nail Polish → Top Coat
In particular, Milky, Nude and Cover Builder Gels can be finished with a glossy top coat to achieve a natural, luminous manicure.
How do you achieve a glossy, even finish?
Step 1 – Check the surface
It must be properly prepared according to the system used.
Step 2 – Remove any dust
Do not leave any filing residue.
Step 3 – Apply an even coat
Avoid applying too much.
Step 4 – Check the cuticles
No uncured product should remain on the skin.
Step 5 – Position the hand correctly
All nails must be correctly exposed.
Step 6 – Cure
Follow the top coat instructions.
Step 7 – Follow the finish instructions
No-wipe or with residue: follow the product’s exact instructions.
LuluNails Top Coat – HEMA- and TPO-free
The relevant LuluNails Top Coats are available HEMA- and TPO-free. LuluNails
However, this does not mean that a product is hypoallergenic or that a reaction to other ingredients is impossible.
As with all UV/LED products:
- avoid contact with the skin;
- remove any excess product before curing;
- use a compatible lamp;
- follow the product instructions.
FAQ – Top Coat Losing its Shine
Why is my top coat dull after curing?
First and foremost, check the thickness of the application, the curing time, the lamp’s compatibility and the exact application instructions for the Top Coat used.
Why does my top coat lose its shine after a few days?
Rubbing, household cleaning products and everyday activities can gradually alter the appearance of the finish.
Do I need to degrease a No-Wipe Top Coat?
A No-Wipe Top Coat is designed so that this step is not necessary whenit is used correctly. However, always follow the instructions for the relevant product.
Why is my Top Coat leaving streaks?
An uneven application, an unevenly distributed amount, an imperfect surface or the presence of dust can create visible marks.
Does a thicker layer make the top coat shinier?
Not necessarily. On the contrary, applying too much can hinder even curing.
Why do some colours appear shinier?
Dark colours and certain effects can visually accentuate the shimmer of a glossy finish.
Can Top Coat be applied over Builder Gel?
Yes, provided the products used are compatible and the system’s protocol allows for it.
What is the difference between a glossy and a matt Top Coat?
The glossy version creates a luminous finish. The matt version is specifically designed to create a non-shiny finish.
Nail technician training courses in Liège
Discover LuluNails Belgium’s top coats
Find a range of finishes for your manicures at LuluNails Belgium:
- Glossy Top Coat;
- High-gloss Top Coat;
- Residue-free Top Coat;
- Matte Top Coat;
- Base Coat;
- Rubber Base;
- semi-permanent nail varnishes;
- Builder gel;
- UV/LED lamps.