You cannot neglect the importance of base and top coats in getting a long-lasting and flawless manicure. However, there are often misunderstandings regarding the interchangeability of these two products. In this post, we’ll look at the effects of using a top coat as a base coat or vice versa and why apply the proper coat for each step of your manicure is so important.
Are base coat and top coat interchangeable in their functions?
Knowing the Differences Between Base and Top Coat Before getting into the outcome. Let’s clarify what a basecoat is and what base coat and top coat actually do. A base coat goes first and functions as a connection between your nails and nail polish. It creats a smooth surface and support the polish to adhere to the nails more nicely. It also keeps natural nails from yellowing and discoloring. On the other hand, you apply a top coat as a final layer. This seals and protect the nail polish, giving added gloss, longevity, and resistance against chipping and peeling.
What Happens When You Use a Top Coat as a Base Coat
Ineffective Nail Polish Protection:
Topcoats primarily protect your nail polish from degradation. which is influenced by external causes such as UV light, water, and chemicals. They have a larger concentration of film formers, building a strong, long-lasting layer to protect the polish. Using a top coat as a base coat weakens its preventive role. Due to their softer and weaker chemistry, base coats cannot protect your manicure properly. Some base coats might also have a sticky or greasy top layer that offers no protection.
Poor Adhesion:
Topcoats stick to nail polish, ensuring a longer manicure seamlessly. On the other hand, Base coats bond firmly to the nail plate, providing a surface for polish adhesion. Using a top coat as a base coat lacks bonding, causing peeling and reducing manicure durability.
Lack of Long-Lasting Gloss:
One of the admirable characteristics of a top coat is its ability to provide a long-lasting glossy, shiny finish. While some base coats may provide a brief glossy sheen, a top coat’s long-lasting glow is superior. Using a top coat as a base coat eliminates the elegant glossy sheen in your manicure.
The Pitfalls of Using a Base Coat as a Top Coat
Inadequate Adhesion to Nail Polish:
Base coats act like adhesive tape, sticking to the nail plate and providing a sticky surface for polish. They include more resins, providing a deeper bond with the nails. Top coats, on the other hand, are intended to bond with nail paint rather than the nail plate itself. Ultimately, using a base coat as a top coat hinders polish adhesion, leading to premature peeling.
Lack of Nail Stain Protection:
Base coats are essential for keeping highly pigmented nail polishes from staining natural nails. Certain base coats form a strong, solid coating as a barrier, blocking pigment from reaching the nail plate. Ironically, top coats can not provide this level of protection. Substituting a top coat for a base coat may lead to nail discoloration, turning yellowing over time
Are there any brands that offer All one Base coat and top coat
Som companies claim their products may serve as base and top coats, giving a handy all-in-one option. These tools are made to be versatile and time-saving for your manicure routine.
Nonetheless, I would not advise using these multipurpose items until necessary. However, they usually perform poorly compared to more specialized base coats and top coats.
In general, all-in-one products have weaker adhesion to nail plates compared to dedicated base coats. Because of this, your manicure may not last as long as you’d like. In addition, they might not offer enough defense against the elements to keep your nail paint from flaking and peeling.
For a budget-friendly all-in-one base and top coat, Essie is one of the best options available. It’s important to remember that, may be its appropriate on a tighter budget or a short-term solution. I don’t use it for myself or my clients. Regarding adherence, protection, and the general long-lasting manicure, I find that specialized base coats and top coats work the best.
Passionate about the artistry of nails and dedicated to enhancing the beauty of hands, I am Elina Yael, a skilled Nail Tech and Manicurist based in the vibrant city of New Orleans. With a strong foundation of knowledge acquired from the prestigious AVEDA Art and Science Institute, I bring a unique blend of creativity, precision, and expertise to every client.
