DIY UV nails - am I doing it wrong?

[Tablefor4]

Hello

I got a UV nails machine for Christmas. I've tried to do my nails a couple of times with it using the special UV polish, but it keeps getting air bubbles and /or chipping and is worse than just normal polish. Am I doing it wrong? I've tried painting very thin layers, but that doesn't seem to help. Is there a top layer that needs to go on top of the UV polish? Instructions are some what lacking!

Good question- I always wonder if I could do my gel nails myself these days.

You should have a base coat and top coat/one that can be used as both base and top.

Do you only have the colour polish at the moment?

Are you buffing the nail, so it isn't too smooth and wiping the surface to remove oil before the base coat?
I think some polishes need longer to cure than others. Might be the brand of polish itself.

Some systems do need a top coat.

It took me quite a few goes to get things right too. For the first five or six there was always something wrong.

Thanks everyone. I am a total amateur at this - have only had a salon version a couple of times. DM got it fro the Lidl random aisle at Christmas and she knows even less than me!

No I only have colour. So I should have a base coat/top coat type too.

And thanks for the tip to buff a bit. I shall persevere!

Def get the oil off your nail or it won't adhere properly.

They don't all need base and top coat . I use sensationail and it's two coats of the colour only.

I do double the uv time though

Yes base and top coat.

Also you need to get on amazon and get alcohol wipes to clean nails first and set them at the end.

Once you e done that it’s easy! Just remember there’s no hurry to cover the nail like there is with normal nails - do the end with a crossways stroke and then sort of push the brush downwards to make a really nice edge for the bottom of nail.

I also use sensationail and it's got a 2 in 1 basecoat/top coat that you have to use before and after the colour...

stellatins I use sensationalist and it came with a base/top coat. I use blue sky colours from eBay rather than official sensationail colours due to cost but still with their base/top coat.

Right. Thanks for all of that. I think the wipes and everything. Instructions were all focused on doing false nails not colours. M

Definitely use base and op coat. I wipe after each layer had been in the lamp with prep and shine. You can get it on amazon. It did take me a fe goes before I got it so it didn’t chip. I recently got given an amazon voucher so got some great colours. Worth persevering. My nails are really weak but with the gel nails on they are so much stronger. Also, make sure you soak off the nail varnish and don’t peel it off or your nails will be in a shocking condition.

I use the new sensationail express gel, popcorn. No base or top coat needed. Lasts as long as the old one

Oops posted too soon.

Lovely colours and takes about 10 mins from start to finish.

It also helps if sort out your cuticles, so you get a nice line at the bottom.

Ooooh interesting @StellaTins! Will check it out, thanks!

I also agree with the bottom/ top coat and alcohol wipes for after (removes any tackiness and makes them shiny)

I buy all of my stuff on amazon from a male called Bluesky which is good

Clean the nails (sensationail or red carpet cleansers are good)
base coat (sensationail or www.amazon.co.uk/AIMEILI-Base-Wipe-Coat-Polish/dp/B00PF9Q5EG)?tag=mumsnetforum-21
2 thin coats of polish (make sure its polish to be used with lamp)
Top coat (sensational or aimeili)

U tube is good for guides on how to do it, took me a couple times to get hang of it. One tip is always cap the nails

Another tip is to wash your hands with washing up liquid instead of soap - sticks better!