A gel top coat is the last cured layer of a gel manicure: it seals the colour underneath and sets the finish, glossy or matte. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks no-wipe, matte and specialty top coats from ONME, JING, Cre8tion, Aprés, DND, OPI, Kupa, Bio Seaweed and iGel Beauty, in 0.5 oz bottles and salon refills up to 16 oz.
Types of gel top coat
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| No-wipe gloss top | A high-shine finish that is ready as soon as it is cured, with nothing to wipe off. | ONME No Wipe Super Shine, DC #900 No Cleanse, iGel No Cleanse Top, OPI Super Gloss GC005, Aprés Non Wipe Top Gelcoat, Aprés Non Wipe Top Gelcoat X |
| Brand system gloss top | Salons that finish with the same brand they use for base and colour. | Kupa Topcoat Gloss 0.5oz, Bio Seaweed Top Coat, DND #600 Top Coat, Cre8tion Diamond Top 0.5oz, ONME Diamond Top (HEMA & TPO free), Notpolish Gloss-It |
| Matte / velvet top | A flat, soft-touch finish over any gel colour. | ONME Non Wipe Matte (No Mess), ONME Velvet Matte, Kupa Topcoat Matte 0.5oz, JING JS12 No Mess Matte, Cre8tion Chrome Matte Top |
| Glass and long-last top | Specialty finishes from the JING function gel line. | JING JS08 Glass Top, JING JS07 Long Last Top |
| Salon refills | Busy stations that refill their own bottles. | Kupa Topcoat Gloss 8oz, ONME Diamond Top 16oz, Cre8tion Diamond Top 16 oz, Bio Seaweed Non Wipe Top 8oz kit |
How to choose a gel top coat
- No-wipe saves a step. It cures without a sticky layer, so there is no alcohol wipe and less lint on the finish.
- Matte is a top coat, not a colour. A matte or velvet top replaces the gloss top as the final layer, so any shade can go matte.
- Match the base. DND and DC base and top coats are interchangeable; systems such as Aprés Gel-X and CND Shellac call for their own top.
- Refill sizes of 8 oz and 16 oz keep the cost per service down at a busy station.
Related: Gel base coat, Lacquer top coat, Gel colours, Nail lamps, All top, base & preps
Guides
- CND systems explained: Shellac base and top coats, Vinylux, Plexigel and Brisa
- JING function gel guide: top coats, builder gels and what each code does
Gel top coat FAQ
What is the difference between no-wipe and regular gel top coat?
A regular (wipe) top coat leaves a sticky inhibition layer after curing that you remove with alcohol or gel cleanser. A no-wipe top coat cures to its final shine with no sticky layer, which is faster and keeps dust off the finish. DND #600 and DC #900 are both no-wipe.
How do I get a matte finish on gel polish?
Cure the colour as usual, then apply a matte or velvet top coat as the last layer instead of a gloss top and cure it for the full time on the bottle. Matte finishes show hand cream and oil more than gloss, so wipe the nails clean before the client leaves.
Should top coat go over the free edge?
Yes. Run the brush along the tip of the nail so base, colour and top meet at the edge. Capping the free edge seals the layers and helps stop chipping at the tip, which matters most on chrome, glitter and long nails.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.