A lacquer top coat is the final air-dry layer brushed over regular nail polish to add shine and protect the colour; many are made to speed up drying. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks quick-dry, gel-effect, matte and effect top coats from Seche Vite, Seche Vive, OPI, Duri, Nail Tek, ONME, Out the Door, Chemco and Poshe.
Types of lacquer top coat
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-dry top coat | Getting clients out of the chair with dry, glossy polish. | Seche Vite 0.5oz, OPI RapiDry, Duri Brush'n GO, Duri Miracote Quick Dry, Nail Tek Quicken |
| Gel-effect and high-shine top coat | A plump, glossy finish over regular polish. | Seche Vive 0.5oz, OPI Gel Plump Effect, OPI Mirror Shine, Cre8tion Shiny Top, Gena Healthy Hoof Lacquer |
| Matte and effect top coat | Turning any lacquer matte, or adding a diamond-effect finish. | Seche Matte Flat Finish, Seche FX Diamond Gold, Seche FX Diamond Pink, Seche FX Diamond Blue |
| Salon sizes and refill kits | Refilling station bottles. | Seche Vite 16oz + 4 x 0.5oz kit, Seche Vive 16oz + 4 x 0.5oz kit, ONME All In One 16oz, Out the Door 16oz, ProNail Top Coat 2.5oz |
How to choose a lacquer top coat
- Quick-dry or gel-effect. Quick-dry top coats such as Seche Vite are about drying time; Seche Vive gives a gel-like look with no lamp and comes off with ordinary polish remover.
- Matte is a top coat choice. Seche Matte Flat Finish turns any lacquer shade matte as the last layer.
- Refill kits pair a large bottle with small bottles for the stations, as in the Seche Vite and Seche Vive kits.
Related: Lacquer, Lacquer base coat, Nail dryers, Gel top coat, All top, base & preps
Guides
Lacquer top coat FAQ
Can I put a regular top coat over gel polish?
It is not made for that. A lacquer top coat air-dries and does not cure into the gel set, so finish gel colour with a gel top coat under the lamp and keep lacquer top coats for regular polish.
What does "gel effect" mean on a regular top coat?
It describes the look: a thicker, high-gloss finish similar to gel polish, from an air-dry top coat. Seche Vive is one: Seche says it needs no lamp and comes off with ordinary polish remover.
Does a matte top coat work over glitter or nail art?
Yes, a matte top coat flattens the shine of whatever is under it, including painted art. Chunky glitter will still feel textured under matte; for a smooth matte finish, level it first with a glossy top coat, let that dry, then apply the matte coat.
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.