A gel polish top coat is the final touch of any manicure. It is responsible not only for shine and beauty but also for the durability of the coating. The top coat protects the color from fading, mechanical damage, and chipping. However, nail techs often have questions: Why do stains appear? Why are UV filters added to the formula? What is a blue undertone? And which tops are best for simple nail art? Let’s find out.
Why Can a Top Coat Cause Stains?
Stains usually appear for two reasons:
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Insufficient curing. If the lamp is weak or the curing time is shortened, the top coat doesn’t harden fully, and streaks may later appear.
Solution: Always check the lamp’s power and choose high-quality top coats from trusted brands.
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Blue stains can appear on neon gel polishes due to the instability of fluorescent pigments when using tops without UV filters. The pigments fade under light, which distorts the color and gives a bluish tint. In this case, it is recommended to use top coats with UV filters.
UV Filters: Protection Against Color Fading
Many modern top coats contain ultraviolet filters that prevent gel polish from fading or changing shade. This is especially important for white, pastel, and bright neon colors, as they are the most prone to yellowing under sunlight.
Blue Undertone in Top Coats: Why It’s Useful
Some top coats have a subtle blue undertone. It neutralizes unwanted yellowness and makes light and nude shades look visually “cleaner.” This secret trick is highly valued by nail techs when working with French manicures and pale colors.
Creating Simple Designs with a Top Coat
Today’s top coats not only seal the polish but also serve as a design element:
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Tops with glitter or shimmer add a quick festive accent.
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Camouflaging tops help create trendy nude manicures without extra layers.
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Matte tops completely transform the look, giving nails a soft, velvety finish.
New Arrival: Natural Top by Kodi Professional
Special attention should be given to the Natural Top collection of camouflaging top coats from the international brand Kodi Professional.
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Non-sticky formula. No dispersion layer removal is needed after curing.
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Available in 8 delicate nude shades with a glossy finish.
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Light pigmentation masks streaks and unevenness of the colored base, leaving the surface visually smoother, with a natural, well-groomed look.
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Can be used on its own for a nude effect, or as a gel polish top coat to enhance color depth.
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Medium-thick consistency spreads easily, doesn’t run, and ensures a neat result.
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Provides long-lasting strength and protection for manicures.
Application tips:
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Apply in a thin or denser layer depending on the desired effect.
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Cure time:
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LED/hybrid lamp — 2 minutes
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UV lamp — 3 minutes
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Allow the coating to fully cool after curing — then enjoy the perfect shine.
Natural Top is more than just a top coat — it’s a versatile tool every nail tech needs for flawless nude manicures.
