Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

How do I prevent polish from bubbling?

October 1, 2009

It sounds like you’re following through well on your application, but with polish there are a couple things you have to look out for so you don’t get bubbling. Pay special attention to how you apply each coat. If one of your layers is uneven, it will dry unevenly. This can cause you to think a coat is completely dry when it is not, and then you apply the next coat too soon.

As the underneath wet part continues to dry and evaporate, the gases will bubble up into the coat on top of them and cause bubbles.

Even if a coat is put on evenly, it is often too thick, which takes longer to dry. And if a layer is still wet when the next coat is put on, it will bubble. This happens a lot when using rapid dryers. The final top coat is put on and then rapid dried, but the layers underneath are still wet, so the evaporation causes the bubbles.

Bubbles can also happen if a polish bottle is shaken too much before application — rolling the bottle between your hands is better.

Also, you don’t want to spend a lot of time applying each coat. Fussing with them too much can make them thick or uneven. You want to make each coat a smooth and quick application.

Lois Kuntz is the owner of Trendsetters Salon in Lemoore, Calif

More FAQ

Is too much primer causing lifting?

Sometimes, about a week after doing a new set of nails they lift at the cuticle area. Why is this? Am I using too much primer or nor enough?... read more

How can I get embedded dirt and oil out of the cuticles?

Can you tell me what I can soak my clients’ nails in to remove embedded dirt and oil, particularly in the cuticles?... read more

What are the pros and cons of orangewood sticks vs. metal implements when it comes to pushing back cuticles?

What are the pros and cons of orangewood sticks vs. metal implements when it comes to pushing back cuticles?... read more

What's causing a client's peeling feet?

My client’s feet peel all the time. She doesn’t have athlete’s foot or dry skin and she puts lotion on them twice a day. But they’re still peeling. Any idea what could be wrong?... read more

The Nail Doctor

Is there anything I can do as a nail tech to prevent infected ingrown toenails?... read more

What would make you switch acrylic products?

Reader to Reader: What would make you switch acrylic products?... read more

Is there any benefit to using a UV light to cure top coat on natural nails?

Is there any benefit to using a UV light to cure top coat on natural nails?... read more

What ingredients in lotions and soaps can cause lifting?

What ingredients in lotions and soaps can cause lifting?... read more

Could gels be causing my client's cuticle sensitivity?

I have been using a gel product on a client for several years. A few months ago she started complaining that her cuticles were sore after her appointments.... read more

What unique services do you provide for your pedicure clients?

Readers respond: What unique services do you provide for your pedicure clients?... read more

My 28-year-old female client has a bad case of foot odor. What do I do?

My otherwise healthy 28-year-old female client has a persistent foot odor. The odor is terrible and embarrassing. Her feet sweat in open shoes such as sandals. All topical treatments she has tried have failed. Any suggestions?... read more

What could suddenly brown toenails mean?

I have a very bad case of psoriasis on my scalp. Can this be the cause of the discoloration on my toenails?... read more