How to Apply Gel Nail Polish

Learn how to apply Gel Nail Polish at home in 8 simple steps, or follow our full guide for more detail.

Gelous Gel Nail Polish paints on as effortlessly as ordinary nail polish, but lasts for over two weeks once cured. Under the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp, it undergoes a curing process, transforming from a liquid gel into a hard, durable coating. This locks in its glossy finish that dazzles for weeks, for a manicure that lasts longer, feels stronger, and shines like nobody's business.

How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Tidying - photographed in Australia
How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Tidying - photographed in Australia

Tidying

Soften cuticles with Cuticle Remover, push them back, then trim with Gelous Cuticle Nippers. Clip nails and shape with the 180 grit Gelous Nail File, smoothing edges.

How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Buffing - photographed in Australia
How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Buffing - photographed in Australia

Buffing

Buff each nail with the 180 grit side of your Nail File until evenly dull, focusing on the sides and cuticle area to prevent lifting, then wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Cleaning - photographed in Australia
How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Cleaning - photographed in Australia

Dehydrating

Use a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover to clean nails, removing dust and oils. For extra adhesion, apply pH Bond and Nail Primer and let air-dry.

How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Base Coat - photographed in Australia
How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Base Coat - photographed in Australia

Base Coat

Apply a thin coat of Base Coat to your nails and cap the free edge. Cure for 60 seconds under the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. This layer will remain tacky to help the next coat adhere.

How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Builder Gel - photographed in Australia
How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Builder Gel - photographed in Australia

Builder Gel

For added strength, apply 1–2 thin coats of Builder Gel and cap the free edge. Cure each coat for 60 seconds under the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Each coat will remain tacky.

How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Colour Coat - photographed in Australia
How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Colour Coat - photographed in Australia

Colour Coat

Apply 1–3 thin coats of Colour Coat and cap the free edge. After each coat, cure for 60 seconds under the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Each coat will remain tacky.

How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Base Coat - photographed in Australia
How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Base Coat - photographed in Australia

Top Coat

Apply a thin coat of Top Coat and cap the free edge. Cure for 60 seconds under the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. After the final cure, your Gel Nail Polish will be hard and smooth.

How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Cuticle Oil - photographed in Australia
How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish - Cuticle Oil - photographed in Australia

Cuticle Oil

Apply Cuticle Oil around your nails and rub into your skin to nourish and moisturise. Protect your manicure by wearing gloves when cleaning and avoiding picking at your nails.

See the full Application Guide for detailed instructions.

How to Apply Specialty Products

Master French tips, chrome effects, velvet nails & more with step-by-step guides.

How to apply Gelous Builder Gel (BIAB) to create an apex - photographed on model in Australia
How to apply Gelous Builder Gel (BIAB) to create an apex - photographed on model in Australia

How To Apply Builder Gel

Follow our guide for smooth application, building structure, and creating a flawless apex.

How to apply Velvet Gel Nail Polish - photographed on model in Australia
How to apply Velvet Gel Nail Polish - photographed on model in Australia

How To Apply Velvet Gel Nail Polish

Discover how to achieve a soft, textured velvet gel nail finish with simple techniques.

How to apply Blooming Gel for Tortoiseshell nail art - photographed on model in New Zealand
How to apply Blooming Gel for Tortoiseshell nail art - photographed on model in New Zealand

How To Apply Blooming Gel

Easily create marble, tortoiseshell and watercolour nail art with Blooming Gel.

How to apply French tips for a French manicure at home - photographed on model in Australia
How to apply French tips for a French manicure at home - photographed on model in Australia

How To Paint French Tips

Master crisp, even French tips using the Silicone Nail Stamper and French Nail Tip Guides.

How to apply Chrome Powder - photographed on model in Australia
How to apply Chrome Powder - photographed on model in Australia

How To Apply Chrome Powder

Achieve a flawless mirror-like finish with Chrome Powder.

How to fix a broken nail with Fibre Nail Glue - photographed on model in Australia
How to fix a broken nail with Fibre Nail Glue - photographed on model in Australia

How To Apply Fibre Nail Glue

See how to repair and reinforce nails using Fibre Nail Glue.

How to apply Nail Art Stickers - photographed on model in Australia
How to apply Nail Art Stickers - photographed on model in Australia

How To Apply Nail Decals

See step-by-step instructions for flawless Nail Decal application.

How to apply Rhinestones, Gems & Pearls - photographed on model in Australia
How to apply Rhinestones, Gems & Pearls - photographed on model in Australia

How to Apply Rhinestones

Learn how to use Rhinestones and Pearls for long-lasting nail art.

How to remove your Gel Nail Polish by soaking off with Removal Clips - photographed in Australia
How to remove your Gel Nail Polish by soaking off with Removal Clips - photographed in Australia

How To Remove Gel Nail Polish

How To Remove Gel Nail Polish

Removing your Gel Nail Polish is simple and damage-free when done correctly. The soak-off method is a gentle, beginner-friendly way to remove your manicure at home, while the E-File method offers a faster option once you’re more confident.

Follow our step-by-step guide for safe, effective removal and keep your nails healthy between manicures.

Removing your Gel Nail Polish is simple and damage-free when done correctly. The soak-off method is a gentle, beginner-friendly way to remove your manicure at home, while the E-File method offers a faster option once you’re more confident.

Follow our step-by-step guide for safe, effective removal and keep your nails healthy between manicures.

Pro Tips for Gel Nail Polish Application

Expert advice to prep, apply, and maintain your gel manicure for salon-quality results.

Use Compatible Products

Use Gelous Base Coat, Colour Coat, Top Coat, and Gel Nail Lamp for guaranteed compatibility and best results.

Apply Away From Sun

Apply your Gel Nail Polish away from sunlight and your Gel Nail Lamp’s light to prevent it from curing on the brush.

Prep Carefully

Push back cuticles, shape nails, and gently buff to create a dull, slightly rough surface. Dehydrate nails, then apply pH Bond and Nail Primer for ultimate adhesion.

Apply Thin Coats

Apply thin, even layers of polish, curing each for 60 seconds to ensure proper adhesion and durability.

Mind the Details

Leave a small gap near cuticles and cap the free edge of every layer to prevent lifting and chipping.

Avoid Skin Contact

Remove any Gel Nail Polish on your skin before curing to prevent reactions or allergies.

Use A Strengthener

Use Rubber Base Coat or Builder Gel to protect and reinforce weak or flaky nails.

Don’t Skip Aftercare

Wear gloves for cleaning and apply Cuticle Oil daily to keep nails hydrated and prevent peeling.

More To Love

Explore step-by-step guides, expert tips, and our vibrant community to perfect your gel nail skills.

Person holding a pink checkered phone case with a white background - photographed in Australia
Person holding a pink checkered phone case with a white background - photographed in Australia

Join Community Group

Join our vibrant Facebook community group where gel nail enthusiasts come together to share tips, tricks, and stunning nail art inspirations.

Velvet nail art gel manicure on hand - photographed in Australia
Velvet nail art gel manicure on hand - photographed in Australia

Watch Tutorials

View our engaging YouTube tutorials for expert tips and step-by-step guides to mastering the art of gel nail polish at home.

Person holding a smartphone with a white background - photographed in Australia
Person holding a smartphone with a white background - photographed in Australia

Read Blogs

Dive into our insightful blogs for the latest trends, nail care tips, and insider secrets to elevate your gel manicure game.