Gel paint, gel and gel varnish may seem similar, but there are actually significant differences between them. To better understand the similarities and differences between these gel systems, we recommend reading this article.

Gel is a polymer substance that hardens when exposed to UV lamps, similar to gel polish. However, unlike gel varnish, gel is used not only to cover the nail plate, but also to correct the length and shape of the nails. Its structure allows you to simultaneously create interesting designs and strengthen the nails with additional thickness.

Gels come in both coloured and transparent, and vary in viscosity depending on the purpose of use and the intended design. Thanks to its dense structure, gel smooths the nail surface and gives it an aesthetic appearance.

Features of the gel

- An indispensable product for owners of brittle and thin nails;

- Gel preserves the flawless appearance of manicure;

- With the help of gel systems you can realise almost any idea of manicure design;

- It takes less time to apply and dry compared to acrylics, and it is virtually impossible to file off.




---> Gel for nail extensions and nail modelling - open catalogue

Gel varnish is a unique substance that combines the properties of traditional nail varnish and gel build-up. That is why it has a double name. Appearing on the market relatively recently, gel-lacquer instantly gained immense popularity. Today, almost every manicurist uses it in his work, which indicates its demand and advantages.

Features of Gel Lacquer

- Gel lacquer is appreciated and loved for its ability to last from two to four weeks;

- Gel-lacquer retains a glossy shine throughout wear and does not rub off at the tips on the 3-4th day, as it happens with conventional nail polish;

- Gel-lacquer not only gives the nails an attractive appearance, but also provides reliable protection of the nail plate from damage caused by external mechanical influences. This protective layer helps to strengthen the nails, making them stronger and healthier;

- Gel-lacquers do not contain harmful components such as formaldehyde, which is often present in conventional nail polishes;

- Its unique formula allows not only to create voluminous designs, but also to attach rhinestones, bouillons and other decorative elements. Thanks to its stability and durability, gel-lacquer provides long-term preservation of the design, as well as opens up the possibility to realise the most daring ideas that are difficult to implement with conventional lacquers;

- Gel lacquer does not have the intense odour typical of conventional lacquers. 

Gel-colour is a dense material that masters most often use in design, and also gel-colour can be used to cover the surface of the nails. It is most often sold in plastic cans. The material can be applied both on the ground surface after modelling, and on the base coating of the natural plate. It is very often used as a material for drawing thin lines, designs of different types of complexity.

Features of gel colour

Gel nail paint has a semi-viscous consistency, but it does not spread, does not bubble and is very comfortable to apply to the nails.

Gel nail paint has a wide range of characteristics:

- It has a large colour palette;

- Compositions can be mixed with each other to achieve a certain shade;

- With the help of paint you can draw any small details;

- The product dries only after polymerisation, which means that the design can be corrected just before drying;

- You don't need to file off a large layer of the nail plate to apply it;

- A great alternative to gel polish as a solid colour underlay;

- Drawings with gel paints have a pleasant surface and contrasting colour;

- Manicure with gel paint keeps 2-3 weeks;

- Paint does not dry up for a long time, it does not need to stir constantly;

- Pigment does not settle to the bottom of the jar;

- Has a dense consistency;

- Possesses excellent saturation;

- Economical to use.



---> Gel nail paint - open catalogue

Gel-lacquer and gel-colour have in common the word "gel" and the related words "varnish" and "paint".

Gel is a material that contains synthetic polymers. In other words, we can say that it is a liquid plastic, which hardens under the influence of UV rays.

Gel paint was originally developed for fine lines, monograms and other details. Gel varnish is not dense enough to create such clear elements.

The difference between gel paint and gel varnish is their texture and pigmentation. Gel paint is thicker and stiffer, while gel varnish has more plasticity and less colour saturation.

Because of its stiffness, gel paint is not suitable for covering the entire nail or creating a French fringe. Trying to paint a french with gel paint will likely result in chipping.

Gel polish is ideal for covering the entire nail and creating a French manicure. If the white colour of the gel lacquer seems not saturated enough, you can add a small amount of gel paint (about 20-30%) to improve the density.


Read also: Chinese painting on nails. How to make Chinese painting on nails - step-by-step instructions