Can You Paint Over PolyGel Nails?

How does the idea of rocking a gorgeous set of natural-looking and feeling nails sound to you? A set of nails that will give you long-lasting durability for up to three weeks, by simply brushing on its lightweight and flexible formula?

Does this all sound just too good to be true?

You’ll be pleased to hear that this is exactly what having a PolyGel manicure can do for you! And applying this amazing nail technology is really easy, so you can do it yourself at home, as long as you have a UV or LED lamp to cure it.

But now you may also be wondering: can you paint over PolyGel nails?

You certainly can paint over PolyGel nails, but there are a few things you need to know. We’ll explain it all below.

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Can You Paint Over PolyGel Nails?

Over the past few years, PolyGel nails have become a very popular way to manicure nails. This is because this relatively new nail technology gives you all of the benefits of having a gel or acrylic manicure applied, but without any of the risks of damage to your nails that are associated with them.

This relatively new nail technology gives you all of the benefits of having a gel or acrylic manicure applied, but without any of the risks of damage to your nails that are associated with them.

Besides not containing the harsh chemicals and smells that other gels and acrylic applications give off, it’s also much easier to apply PolyGel to your nails.

However, one thing that stops many nail enthusiasts from using PolyGel simply on its own, is the fact that there aren’t as many color options available. For example, the Beetles kit shown above has 7 color options. That’s compared to thousands of lacquer nail colors!

And if you don’t like any of the colors, why would you want to wear them?

This may beg the question of whether or not you can paint over your PolyGel manicure. So, if you have been pondering this question, then you will be pleased to hear that yes, it is absolutely possible for you to paint over your PolyGel nails.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how to paint over PolyGel nails so that you can create the manicure of your dreams from the comfort of your home.

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Lacquered Up!

If you love the idea of swapping colors to match your mood, then using a traditional lacquer nail polish on top of your polygel manicure is the choice to make.

The great thing about using traditional nail polish to change the appearance of your PolyGel nails is that you won’t be stuck with the same look for weeks.

All you need to do is apply and dry, then go on with your business. When you’re ready for a change, then simply remove the lacquer nail polish with remover. This doesn’t hurt the PolyGel, and you can paint over it again and again when it suits you.

When you’re ready for a change, then simply remove the lacquer nail polish with remover. This doesn’t hurt the PolyGel, and you can paint over it again and again when it suits you.

Go Gloss!

Many nail enthusiasts love using gel polish on their nails, because of the way that it can make your manicure appear both sleek and super glossy, while also adding increased durability to the final result.

So, if you’re a gel polish fanatic, then you’ll no doubt be happy to know that you can apply any gel polish over the top of your PolyGel manicured nails. All you need to do is apply two coats of gel polish onto the PolyGel, making sure that you cure it with a UV or LED light between each layer.

Note that there are some gel polishes designed to air dry, like these from Sally Hansen . Gel polish with no dangerous UV light exposure!

Note that, unlike if you had used a lacquer nail polish to do this, you won’t be able to remove the gel coat from your PolyGel manicure if you change your mind about the color.

Instead, you will have to wait until it comes time for you to take your entire PolyGel manicure off.

Stick It On

You also have the option of enhancing your PolyGel manicure by using stickers to cover your nails. By using stickers, you can get really creative with your unique look.

You can find endless options available online, but we really love these beautiful art nail stickers 

Make sure that you seal the deal of your nail sticker art with another coat of either a clear gel top coat or simply a regular top coat.

Doing this will ensure that the appearance of your manicure remains glossy, vibrant, and worthy of taking pictures to show off on Insta.

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How To Remove PolyGel Nails

Taking off your PolyGel manicure is also quite easy, and although it’s durable, it has been designed to break down without causing you stress.

You simply have to file it down using a 100 or 120-grit nail file, making sure that you’re gentle and don’t file down your natural nail bed.

After you’ve done this, give your natural nails some loving attention and treat them with a cuticle oil or cuticle pen to seal in moisture.

Alternatively, you could also soak off your PolyGel manicure in some acetone, just like you would with removing gel or acrylics. However, acetone is a really harsh chemical that can cause severe dryness and irritation to your natural nails and surrounding skin.

Therefore, in order to keep your nails in good overall health, it would be best to take the time to carefully file down the PolyGel, because that’s how the formula was intended to be used in the first place.

In order to keep your nails in good overall health, it would be best to take the time to carefully file down the PolyGel, because that’s how the formula was intended to be used in the first place.

But whichever way you choose to remove the PolyGel, definitely make sure you treat your natural nails with some cuticle oil or cream. We’ve got some great DIY cuticle oil recipes here. But if you’re looking for an off-the-shelf suggestion, why not try this certified USDA organic cuticle and nail oil by Pura D’Or ?

This nourishing oil contains a natural blend of biotin, and other botanical ingredients like sunflower oil, honey, jojoba, almond milk, and vitamin E, which all work to support the healing of dry and cracked skin, as well as promote your nail’s strength and new growth.

It also provides deep hydration for nails that have been damaged from gel and acrylic manicure. And best of all, its vegan formula is also free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones, and other synthetic additives.

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Conclusion

Giving yourself a PolyGel manicure at home is an easy way to rock glamorous and glossy nails at a fraction of the cost of visiting your local nail salon for a set of gels or acrylics. It’s also better for your nails, which will help to keep them healthier for longer.

But if you don’t like the range of colors available, now you know that you can paint over PolyGel nails, so that you can create the manicure of your dreams whenever you want.