How to Fix Bubbles in Gel Nail Polish

Are you dealing with bubbles in your gel nail polish? Don’t worry – there are a few simple tips and tricks to help you get rid of them.

Learning how to fix bubbles in gel nail polish can be a difficult and frustrating task, but the payoff is well worth it. When you find yourself up against an unwanted bubble in your manicure, take a deep breath and follow the steps outlined in this post for the best results. After all, why settle for an imperfect look when it’s so easy to fix? With practice, you will soon be able to identify common issues with gel nails quickly.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps to fix bubbles in gel nail polish. Before getting started, make sure you have all the necessary supplies and equipment to perform the repair.

What Will You Need?

Before you start to tackle those pesky bubbles, you’ll need a few items. These are the followings:

1. A lint-free cloth
2. An orange stick, cuticle pusher, or other tools to remove the gel
3. A clean, dry brush
4. Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol
5. Nail polish remover (optional)

Now, let’s get to fixing those bubbles!

10 Easy Steps on How to Fix Bubbles in Gel Nail Polish

Step 1: File the Top Coat

Using your nail file, gently buff away the top coat at the area where the bubble is located. This will create a rougher surface for the fresh gel to adhere to. Don’t over-file, as you could create deep grooves in your nail.

Step 2: Wipe Down Nails

Using your lint-free cloth and an alcohol solution (or nail polish remover), wipe down the nails so they are clean and free of debris or oils. Be careful not to touch the nails with your fingers, as this will leave behind fingerprints. You can also use a disposable makeup sponge to apply the alcohol solution.

Step 3: Apply Alcohol Solution

Once you’ve wiped down your nails, use a dry brush to apply an alcohol solution or rub alcohol directly onto the bubble area. Let it sit for about 10 seconds, and then proceed to Step 4. If the bubble is particularly stubborn, you may need to reapply the solution.

Step 4: Remove Excess Gel with Tools

Using your orange stick, cuticle pusher, or other tools, carefully remove any excess gel surrounding the bubble. This will help create a more even surface for the new polish to adhere to. Use a light touch to avoid damaging the nail.

Step 5: Scrape Delicately

Using your tool of choice, delicately scrape away at the bubble until it has been removed. It may take some time and patience but don’t give up! There should be no visible marks or residue left on the nail when you’re done.

Step 6: Wipe Down your Nails Again

Once you have successfully removed the bubble(s), use your lint-free cloth to wipe down your nails again with an alcohol solution or nail polish remover. This helps ensure there are no oils present before applying the fresh gel. This step also helps remove any excess gel that may have been left behind during the process.

Step 7: Apply the Gel

Using your brush, apply a thin layer of gel to the previously affected area. Ensure you don’t use too much – just enough to cover the entire bubble area. Try to avoid getting the gel onto your skin, as this can lead to an uneven application.

Step 8: Cure for 30-60 Seconds

Once you have applied and spread out the gel, put your nails under the UV light and allow them to cure for 30-60 seconds. This will help set the gel in place. Be careful not to leave them in too long, as this can cause the gel to become brittle and peel off.

Step 9: Reapply Top Coat

After curing your nails for 30-60 seconds, reapply a thin layer of top coat to seal in the new polish and create a protective barrier against chipping or peeling. Allow it to cure for another 30-60 seconds, and you’re all set! If desired, you can add a second layer of top coat for extra protection.

Step 10: Buff Shine

Finally, use a nail buffer or your finger wrapped in a cloth to shine up the finished product. Voila – perfect nails! Always remember to be gentle when buffing and avoid over-buffing, as this can cause the polish to chip or peel.

Removing bubbles from gel nail polish can take some time and effort, but it’s worth it when you have beautiful nails afterward. Following these steps will help you get the best results with minimal frustration. With practice, you will soon become an expert at fixing bubble issues with your gel manicures! Good luck and happy polishing!

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. If you notice the bubbles forming while applying your gel polish, use a piece of paper towel to press down on the area and lightly pop the bubble.
2. When using a light-curing lamp to seal in your gel polish, make sure to cure for an extra 10-20 seconds after all coats have been applied. This will help prevent any future bubbles from forming.
3. To avoid over-thickening your gel polish application, which can cause bubbles, apply thin layers to each nail.
4. Make sure that your nails are clean and free of any oils or residue before beginning your manicure, and be sure not to touch them with unclean hands afterward, as this could introduce dirt particles that could create air bubbles.
5. If you notice any lumps or clumps of gel polish when applying, smooth them out with a cuticle pusher before curing the layer. This will help ensure that there are no air bubbles in the finished manicure.

Following these simple steps will ensure you have a perfect gel nail polish application every time!

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Using a Lot of Top Coat: Too much can cause bubbles in your gel polish. To avoid this, use a thin layer of top coat and make sure it is evenly distributed.

2. Avoid Filing Too Quickly: Filing your nails too quickly can create air pockets that will cause bubbles in your gel polish. Take the time to file slowly, paying attention to each area until you’ve achieved a smooth surface without any crevices or ridges.

3. Avoid Applying Too Much Product: Applying too much product can lead to uneven coverage, which can also cause bubbles in your gel polish. Make sure you are using just enough product to achieve even coverage and no more than that.

4. Avoid Shaking the Bottle of Gel Polish: Shaking the bottle of gel polish will introduce air into it, which can create bubbles when applied to the nails. To avoid this, roll the gel polish bottle between your palms instead of shaking it.

5. Avoid Using a Top Coat With Alcohol: Topcoats that contain alcohol can cause bubbles to form when applied to the gel polish, so choose one without it for the best results.

Following these tips will help you avoid creating bubbles in your gel nail polish and ensure that you get a flawless professional look every time! If you find yourself with pesky air pockets, don’t worry – just follow these instructions on how to fix them, and you’ll be back on track in no time.

Why Does My Gel Nail Polish Bubble After It Dries?

The most common reasons for bubbles appearing in your gel polish after it has dried are that you have applied too much product or that your curing time was insufficient. If you’re using a light-curing lamp, make sure that you allow enough time between each layer and cure for an extra 10-20 seconds after all coats have been applied.

Applying too much product can also cause air pockets to form due to uneven coverage, so be sure to use just enough product and spread it evenly across the nail surface. Finally, if any dirt particles were introduced during the application, this can also cause bubbles – make sure your nails are clean before applying, and don’t touch them with unclean hands afterward!

By following these tips, you can avoid dealing with pesky bubbles in your gel nail polish and enjoy beautiful manicures that last all day.

Conclusion

Gel nail polish can give you a beautiful look and last longer than regular nail polish, but it can create bubbles without proper care and maintenance.

Learning how to fix bubbles in gel nail polish should be part of your nail-care routine. The methods we’ve discussed today will have you well-prepared the next time bubbles form in your gel manicure. Whether they are the result of poor curing or application technique, using top coats and reapplying them throughout the life of your gel manicure can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding, minimizing, and correcting bubbling issues.

However, if you take the time to properly prep each layer before applying the gel and carefully apply each layer for a smooth finish, you won’t need to worry about fixing bubbles nearly as much. Remember: preventive measures often work best!