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Most people who have known CND Shellac for a long time must have known that there are many types of CND Shellac Base and Top Coats. However, for those of you who are new in the game, you may need some help in knowing the 7 types of Shellac Top Coats and 2 types of Base Coats and what they are used for.
This is our review of the many types of CND Shellac Base and Top Coats available, its purpose, cure time, and instructions to guide you on selecting the best top and base coats. for you.
TOP COATS |
Original Top Coat |
Duraforce |
Xpress5 |
No-Wipe+ |
What It Is |
The first original top coat that was released since Shellac was introduced in 2010. Used for CND Shellac gel polish system. |
Provides a protective top layer for the CND Shellac System. |
Provides a protective top layer for the CND Shellac System with faster removal time. |
NEW in 2022! Helps keep high gloss finish with protection up to 3 weeks. |
Why You Need |
• Provides 14+ days of high-performance wear with no nail damage when used and removed as directed. • Removes in just 8 minutes with no filing. |
• The top coat that provides ultimate protection for weak, brittle nails • Removes in 15 minutes with no filing |
Removes in just 5 minutes for a faster service |
Perfect for when you don't have time for that extra step of scrubbing fresh nails to remove the tacky layer, want to avoid the drying effects of alcohol. |
Finish |
High gloss |
High gloss |
High gloss |
High gloss |
Direction |
• After applying CND Shellac Color Coat, apply a thin layer of the Original Top Coat. • Cure for one minute (preset button 3) in the CND LED Lamp • Final step, remove the top film with a plastic-backed, lint-free pad saturated with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. |
• After applying CND Shellac Color Coat, apply a thin layer of the Original Top Coat. • Cure for one minute (preset button 3) in the CND LED Lamp. • Final step, remove the top film with a plastic-backed, lint-free pad saturated with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. |
• After applying CND Shellac Color Coat, apply a thin layer of the Original Top Coat. • Cure for one minute (preset button 3) in the CND LED Lamp. • Final step, remove the top film with a plastic-backed, lint-free pad saturated with 99%yl Alcohol. |
• After applying and curing CND Shellac Color Coat, apply a thin layer of CND Shellac NO-WIPE+ Top Coat. • Cure for one minute (preset button 3) in the CND LED Lamp. • No need to wipe the tacky layer. |
Size |
0.25 fl. oz. / 7.3 mL; 0.5 fl. oz. / 15 mL |
0.25 fl. oz. / 7.3 mL; 0.5 fl. oz. / 15 mL |
0.25 fl. oz. / 7.3 mL; 0.5 fl. oz. / 15 mL |
0.25 fl. oz. / 7.3 mL; 0.5 fl. oz. / 15 mL |
TOP COATS |
Pearl |
Matte |
Glitter |
What Is It |
A pearl top coat designed specifically for use with the CND Shellac Gel Polish System. |
A matte top coat designed specifically for use with the CND Shellac Gel Polish System. |
A glitter top coat designed specifically for use with the CND Shellac Gel Polish System. |
Why You Need |
Instills a luminous pearlescent radiant finish as a final layer. |
Offers a velvety and smooth matte finish to the Shellac. |
Offers a glistening veil of micro red, blue and green glitter sparkle finish. |
Finish |
Iridescent pearly look |
Matte finish |
Glittery finish |
Direction |
• After applying CND Shellac Color Coat, apply a thin layer of the Pearl Top Coat. • Cure for one minute (preset button 3) in the CND LED Lamp. • Remove the top film with a plastic-backed, lint-free pad saturated with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. |
• After applying CND Shellac Color Coat, apply a thin layer of the Matte Top Coat. • Cure for one minute (preset button 3) in the CND LED Lamp. • Remove the top film with a plastic-backed, lint-free pad saturated with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. |
• After applying CND Shellac Color Coat, apply a thin layer of the Glitter Top Coat. • Cure for one minute (preset button 3) in the CND LED Lamp. • Remove the top film with a plastic-backed, lint-free pad saturated with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. |
Size |
0.25 fl. oz. / 7.3 mL |
0.25 fl. oz. / 7.3 mL |
0.25 fl. oz. / 7.3 mL |
BASE COATS |
Original Base Coat |
Extender Wear Base |
What Is It |
The first original base coat that was released since Shellac was introduced in 2010. Used as the first step for CND Shellac gel polish system. |
New in 2021. Used as the first step for CND Shellac gel polish system. |
Why You Need |
• Provides a superior adhesion layer for CND Shellac Color Coat to natural nails. • Responsible for the quick release of the CND Shellac from the natural nail when wrapped correctly with pure acetone or OFFLY FAST |
Extends the wear of CND Shellac Gel Polish up to 3 weeks when used as directed. |
Direction |
• Apply a thin layer to clean, manicured nails. • Cure for 10 seconds (preset button 1) in the CND LED Lamp |
• Apply a thin layer to clean, manicured nails. • Cure for 10 seconds (preset button 1) in the CND LED Lamp |
Size |
0.25 fl. oz. / 7.3 mL; 0.42 fl. oz. / 12.5 mL |
0.25 fl. oz. / 7.3 mL; 0.42 fl. oz. / 12.5 mL |
Which CND Top or Base Coat is the best?
For starter or for normal healthy nails, we recommend the Original Top Coat, Base Coat or the No-Wipe+ top coat for your CND Shellac gel manicure or pedicure. The No-Wipe+ Top coat and Extender Wear Base coat provides longer application up to 3 weeks. Plus it eliminate the extra step to wipe the tacky layer after curing it.
If you are nail technician that needs faster removal time so your customer can have their nails done faster, cleary Xpress5 will be a good choice.
If you have weak or brittle nails, Duraforce Top certainly help to hold the application lasts longer.
Finally, if you are gravitated toward one of certain finish, for example matte or glitter, then having another Matte or Glitter Top Coat is a great addition besides your normal top coat.
Note: this article is written as a general guidelines in choosing CND Shellac Top and Base Coats. For further information, please contact CND directly at www.cnd.com. If you have any comments, feel free to let us know by emailing us to info [at] esthersnc.com