I apply a good bit of top coat so I don’t think it’s dragging it, maybe just the residue from the tacky layer going onto the brush. I tried today wiping the nails with alcohol before doing top coat. Not sure if I should do that? Using premier gel at the minute but happened with gelish too. Using a 48w lamp but premier gel doesn’t do lamps. Also do you mean curing times as in over curing or under curing? What effect does that have on the top coat? Sorry for all the questions[/QUOTE
I wouldn't wipe with alcohol because you lose the sticky layer that top coat needs to adhere to. If you do it accidentally, apply base coat - cure and then top coat -cure.
Curing times may need to be extended to 60 seconds on your colour, however not knowing your full set up the likelyhood is that there is lamp and gel incompatability, which is so often a reason for problems . Mixing brands is a real no no as well. Sorry to say , but it will be worth going back to basics and understanding the science behind "why any old lamp won't do " The first post on the nail forum.
If you have gelish - use their lamp.
If you have premier gel - use the lamp specified by them or ask the forum what other premier gel users have success with. I can't say as I use all cuccio and never have your problems .
I'm not much help , but it really annoys me when gel makers make products that can't be safely cured and leave us all open to allergies for the rest of our lives, not to mention the client / insurance issue. It really is worth your while examining every step in your gel appliction.
I hope you get some useful advice and can find out what the cause is.