Can I use varnish straight onto L&P or do I need a base coat??

[glitz and glam]

I have been doing nails since march and have booked onto a nail art course for the end of july. however i have a couple of friends who i do nails for who would love a change from the pink and whites, one tried adding her own polish but ended up with yellow nails that i had to sort out so i was wondering if i could do there pink and whites like normal and then paint them? if i can do this and they wanted to change the colour then could i change it?
i cant wait till july and neither can they lol

 

[Bagpuss]

I used to think base coat was only for natural nails but learnt via this site that using a base coat on enhancements is just as important for long lasting polish results. Also I would encourage your friends/clients to use a professional brand enamel...as some of the cheaper ones can cause staining.

 

[glitz and glam]

thanks for that! so if i use a base coat then varnish just like if i was doing a manicure the acrylics will be ok then? i dont use a uv top coat or anything like that.
i use sparitual so i know there a really good range and my friends (and clients) are happy for it to be applied when i do there acrylics. not to sure how much i should charge for this though?
thanks again

 

[anna592]

polishing is just as important as the time and prep you take to create a set of nails.

the base coat will help protect against staining, but it will also help to attract the colour to the nail.

it is important to remember though that it must be a base coat you use for before a colour. a top coat or all in one base and top coat will not do for a professional job!! and a top coat or uv gel top coat is just as important to protect the colour once applied.

gigi has a tutorial about polishing-more for perfecting polishing, but also briefly mentions about base coat.

http://www.salongeek.com/nail-finishing-maintenance/11972-precision-polishing.html

hth's xx

http://www.salongeek.com/nail-finishing-maintenance/11972-precision-polishing.html?garpg=2

 

[pringle12]

A base coat is very important to stop the nail from being stained by the polish ,iv always told my clients to always use a base coat to keep them looking good as new.x

 

[deanosnana]

I ALWAYS use a base coat before I polish.

 

[geeg]

A base coat really does not stop the nails being stained if you are using a low quality polish; and high quality polishes don't stain anyway. This staining thing is a myth.

The job of a good quality base coat is to attract the polish smoothly on to the surface of the natural nail OR enhancement and for longevity of the polish service.

Another crucial factor for longevity is how you prepare the natural nails or enhancements for polish. Usual rule .. the surface must be squeaky clean and DRY for both. If you omit this crucial step, then no polish will last for any length of time.