Colored acrylic help!

[Haralynn1231]

I've been a nail tech for 4 years now and I've been doing a lot more of colored acrylic sets, and I used to not have any issues with my gel top coats peeling off but lately it's been a big issue! Not one issue at all when I use gel polish over the acrylic enhancement and top coat. It's only when I top coat my colored acrylic sets!


I always cap in clear acrylic, shape with my E-file, then finish file with a 180/100 grit file. I use the 180 side to finish file. I have just about tried everything I can think of! We did get new UV/LED lamps but I make sure I'm curing for the proper time.

I brush dust away, spray with 99% alcohol, and use a lint free wipe to cleanse the nail before top coating. I don't have this issue on every client but it seems to be happening more. But for some reason I don't have a single issue with my gel top coat on my own nails, I always use colored acrylic on myself and I do the exact same thing and use the exact same files/tools I use on my clients on myself.
(I always disinfecte/throw away tools so everyone gets new or properly cleaned tools)

What is happening?? I LOVE colored acrylic and don't want to stop! Most of my clients love it too!

 

[Barrio]

Maybe you want a harder top coat? I am hearing kiara sky, ugly duckling, crystal nails work like a charm with acrylic.. Maybe you are smoothing the surface and top coat "slips"? When you use gel polish it sticks because it has a tacky layer and with encapsulating you smooth everything out and it doest stick?
I am not working with acrylics, just sharing my thoughts!

 

[Gemenems]

I use coloured acrylics and use same procedure but I use the gel bottle top coat and so far had no issues maybe worth changing brands x

 

[Haralynn1231]

I've tried a few different gel top coat brands... shellac, Gellish, Ugly Duckling. I can't be filing the acrylic too smooth because I do the same exact filing on my own nails and I have no issues. Same filing steps when I'm using clear acrylic with gel polish over it, I don't have any issues with my gel polish peeling/slipping off. Just top coats when I do colored acrylic sets

 

[daynadawn2]

maybe the suface isnt rough enough to stick to? try the 100 side instead of 180

 

[Cindy2021]

Sounds like you’re doing everything spot on.
Are you sure your clients are avoiding cleaning products, wearing gloves etc?
One I found that was removing top coat was sun bed spray cleaner. Took it to happen a few times before I realised. They happened to mention they were going for a subbed straight after their appointment. It’s not always our fault....