A: In answering the question, “Does shellac need a base coat?” the first thing that you need to remember is that shellac needs a base coat for proper adhesion. Shellac has a natural glue that keeps it stuck to your nails. If you apply an unpolished shellac, the glue will not work properly and it will peel right off the nail when you attempt to remove it.
However, a well-polished shellac does not need a base coat. A well polished shellac contains natural oil that makes it very sticky. This oil makes the shellac last longer and it is far more durable than unpolished shellac.
When you purchase shellac nail polish, make sure you read the label carefully so that you get the correct color. Both shellac nail polish and regular shellac are similar, except for the color. The difference between the two is the amount of glitter.
Regular shellac contains a high amount of glitter whereas shellac nail polish does not. For painting decorative nails, shellac nail polish is recommended as it dries relatively quickly and it is easy to apply.
Can You Use A Normal Base Coat For Shellac?
I get asked this question often and the answer is yes, you can use a regular base coat for Shellac. It’s been noted on some forums as well, where people have said that they used shellac to paint their nails black (I am not sure what). I guess the question is do you just paint your nails black or do you do other things with it?
Well the answer to the question is yes you can use a regular base coat for Shellac. In fact, I would say that any kind of base coat would work in this case.
You can also use glitter over your nails or even glitter strips. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to apply the base coat for Shellac and then use a top coat of your favorite nail polish to finish it off.
If you are someone who has never used shellac before, then you may want to give it a shot. It might be one of those “honest” experiences you are hoping to have.
I know many people who will just go out there and buy some shellac nail polish so that they can create designs on their nails without worrying about whether it will come off once they get home. Shellac is very easy to use, you just brush it on, let it dry, then take it off and you have great new looking nails.

Do You Need a Top and Base Coat For Shellac?
Do you need a top and base coat for Shellac? If so, you are not alone. Most nail polish removers that you find at the stores will tell you that you only need a top coat, but they are wrong.
If you buy a bottle of shellac nail polish and try to use it on your nails right away without a top coat, you will find that it will wash out quickly and leave some white streaks in your nails. What you really need to do is use a base coat and a top coat to protect your nails.
So, what kind of things should you look for when you buy shellac nail polish? The first thing that you need to look at is the base coat.
It should be one that is a light tan color, almost beige in color, and can easily match the color of your skin tone. You don’t want a dark or heavy base coat because it will make the polish appear to come off too fast.
Another thing that you should look at when you are trying to get rid of a streak is the top coat. This should also be a lighter tan color than the base coat. It should also match the color of the polish that you are using.
If the two don’t match up, then you should probably skip over using the shellac polish because it is likely that the polish is not strong enough to seal the top coat. Use the base coat and then reapply the top coat when the streak goes away.
Can You Use Any Base Coat With Shellac?
If you have worn your nails for years and are now ready for a new look, it may be time to consider trying any of the new paint options available for nails. There are many acrylic paint options and new products on the market today.
Nail polish removers are popular and easy to use at home, while having great results when using them at the salon as well.
If you decide to try any of these new options, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you use acrylic paint that has not been applied correctly, you will find that your nails may become cracked or come apart and may even peel.
Yes, you can paint on or even touch up already stained or discolored shellac nails using traditional or light acrylic paint. However, if you choose to try out some of the new products that are available today, be sure to prepare your nails adequately by applying a base coat.
If you simply a base coat, without making sure it is properly applied, you may find that your new beautiful nails are ruined.
If you are looking for an easy way to change your own nails but are afraid that if you over do it you will damage them, fear not, because there are ways to reapply a base coat as needed.
Can you use any kind of polish on your nails? You definitely can! Whether you choose gel or traditional polish, if it’s white, it is a good idea to remove the topcoat and allow it to dry completely before you try on any new polish.
What Can I Use Instead of Base Coat For Shellac Nails?
When you are doing your own manicure, or painting your nails, it is not uncommon to find that one of the many options for covering them involves base coat for shellac. You might wonder why you would need this, since it is a clear base coat that does nothing other than help you get the shine you want.
But even if this is a good alternative for you to consider, there are better options out there. So, what can I use instead of base coat for shellac?
If you find that you need the base coat for shellac because you just have a very dirty fingernail, or if you just simply like the way that it looks, then shellac nail polish may be the best alternative for you.
This type of finish is much more intense in smell and appearance, so you will not at first think that it is anything but pretty.
In fact, you may find that after you have worn it for a few minutes that you do not even notice that you have applied it. Plus, if you go to change your nails as part of a new manicure, then the polish will stay put without having to mix with your base coat for shellac.
If you have not yet tried shellac polish, but your friends have, then there is no better time than now to try it. There are many different kinds of shellac nail polish on the market, and most of them work very well.

What Does Shellac Need a Base Coat?
One thing that you might have noticed when you pick up a set of nails is that your nails have that dull, dingy appearance due to the fact that they don’t have a base coat of shellac on them. This is not at all a problem if you use natural shellac nail polish.
Simply put, natural shellac nail polish will not have any effect whatsoever on these nails, since it’s clear that there’s no base coat.
However, if you want to create the look of thicker, shiny, and tougher nails, then you’ll want to apply a base coat to your nails using shellac, followed by some good quality acrylic or oil-based paint.
One of the great things about shellac is that you can basically let it dry, and not worry about it being visible for months – provided you keep your hands out of the way of course.
So, what’s the best way of applying shellac nail polish? If you’re using it in a gel form, then the only recommended method for applying is to first dip the nail brush in a little bit of alcohol and then dip it in some thinned out Vodka.
Once that’s done, simply apply the shellac to the tips of each of your nails and then apply another layer over the top and then the bottom. Once that’s all done, just cover your nails with a plastic shower cap, slap some light LED lights on them, and you have pretty much guaranteed yourself a gorgeous manicure!
Conclusion
As far as applying the shellac to your nails and getting it to completely dry, you need to apply a second layer, followed by another layer. Keep repeating this process until you have your nails dried to perfection, then wash off the excess shellac with warm water.
Remember, this is only necessary if you are using the gel form of shellac. If you are using the traditional form, which comes in a bottle, then simply apply the gel, wait for it to dry and then wash off with warm water.