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Karlstraße 43, 80333 München Ohlstadter Str. 52, 81373 München
Top Coat Cracking? Causes & Pro Tips from MONLIS Schule Munich
A flawless, glossy finish — that’s what clients expect from a professional manicure. But sometimes it happens: shortly after curing, the top coat shows fine cracks or splits. The result looks unprofessional and disappoints both the client and the nail technician.
At MONLIS Schule in Munich, one of Germany’s leading manicure and pedicure academies, this issue is thoroughly addressed in training. A cracked top coat is rarely accidental — it’s usually the result of technical errors or material mismatches. In this article, we reveal the most common causes, how to avoid them, and share proven expert tips from our professional practice.
Why Does the Top Coat Crack?
The top coat — whether with or without a sticky layer — is the final protective layer in a gel or shellac manicure. It seals the surface, adds shine, and protects from chipping. If this layer cracks, the cause is often hidden in the layers below.
1. Incompatible Products
Not all top coats are compatible with every color gel or base. Mixing products from different brands can cause the surface to shrink, lift, or crack due to chemical incompatibilities.
MONLIS Tip: Use products from the same system or manufacturer whenever possible and follow brand compatibility guidelines.
2. Incorrect Application Thickness
A too-thick layer may not cure fully inside, causing internal tension and cracking. A too-thin layer lacks strength and flexibility.
Solution: Apply the top coat in a medium, even thickness. Avoid bumps and make sure the product is completely cured.
3. Improper Curing
Not every lamp is suitable for every product. A weak UV/LED light, incorrect timer, or incompatible wavelength can lead to under-cured gel.
MONLIS Recommendation:
Use a certified professional lamp with at least 48W power.
Clean and position the lamp correctly.
Make sure the client’s hand is placed straight under the lamp.
4. Cracks in the Base or Color Gel
If base or color layers are already damaged or too rigid, the top coat can’t compensate for the stress and will crack along with them.
Solution:
Ensure the structure underneath is flexible and correctly built.
Choose flexible base gels for soft natural nails.
5. Natural Nail Movement Not Accounted For
Clients with flexible or soft nails need a flexible top coat. Using a rigid top coat causes tension and cracks because it doesn’t move with the nail.
Alternative:
Use elastic top coats designed for short or sensitive nails.
Other Studio-Related Causes
Temperature fluctuations in the workspace
Cold materials causing condensation
Untreated natural nail surface (not dehydrated or cleaned properly)
Improper product pick-up and application (e.g., air bubbles)
Water exposure too soon after finishing
Clients using nails to type, pry, scratch, etc.
What to Do If the Top Coat Is Already Cracked
Once a top coat is cracked, it usually needs to be removed and redone.
Repair steps:
File down to the color layer
Buff and clean the surface
Apply a new top coat and cure properly
Important: Simply covering the cracks won’t fix the issue long term.
Prevention Is Key
The best solution is to prevent cracking in the first place. That’s why at MONLIS Schule in Munich, students not only learn how to work, but why each step is critical — so they can avoid errors confidently in the salon.
A cracked top coat can be frustrating — but it’s rarely random. Most problems come from small technical details that can be corrected with proper training. Understanding product chemistry, application, and curing techniques is the key to perfect, durable manicures.
At MONLIS Schule in Munich, students gain the professional know-how to create beautiful, long-lasting results — and to work with confidence and precision every day.
A flawless, glossy finish — that’s what clients expect from a professional manicure. But sometimes it happens: shortly after curing, the top coat shows fine cracks or splits. The result looks unprofessional and disappoints both the client and the nail technician.
At MONLIS Schule in Munich, one of Germany’s leading manicure and pedicure academies, this issue is thoroughly addressed in training. A cracked top coat is rarely accidental — it’s usually the result of technical errors or material mismatches. In this article, we reveal the most common causes, how to avoid them, and share proven expert tips from our professional practice.
Why Does the Top Coat Crack?
The top coat — whether with or without a sticky layer — is the final protective layer in a gel or shellac manicure. It seals the surface, adds shine, and protects from chipping. If this layer cracks, the cause is often hidden in the layers below.
1. Incompatible Products
Not all top coats are compatible with every color gel or base. Mixing products from different brands can cause the surface to shrink, lift, or crack due to chemical incompatibilities.
MONLIS Tip: Use products from the same system or manufacturer whenever possible and follow brand compatibility guidelines.
2. Incorrect Application Thickness
A too-thick layer may not cure fully inside, causing internal tension and cracking. A too-thin layer lacks strength and flexibility.
Solution: Apply the top coat in a medium, even thickness. Avoid bumps and make sure the product is completely cured.
3. Improper Curing
Not every lamp is suitable for every product. A weak UV/LED light, incorrect timer, or incompatible wavelength can lead to under-cured gel.
MONLIS Recommendation:
Use a certified professional lamp with at least 48W power.
Clean and position the lamp correctly.
Make sure the client’s hand is placed straight under the lamp.
4. Cracks in the Base or Color Gel
If base or color layers are already damaged or too rigid, the top coat can’t compensate for the stress and will crack along with them.
Solution:
Ensure the structure underneath is flexible and correctly built.
Choose flexible base gels for soft natural nails.
5. Natural Nail Movement Not Accounted For
Clients with flexible or soft nails need a flexible top coat. Using a rigid top coat causes tension and cracks because it doesn’t move with the nail.
Alternative:
Use elastic top coats designed for short or sensitive nails.
Other Studio-Related Causes
Temperature fluctuations in the workspace
Cold materials causing condensation
Untreated natural nail surface (not dehydrated or cleaned properly)
Improper product pick-up and application (e.g., air bubbles)
Water exposure too soon after finishing
Clients using nails to type, pry, scratch, etc.
What to Do If the Top Coat Is Already Cracked
Once a top coat is cracked, it usually needs to be removed and redone.
Repair steps:
File down to the color layer
Buff and clean the surface
Apply a new top coat and cure properly
Important: Simply covering the cracks won’t fix the issue long term.
Prevention Is Key
The best solution is to prevent cracking in the first place. That’s why at MONLIS Schule in Munich, students not only learn how to work, but why each step is critical — so they can avoid errors confidently in the salon.
A cracked top coat can be frustrating — but it’s rarely random. Most problems come from small technical details that can be corrected with proper training. Understanding product chemistry, application, and curing techniques is the key to perfect, durable manicures.
At MONLIS Schule in Munich, students gain the professional know-how to create beautiful, long-lasting results — and to work with confidence and precision every day.
A flawless, glossy finish — that’s what clients expect from a professional manicure. But sometimes it happens: shortly after curing, the top coat shows fine cracks or splits. The result looks unprofessional and disappoints both the client and the nail technician.
At MONLIS Schule in Munich, one of Germany’s leading manicure and pedicure academies, this issue is thoroughly addressed in training. A cracked top coat is rarely accidental — it’s usually the result of technical errors or material mismatches. In this article, we reveal the most common causes, how to avoid them, and share proven expert tips from our professional practice.
Why Does the Top Coat Crack?
The top coat — whether with or without a sticky layer — is the final protective layer in a gel or shellac manicure. It seals the surface, adds shine, and protects from chipping. If this layer cracks, the cause is often hidden in the layers below.
1. Incompatible Products
Not all top coats are compatible with every color gel or base. Mixing products from different brands can cause the surface to shrink, lift, or crack due to chemical incompatibilities.
MONLIS Tip: Use products from the same system or manufacturer whenever possible and follow brand compatibility guidelines.
2. Incorrect Application Thickness
A too-thick layer may not cure fully inside, causing internal tension and cracking. A too-thin layer lacks strength and flexibility.
Solution: Apply the top coat in a medium, even thickness. Avoid bumps and make sure the product is completely cured.
3. Improper Curing
Not every lamp is suitable for every product. A weak UV/LED light, incorrect timer, or incompatible wavelength can lead to under-cured gel.
MONLIS Recommendation:
Use a certified professional lamp with at least 48W power.
Clean and position the lamp correctly.
Make sure the client’s hand is placed straight under the lamp.
4. Cracks in the Base or Color Gel
If base or color layers are already damaged or too rigid, the top coat can’t compensate for the stress and will crack along with them.
Solution:
Ensure the structure underneath is flexible and correctly built.
Choose flexible base gels for soft natural nails.
5. Natural Nail Movement Not Accounted For
Clients with flexible or soft nails need a flexible top coat. Using a rigid top coat causes tension and cracks because it doesn’t move with the nail.
Alternative:
Use elastic top coats designed for short or sensitive nails.
Other Studio-Related Causes
Temperature fluctuations in the workspace
Cold materials causing condensation
Untreated natural nail surface (not dehydrated or cleaned properly)
Improper product pick-up and application (e.g., air bubbles)
Water exposure too soon after finishing
Clients using nails to type, pry, scratch, etc.
What to Do If the Top Coat Is Already Cracked
Once a top coat is cracked, it usually needs to be removed and redone.
Repair steps:
File down to the color layer
Buff and clean the surface
Apply a new top coat and cure properly
Important: Simply covering the cracks won’t fix the issue long term.
Prevention Is Key
The best solution is to prevent cracking in the first place. That’s why at MONLIS Schule in Munich, students not only learn how to work, but why each step is critical — so they can avoid errors confidently in the salon.
A cracked top coat can be frustrating — but it’s rarely random. Most problems come from small technical details that can be corrected with proper training. Understanding product chemistry, application, and curing techniques is the key to perfect, durable manicures.
At MONLIS Schule in Munich, students gain the professional know-how to create beautiful, long-lasting results — and to work with confidence and precision every day.
A flawless, glossy finish — that’s what clients expect from a professional manicure. But sometimes it happens: shortly after curing, the top coat shows fine cracks or splits. The result looks unprofessional and disappoints both the client and the nail technician.
At MONLIS Schule in Munich, one of Germany’s leading manicure and pedicure academies, this issue is thoroughly addressed in training. A cracked top coat is rarely accidental — it’s usually the result of technical errors or material mismatches. In this article, we reveal the most common causes, how to avoid them, and share proven expert tips from our professional practice.
Why Does the Top Coat Crack?
The top coat — whether with or without a sticky layer — is the final protective layer in a gel or shellac manicure. It seals the surface, adds shine, and protects from chipping. If this layer cracks, the cause is often hidden in the layers below.
1. Incompatible Products
Not all top coats are compatible with every color gel or base. Mixing products from different brands can cause the surface to shrink, lift, or crack due to chemical incompatibilities.
MONLIS Tip: Use products from the same system or manufacturer whenever possible and follow brand compatibility guidelines.
2. Incorrect Application Thickness
A too-thick layer may not cure fully inside, causing internal tension and cracking. A too-thin layer lacks strength and flexibility.
Solution: Apply the top coat in a medium, even thickness. Avoid bumps and make sure the product is completely cured.
3. Improper Curing
Not every lamp is suitable for every product. A weak UV/LED light, incorrect timer, or incompatible wavelength can lead to under-cured gel.
MONLIS Recommendation:
Use a certified professional lamp with at least 48W power.
Clean and position the lamp correctly.
Make sure the client’s hand is placed straight under the lamp.
4. Cracks in the Base or Color Gel
If base or color layers are already damaged or too rigid, the top coat can’t compensate for the stress and will crack along with them.
Solution:
Ensure the structure underneath is flexible and correctly built.
Choose flexible base gels for soft natural nails.
5. Natural Nail Movement Not Accounted For
Clients with flexible or soft nails need a flexible top coat. Using a rigid top coat causes tension and cracks because it doesn’t move with the nail.
Alternative:
Use elastic top coats designed for short or sensitive nails.
Other Studio-Related Causes
Temperature fluctuations in the workspace
Cold materials causing condensation
Untreated natural nail surface (not dehydrated or cleaned properly)
Improper product pick-up and application (e.g., air bubbles)
Water exposure too soon after finishing
Clients using nails to type, pry, scratch, etc.
What to Do If the Top Coat Is Already Cracked
Once a top coat is cracked, it usually needs to be removed and redone.
Repair steps:
File down to the color layer
Buff and clean the surface
Apply a new top coat and cure properly
Important: Simply covering the cracks won’t fix the issue long term.
Prevention Is Key
The best solution is to prevent cracking in the first place. That’s why at MONLIS Schule in Munich, students not only learn how to work, but why each step is critical — so they can avoid errors confidently in the salon.
A cracked top coat can be frustrating — but it’s rarely random. Most problems come from small technical details that can be corrected with proper training. Understanding product chemistry, application, and curing techniques is the key to perfect, durable manicures.
At MONLIS Schule in Munich, students gain the professional know-how to create beautiful, long-lasting results — and to work with confidence and precision every day.