How To Apply OPI GelColor at Home: A Step-By-Step Guide

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. OPI Big Apple Red GelColor was gifted by Beyond Polish as a PR sample, but all other products featured and opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Want to skip the salon but still get that ultra-glossy, professional finish? 

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to apply OPI GelColor at home for a flawless, long-lasting manicure.

I’ve been really enjoying creating at-home gel manicures lately, and OPI GelColor has quickly become one of my favorites for its rich color payoff and durable shine. 

For this tutorial, I’m using the OPI GelColor Super Gloss Top Coat, a “wipe” top coat that requires cleansing your finished manicure with OPI N.A.S. 99 cleanser and a lint-free wipe to remove the tacky inhibition layer. If you prefer to skip that step, you can opt for the No-Wipe Top Coat instead. If you’re encapsulating chrome powder, though, you’ll need the No-Wipe version!

Many nail techs believe that the tacky layer from a wipe top coat actually helps extend wear time by improving adhesion, so either option works depending on your manicure goals.

The main reason you would use a top coat without an adhesion layer based on what I have seen is to apply chrome powder. Using a No-Wipe Top Coat is usually recommended for encapsulation of chrome powder because it works better in that application.

Additionally, a No-Wipe Top Coat is easier to use, so it’s often the top coat you’ll see in beginner gel manicure kits. It does not require the added step of wiping your finished manicure with alcohol to remove it, so it simplifies your manicure routine.

Finally, a third reason to use a No-Wipe Top Coat over the standard OPI Super Gloss Top Coat that has the adhesion layer is if your regular top coat is contaminated or unavailable and that’s what you have on hand, you can just use that without buying the other top coat type.

Below you’ll find my step-by-step routine on how to use OPI GelColor in the comfort of your own home for a flawless, long-lasting, rock hard finish.

To start, you’ll need:

Essential tools:

• Cuticle pusher
• Nail files (100/180 grit and glass)
• Buffing block
• Latex gloves
• Primer (optional)
• Clean-up brush
• Lint-free wipes (OPI Expert Touch or any brand)
• Cuticle oil

OPI products used:

• OPI Big Apple Red GelColor
• OPI GelColor Super Base Coat
• OPI GelColor Super Gloss Top Coat or No-Wipe Top Coat
• OPI Star Lamp - yes, you will need a lamp to apply OPI GelColor!
• OPI N.A.S. 99 Cleanser (or another 95–99% isopropyl alcohol)

For best results, use OPI’s matching base, color top coat and lamp.

Gather your supplies in one place and let’s begin.

How To Apply OPI GelColor

Step 1: Prep Your Nails

1. Work on one hand at a time.

2. Remove old polish and push back your cuticles.

3. Shape your nails using a 100/180 grit file, then smooth with a glass file. Popular shapes right now: short square or almond.

4. Buff off the natural shine with a buffing block.

5. Clean and dehydrate nails using OPI N.A.S. 99 or alcohol (do this twice if your nails are oily).

6. Apply primer if desired; OPI BondAid works well here.

Set up your lamp and pick your manicure entertainment (a podcast, playlist, or your favorite show). You’ll be busy for about an hour!

When pairing OPI GelColor with the OPI Star Lamp, each coat only takes 30 seconds to cure - the rest of the time is spent prepping your nails and perfecting the paint job.

Step 2: Apply Base Coat

1. Put on a latex glove on your non-painting hand to protect it from gel exposure.
2. Apply a thin layer of OPI GelColor Super Base Coat, capping the free edge.
3. Clean any polish on your skin with your clean up brush dipped in cleanser.
4. Cure for 30 seconds under the OPI Star Lamp.

Step 3: Apply GelColor

1. Brush on a thin layer of OPI Big Apple Red GelColor, capping the edge of your nail.
2. Clean any color on the skin with your clean up brush and wipe on a lint-free pad.
3. Check for gel pullback at the tips and if needed, lightly re-cap.
4. Cure for 30 seconds, then apply a second coat and cure again.

The tacky layer left after curing is called the inhibition layer which helps with adhesion, don’t touch it.

Gifted by Beyond Polish

Step 4: Apply Top Coat

1. Apply the OPI GelColor Super Gloss Top Coat or No-Wipe Top Coat.
2. Float the brush lightly to avoid picking up red pigment. If you do, simply wipe the brush clean on a lint-free wipe before returning it to the bottle.
3. Cap the free edge, inspect for stray polish on the skin around the nail, clean up any if necessary, and cure for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Cleanse & Finish

If you use the Super Gloss Top Coat, your nails will still feel tacky.

1. Dampen a lint-free wipe with OPI N.A.S. 99 Cleanser.

2. Wipe each nail to remove the remaining inhibition layer. 

This step doesn’t affect wear time. Once the top coat is cured, the tacky layer on top doesn’t help the manicure stay on; it’s only functional between layers during the curing process.

Once the underlying layers are fully bonded, and any remaining tackiness is simply residue - safe to remove after curing unless you’re using a no-wipe formula.

The tackiness between the color coat and top coat is what ensures strong adhesion.

Think of the tackiness like this: the base coat is tacky so the color can bond to it. Each color coat cures tacky so the top coat can fuse with it, forming a strong chemical bond.

Step 6: Repeat on the Other Hand

Now that you’ve got the hang of it, your second hand will go more quickly. 

Once finished, enjoy your smooth, high-shine, smudge-free manicure!

OPI Big Apple Red GelColor

The shade I used in this tutorial is OPI Big Apple Red GelColor.

It’s one of OPI’s most popular year-round reds and it’s been in production for the past 25 years as it is a fan favorite.

Okay, so now you have a gorgeous vibrant red manicure that is rock solid - no chances for smudges hours later!

How Long Will It Last?

OPI GelColor can last up to 21 days. I’ve personally worn OPI GelColor for 10–14 days easily - only changing it sooner for content shoots. Always use the OPI Star Lamp and matching OPI GelColor base and top coat for maximum durability - these results are not guaranteed when pairing an OPI GelColor shade with another brand’s formulas or LED lamps.

Aftercare Tips

Hydrate daily

Apply cuticle oil (I love jojoba) to keep the gel flexible and prevent cracking.

Avoid soaking

Water, especially warm soapy water, weakens the gel. Wear gloves for chores and keep your hands out of the hot tub.

No picking!

Resist the urge to lift or peel the edges. This breaks the seal and will shorten your manicure’s lifespan.

Your final look is a timeless, vibrant gel manicure that’s glossy, chip-resistant, and salon-quality without the salon. You become the salon!

One of the things I love most about doing my own OPI GelColor manicures at home is that one bottle of GelColor lasts up to 80 applications so when you do the cost analysis of price per manicure, your long-range manicure cost is around $1.10.

It’s an incredible savings to just do it yourself!

Quick Recap

1. Prep nails: shape, buff, and dehydrate.

2. Apply base coat → cure.

3. Apply two thin color coats → cure each.

4. Apply top coat → cure.

5. Cleanse (if using a wipe top coat).

6. Repeat on the other hand & finish with cuticle oil.

And that’s it, you’ve just mastered how to apply OPI GelColor at home like a pro! 

Whether you love the timeless red of Big Apple Red or want to experiment with other beloved shades like Bubble Bath, Lincoln Park After Dark or Funny Bunny, this method delivers a salon-quality finish that lasts for weeks.

The OPI GelColor Big Apple Red Basic Kit plus the OPI Star Lamp can get you started enjoying at home OPI GelColor manicures - and the best part is you invest once and when comparing costs to today’s salon prices, it pays for itself in 2 manicures!

If you try this OPI GelColor manicure at home, I’d love to hear how it goes! Share your results or favorite shades by tagging me on Instagram via @lotsoflacquer!

Wondering how to remove your gel manicure when it’s time? See the posts below for how to remove OPI GelColor plus other gel color tips ~ 

Other Articles You May Enjoy:

• 13 Tips for Success with At Home Gel Manicures

• How To Get Better Gel Polish Adhesion

• How To Remove Gel Polish At Home

• OPI Star Light Gel Lamp Review

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