Clear Nail Polish vs. Top Coat

A top coat rather than clear nail polish will preserve the color under longer.

All nail polishes are not created equally. Clear nail polish is still just nail polish--vulnerable to chips and peeling, but a top coat will protect your nail color against scratches, chips and other annoying dings because it dries harder.

Types

Many base coats contain nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E.

A base coat is a clear polish that goes underneath nail polish, and it can contain proteins, vitamin E, calcium, aloe vera and other ingredients to promote healthy nails. Nail polish is either clear or a color and goes on after the base coat. A top coat is the last step, which is designed to make nails harder and keep them looking shiny.

Function

A top coat will keep dark colors--like black--looking glossy for longer.

Unlike clear nail polish, top coats are designed to dry hard, so they are less susceptible to nicks and scratches. Top coats also have quick-drying properties, so you can apply them over nails that are nearly dry and they will dry faster.

Significance

A top coat will extend the life of your manicure.

A top coat will extend the life of your manicure, which usually last about two weeks. A top coat can be reapplied five to seven days after your manicure and then as needed.

Features

A top coat can be worn alone, but it is not advised.

A top coat can be worn alone, however, that is not its purpose. It would be better to apply a clear polish and then the topcoat for optimum results. Ideally, a base coat should be used as well to keep the nails healthy.

Benefits

Use a base coat, color coat and then top a coat for a long-lasting manicure.

Nail polish works best when you use a base coat, polish and then a top coat. This way the color (clear or otherwise) is sandwiched between two protective layers. Skipping a step will sacrifice nail health and manicure life.

Potential

A complete manicure should employ a top coat.

When used in combination with a base coat and color, your nails will be protected from yellowing, color will go on smoother, nail defects--such as scratches or lines--will disappear, and chips, peeling and cracks will be less likely to occur. Try using a nail buffer before your manicure to buff out nail defects.