CND Shellac: preparation, application and removal

CND Shellac uses a base, colour and top coat. This overview helps you follow the steps; always use the CND procedure for your specific products and lamp.

Products and tools to prepare

Also prepare lint-free pads and a suitable cuticle pusher. A UV/LED label alone does not confirm that a lamp is suitable.

1. Prepare the nails

Clean hands, shape the free edge and gently remove non-living tissue from the nail surface. Do not thin natural nails by filing. If cuticle remover is used, thoroughly clean it off as directed before applying polish.

2. Cleanse with ScrubFresh

Use a lint-free pad with CND ScrubFresh to cleanse and temporarily dehydrate the nail plate. This prepares the nail surface and does not replace tool hygiene.

3. Apply base coat

Roll the base bottle between your palms to blend. Apply a thin layer to the nail surface and free edge, avoiding skin. Cure using the lamp and programme specified by CND. Do not wipe off the sticky layer.

4. Apply colour

Shake Shellac colour to blend. Apply thin layers and cure each separately according to CND instructions. Typically, apply two layers rather than one thick layer. Do not wipe the sticky layer between them.

5. Finish with top coat

Roll the top bottle between your palms. Apply a thin layer without touching skin and cure as directed. For tops requiring wiping, remove the film with a lint-free pad and 99% isopropyl alcohol according to CND. Skip this step for CND Shellac No-Wipe+.

6. Remove CND Shellac

Saturate the wrap pad with CND Offly Fast, place it on the nail and wrap snugly. Follow the removal time for the top coat used; 10–20 minutes is not a universal rule. Gently remove the wrap and clean residue with a remover-soaked pad. Do not peel, pull or pry material from natural nails.

Points to remember

Curing time and programme depend on the product and corresponding CND lamp. Remove material from skin before curing. Original, No-Wipe+ and Duraforce are different tops; check the bottle when choosing curing and removal procedures.

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