r/Nails•
sadlerandthorning

Polish rubbing off

Discussion/Question

I never had issues with polish sticking to my nails until I got a gel manicure. I fairly certain I've got all the residue off but since then if I try to use regular bottles of polish it just rubs off. I've tried Orly nail defense, roughing up with a file and no prep with no difference.

Applications I've tried are:

  • Super thin coats with lots of drying time and the same with quick coats, 2-4 coats.
  • Thicker coats in the same way.

I've tried Orly sec dry and seche vive as top coats

As for actual polish brands, I've tried Orly laquer and Barry M Gelly.

Whichever combination I try, it will just rub off under the lightest touch no matter how long I leave it to dry. Any advice is very welcome, as it's driving me up the wall!

Posted Sep 6, 2025, 9:07 PM UTC

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