Prepare for the State Board Nail Tech Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your nail tech licensure exam!

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To seal colored nail polish, what must be applied?

  1. Base coat

  2. Finishing lotion

  3. Top coat

  4. Quick-dry spray

The correct answer is: Top coat

To seal colored nail polish, a top coat must be applied. The primary function of a top coat is to provide a protective layer over the colored polish, enhancing its durability and helping to prevent chipping or scratching. Additionally, top coats can add extra shine and create a smooth finish, improving the overall appearance of the manicure. While base coats are crucial for preparing the nail surface and adhering the polish, they are applied before the color. Finishing lotion and quick-dry spray serve different purposes; finishing lotion is typically used for moisturizing and improving the cuticle area, whereas quick-dry spray can assist in speeding up the drying time of the polish but does not offer the same level of protection and sealing that a top coat does. Hence, for sealing and protecting the color, the use of a top coat is essential.