Four OPI bottles can carry the same shade name and still behave completely differently on your nails. The difference is the system: how it dries, how long it lasts and how it comes off. Here is how OPI's four polish systems compare, and which base and top coat belong with each.
Nail Lacquer
Dries: in the air. Removal: any polish remover, such as OPI Expert Touch. Size: 15 mL.
OPI Nail Lacquer is the classic. Apply Natural Nail Base Coat, two thin coats of colour and OPI Top Coat. For a velvet look, swap in the Matte Top Coat. Reapply top coat every two to three days to refresh shine.
Infinite Shine
Dries: in the air — no lamp. Removal: regular remover. Size: 15 mL.
Infinite Shine is built as a three-step system: Infinite Shine Gel-Like Base Coat (in our base coats), two coats of colour, then the Gel-Like Top Coat (in our top coats). The result is a gel-like gloss that is made to outlast a classic lacquer.
GelColor
Dries: cured under an LED gel lamp. Removal: soak off. Size: 15 mL.
GelColor goes over a cured GelColor base coat (the Super Strong Base Coat is designed for extra staying power) and under a GelColor top coat — including the Super Gloss No-Wipe Top Coat for chrome and nail art. You need a lamp such as the OPI Star Light.
RapiDry
Dries: quickly, in the air. Size: 9 mL.
RapiDry is for the days when you paint your nails right before you leave. One to two thin coats, then a top coat if you want more shine.
Choosing the right coats
- Nail Lacquer → Natural Nail Base Coat + OPI Top Coat (or Matte Top Coat)
- Infinite Shine → Gel-Like Base Coat + Gel-Like Top Coat
- GelColor → GelColor Base Coat or Super Strong Base Coat + GelColor Top Coat, Matte Top Coat or Super Gloss No-Wipe Top Coat
- Weak nails under any lacquer → Natural Nail Strengthener or Start to Finish 3-in-1
Side by side
| System | Lamp | Removal | Size | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Lacquer | No | Remover | 15 mL | $6.05 |
| Infinite Shine | No | Remover | 15 mL | $7.30 |
| GelColor | LED | Soak-off | 15 mL | $19.14 |
| RapiDry | No | Remover | 9 mL | $9.39 |
FAQ
Can I mix systems?
Keep each system with its own base and top coat. Mixing a lacquer top coat over gel, for example, will not cure and will not give gel wear.
Do shade names match across systems?
Many do: Big Apple Red, Bubble Bath, Funny Bunny and others appear in Nail Lacquer, Infinite Shine and GelColor, which makes a matching mani-pedi easy.
Bottom line
No lamp and classic: Nail Lacquer. No lamp and longer wear: Infinite Shine. A lamp and weeks of wear: GelColor. Rushing: RapiDry. Shop OPI.