When u paint nails do u have to put a base coat?

When i go to the salon and get my nails done they put a top coat and base coat. Do i have to put a base coat and top coat? because when i don't do it the nail polish is all bumpy and not smooth. also can i use a base coat as a top coat to and how many coats of nail polish(color) do i have to put on to make it look pro.When u paint nails do u have to put a base coat?
A base coat helps to keep the polish from staining the nails. You can not use a base coat as a top coat. If you are getting bumps when you polish your polish may be too old and thick and/or you are applying it to thick.When u paint nails do u have to put a base coat?
you dont have to use a base coat..or a top coat for that matter. base coat protects your nails from whatever the nail polishes have. and top coat just protects the nail polish. i so reccomend that especially when you have designs on your nails. umm...i know theres a difference between the base coat and the top coat but i dont know what is it. ask the salon ppl. and..usually two coats is good enough. but it depends, like..if you put more and more coats sometimes the color keeps going darker. and the less coats the lighter the color. but two coats should be good enough.
Its good to use a base coat in order to protect your nails from the chemicals in the nail polish.





I hope this helps :-)