Which procedure MUST be performed for nail polish to adhere well?

For nail polish to adhere well, it is crucial to remove all traces of lotion or oil from the nail surface. Oils and lotions create a barrier that can prevent the polish from adhering properly, leading to chipping and peeling. When the nail is clean and devoid of any contaminants, it allows the polish to form a strong bond to the nail surface, enhancing its durability and longevity.

While applying a base coat can also improve adhesion, the first step is ensuring the nail is clean. Buffing the nail surface can help with adhesion as well, but it is important to remove oils and lotions beforehand. A nail primer may be beneficial for certain finishes or to improve adherence on problematic nails, but it is not a mandatory procedure for all types of nail polish applications. Therefore, the most critical step for proper nail polish adherence is ensuring the nails are free from oils and lotions.