Views: 7 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-06-19 Origin: Site
UV color gel is a type of nail polish that requires curing under a UV or LED lamp to harden and set. Unlike traditional nail polish that dries naturally when exposed to air, UV gel polish provides a long-lasting, high-gloss finish that can last for weeks without chipping or fading.
The main ingredients that make UV color gels work their magic are the big molecule oligomers, the smaller monomer guys, and the photoinitiator dudes that kickstart the hardening process when hit with UV rays.
Toss in some pigments or dyes to give it that pop of color. The specific amounts of the oligomer and monomer homies, along with plasticizer additives, determine how bendy or solid the final gel turns out.
UV color gel comes in various types to suit different preferences and needs. Some common types include:
Gel polishes are thin, pigmented UV gels that are applied like regular nail polish in layers (base coat, color, top coat). They cure under a UV or LED lamp to provide a high-gloss.
Builder gels are thicker, stronger UV gels used to add strength and create nail overlays or sculpted extensions. They can be soft/soak-off or hard gels requiring filing.
Hard gels are the thickest and most rigid UV gels, designed for creating solid nail enhancements, overlays or sculpts. They must be filed and shaped after curing under UV/LED light.
Step 1: Prep your nails by removing any old polish, trimming them to your desired length, gently pushing back the cuticles for a clean nail bed, and lightly buffing the surface to help the gel adhere better.
Step 2: Apply a dehydrator or nail primer and let it fully dry.
Then apply a thin layer of base gel or builder gel only on your natural nails, curing it under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
For nail extensions, apply the builder gel over nail forms to get your desired length and shape, curing it completely.
Step 3: Now for the fun part - color! Apply thin, even coats of your chosen color gel polish over the entire nail, including the free edge.
Cure each layer for 30 seconds to 2 minutes under the UV/LED lamp, following product instructions.
Apply 1-3 coats depending on how opaque you want it, to avoid streaking.
Step 4: Once you've got your color down, apply a layer of top coat gel over it and cure it under the UV/LED lamp.
Wipe off that sticky dispersion layer, then use a file to refine the shape and a buffer to smooth the surface.
Finish by applying some cuticle oil around the nails to moisturize.
There are usually two ways to remove UV color gel, one is to use acetone, the other is to use nail polish remover. The steps of using acetone to remove nail polish are more complicated, let's learn more about it below:
Use a coarse nail file to gently file down the shiny top coat layer of the gel polish until it becomes dull and rough. This helps break the seal so the acetone can penetrate.
Soak cotton balls or pads in 100% pure acetone and place them on each nail, wrapping the tips of your fingers in aluminum foil to hold the cotton in place. The acetone will start to break down the gel polish.
Allow your nails to soak for 10-15 minutes. The gel should start to loosen and lift from the nail bed. For stubborn gel polish, you may need to re-soak for a few more minutes.
Use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently scrape off any remaining gel polish from the nail, working from the cuticle to the tip. Avoid using metal tools which can damage nails.
Once all gel is removed, lightly buff the nail surface with a fine grit buffer to smooth it. Finally, apply cuticle oil or moisturizer to rehydrate nails after the drying effects of acetone.
The key things you need are 100% acetone, cotton balls/pads, aluminum foil, a coarse nail file, and patience for the acetone to fully soak through the gel layers. Avoid peeling or prying off gel polish, as this can severely damage nails.
If using acetone is too complicated for you, using nail polish remover will be a better choice.
1. UV gels can last up to 2-3 weeks and won't chip, flake or lose their shine easily.
2. UV gels, which cure under UV or LED light, create a hard, chip-resistant surface, perfect for those with an active lifestyle or who work with their hands.
3. UV gels act as a protective layer, helping to strengthen and reinforce natural nails, promote healthy growth and prevent breakage.
4. Available in a variety of colors and finishes, including matte, metallic and glitter, UV gels offer endless possibilities for nail art and self-expression.