We all know the struggle of trying to figure out if gel polish is cured. Let’s be honest, it can be quite frustrating. The good news is that there are a few ways you can tell if your gel polish has been cooked and ready for removal!
In this blog post we will teach you How To Tell If Gel Polish Is Cured and developed into a chip-resistant finish.
How To Tell If Gel Polish Is Cured?
Gel polish can be difficult to cure, which means that it’s important not just try and use Gel Polish as is. If you see colors tinting your clear topcoat brush after applying gels then this might mean there are still some under-cured spots on the nail.
If you’re using a traditional UV lamp, then your gel polish will be done curing once the nails look shiny and there is no longer any water condensation on top of them. However, if you are using LED lamps that output light in a more narrow spectrum, the shine may not necessarily mean it’s fully cured. In this case, wait until the lamp turns off before concluding that your nails are fully set.
Signs that Your Gel Polish is Not Fully Cured
There are also more signs you can check to know if your gel polish is fully cured.
1. The surface of the gel polish feels gritty and rough- this is called “the drag”. Your nail does not feel smooth to the touch.
2. You see tiny bubbles in the gel polish that look like they popped on the nails after application, but did not dissipate after application (they stay there).
3. You flex the nails and you see tiny cracks in the gel polish that look like they did not flex or move.
4. You swipe a finger across the top of the gel polish and it smudges off easily (this is also called “the smear”).
5. You begin to feel a burning sensation from their nail beds which is a reaction to the acid inside the gel polish if it is not fully cured.
If you notice any of these signs, check your light and make sure it’s still on or needs to be replaced.
Gel Polish has been sitting too long in a store display case where they have been exposed to sunlight from being near a window. This can make the gel nail polish cure to a point where it is strong enough for you to wear it, but not to a point where it’s truly “cured”.
How to Remove Gel Polish if It is Not Fully Cured
If you try to remove gel polish when it’s not fully cured, then you might experience some damage or smudging of the nail color. For example, if there is still moisture present on the nail, then the acetone will start to dissolve it and you’ll see the color come off in chunks.
So if you’re not sure whether or not your polish is done curing, we suggest just waiting until it’s 100% set before attempting any removal methods.
In short:
- If gel polish is still wet/sticky/tacky then it’s not fully cured.
- If you see water condensation on top after curing (under traditional UV lamps) or the lamp turns off during curing (with LED), then wait until the light goes out before concluding that your nails are set and ready for removal.
- If gel polish is still wet, smudgy, or coming off in chunks then it’s not fully cured and you should wait until it is before attempting to remove it.
However, if you believe that it’s not fully cured and you have to remove the gel polish, then use a remover with acetone and do it slowly.
Why Do Some Gel Polish Take Time to Cure?
Some brands of gel polish require longer curing times than others. This is because the manufacturers have chosen to use more or less of certain ingredients in their formulations.
- The result is that some of these manufacturers’ gel polishes cure faster than others’. Manufacturers tend to aim for a compromise between how long it takes to cure, the level of shine, and how well it resists chips.
- There are a few ingredients that are responsible for how quickly or slowly a gel polish cures. The key ingredient is called an initiator. An initiator is a substance that starts the polymerization process, which is what causes the gel polish to harden.
- Some types of initiators work faster than others, so it is possible to create a gel polish that cures in as little as 30 seconds or one that requires two minutes or more. The other ingredients in the formulation also play a role in how quickly the polish hardens.
- Some polishes contain thicker polymers, which can make them harder to cure. Thicker polymers also tend to result in a higher shine. On the other hand, polishes with thinner polymers tend to cure more quickly. However, they may not be as durable and may chip more easily.
It is important to keep these factors in mind when choosing a gel polish, since they will affect how long it takes for the polish to harden. In general, it is best to opt for a polish that requires a shorter curing time, since it will be less of a hassle.
However, if you are looking for a high-shine polish that will last for weeks, then you may need to compromise and choose a polish that takes a bit longer to cure.
When selecting a gel polish, it is important to read the instructions carefully to ensure that you are choosing the right one. Some polishes may require a specific type of lamp or curing time, so make sure to choose a polish that will work with the equipment you have.
How Should You Cure Your Gel Polish Properly?
Now that you know how to properly apply your gel polish, it’s time to learn how to cure it correctly. Curing your gel polish is essential to ensuring a long-lasting manicure. follow these simple steps to get the perfect shine and longevity from your gel nail polish:
1. First, make sure that your nails are clean. Remove the oil from your nails as best as you can. if some oil remains, it can cause a mishap during curing.
2. Second, apply a thin layer of gel base coat to each nail and gently cure it under an LED or UV light for 30 seconds. This coats your natural nails with a protective barrier that ensures a long-lasting mani.
3. Third, apply a thin layer of gel color and gently cure it under the light for 60 seconds. This is your opportunity to cure any bald or uneven spots created by the first step, as well as building on the protective barrier that will ensure a longer-lasting manicure.
4. Finally, apply another thin layer of color and cure it for a full two minutes. This will give you the most durable and high-shine finish.
Following these simple steps will help you to create a long-lasting gel nail polish manicure that will look great for weeks on end!
How to Cure Your Gel Topcoat
Now that you know all about gel top coats, it’s time to learn how to cure them. Curing a gel topcoat is very important, as it helps the product to set and last longer. There are several ways to cure a gel topcoat, but the most common method is using an LED or UV light.
- To cure a gel topcoat using an LED or UV light, start by applying the topcoat to your nails. Then, place your nails under the light for the recommended amount of time. Once the time is up, remove your nails from the light and enjoy your long-lasting manicure!
- If you don’t have access to an LED or UV light, there are other ways to cure gel topcoat. One popular method is placing your nails under a very hot running tap water for about 10 seconds. You could also use a blow dryer on low setting and aim the air flow directly at your nails for about 10 seconds.
Curing a gel topcoat is an important step, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. By taking the time to cure your topcoat, you’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful manicure for weeks on end!
What Will Happen if the Gel Polish is Over Cured?
Gel-polish is a more durable product compared to gels. But, what will happen if the gel polish is over-cured?
There are some different factors that can affect how long a gel manicure or pedicure lasts.
- For example, the surface was not prepared properly before applying the first coat of base coat.
- Some products were not removed or didn’t have any residue-cleaning before applying a new product.
- Some parts of the nail plate weren’t protected by a top coat on some occasions.
- Or, if a fiberglass wrap was applied directly to bare nails, then the gel polish will not last long because it’s just like using an acrylic on your actual nails.
But, if all of the proper steps are taken before and during the application process, then a gel polish can last anywhere from two to four weeks.
In conclusion, gel polish can last up to two or three weeks if the proper steps are taken. However, if the gel polish is over-cured, it can lead to a number of problems. By following the simple steps in this article, you can ensure that your gel polish will last for weeks on end!
