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Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (9)

Release time:

2026-05-05 23:15

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (9)

During the application of UV gel polish, edge lifting is an early sign of chipping. It begins at the nail’s leading or lateral edges, where small gaps or lifted margins first appear; if left unaddressed, these defects will gradually expand until the entire layer eventually flakes off. Unlike full-layer delamination, edge lifting has a distinct starting point and a predictable pattern of progression. Understanding the underlying causes of edge lifting can help you implement targeted preventive measures during application.

I. Appearance and Impact of Edge Lifting

Edge lifting typically begins at the anterior edge of the nail, manifesting as a tiny gap between the polish and the nail plate or as the polish lifting upward along the nail margin. Lateral edge lifting, on the other hand, occurs near the nail folds on both sides of the nail. In the early stages, the lifted area is very small and may be difficult to detect with the naked eye, but a smooth, uneven edge can often be felt by touch. Over time, as moisture seeps in during daily activities and the nail is subjected to mechanical impacts, the lifted area gradually expands. Once the extent of lifting reaches a certain threshold, the entire polish layer may detach in one go under even a relatively minor external force. Edge lifting serves as an early warning sign of polish detachment and is a major factor affecting the longevity of a manicure.

II. Main Causes of Edge Lifting

1. Failure to fully encapsulate the nail’s free edge with the top coat is a major cause of edge lifting. One of the top coat’s key functions is to seal the entire coating system, preventing moisture and contaminants from penetrating at the edges. If the top coat does not adequately cover the cross-section of the nail’s free edge, the coating at that area remains exposed. During everyday activities such as handwashing and showering, moisture can seep in through the uncovered edge, creating a gap between the coating and the nail and gradually compromising adhesion. Moreover, the nail’s free edge is a high-stress area in daily use; actions like typing on a keyboard, opening cans, or peeling items all exert external forces on the free edge, accelerating the onset of lifting.

2. An overly thin nail edge is also a contributing factor. The nail edge is naturally the weakest part of the nail, especially for nails that are frequently filed or are inherently thin and soft. A thin nail edge has a small contact area with the coating, resulting in insufficient adhesion. Moreover, such nails are prone to bending and deformation under stress; if the coating’s flexibility cannot keep pace with these deformations, stress concentrations develop at the interface, leading to edge lifting or delamination.

3. In everyday use, excessive stress on the nail’s leading edge is an objective factor. The primary functions of the nail are to protect the fingertip and assist with grasping; these activities inevitably place pressure on the nail’s leading edge. Prolonged keyboard typing, frequent picking at objects, and using the nails to open cans—all such habits can accelerate the lifting of the nail’s edges. Even when the application is performed to exacting standards, the user’s daily habits will still affect the longevity of the manicure.

4. Failure to wrap the leading edge at each coating stage can lead to cumulative problems. While omitting the leading-edge wrap in the topcoat is a direct cause, both the primer and color coat must also fully wrap the leading edge. If the primer does not cover the leading-edge cross-section, moisture can more easily penetrate the underlying layers through that exposed area; and if the color coat fails to wrap the leading edge, the seal between the topcoat and the leading edge will be compromised, reducing the overall sealing performance.

III. The Expansion Process of Edge Lifting

Edge lifting typically unfolds gradually. In the early stages, only a tiny gap forms; once moisture penetrates, the adhesion between the coating and the nail further weakens. With each hand wash or shower, more moisture enters the gap, and upon drying, a small amount of residue is left behind, creating a repeated cycle. Over time, the area of lifting expands from the edge inward, evolving from discrete spots to linear streaks until the entire nail surface is affected. This process can take as little as a few days or as long as one to two weeks, depending on the environment in which the product is used and daily habits. IV. Conclusion

Edge lifting is an early sign of peeling in UV gel polish application, and its primary causes can be traced to three main factors: inadequate sealing, the condition of the nail, and everyday use. If the top coat does not fully seal the nail’s leading edge, it creates a pathway for moisture to penetrate; if the nail’s leading edge is too thin, the adhesive surface area will be insufficient; and during daily wear, excessive stress on the leading edge can accelerate delamination. While proper coverage at every stage is important, the top coat’s sealing of the leading edge is especially critical. Understanding the root causes of edge lifting—ensuring that each layer fully covers the leading edge, with particular attention to thorough top-coat application, reinforcing the leading edge for users with thin nails, and taking care to protect the nails in daily use—is the key approach to preventing edge lifting.

Disclaimer: The above content has been compiled from public sources for reference only; if any infringement occurs, please contact us and we will address it promptly.

Bossin Recommended Products – UV Gel Nail Polish
Base coat
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-02H	Phosphate ester acrylate monomer	Enhances adhesion to substrates such as metal, glass, and plastic.
B-2016	Polyester acrylate	High molecular weight, excellent flexibility, strong adhesion, and low heat release.
B-2018	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Good adhesion, good flexibility, and water resistance.
Colored tape
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-151DM	Modified epoxy acrylate	Low halogen, yellowing resistance, excellent plating performance, and strong adhesion.
B-162	Epoxy acrylate	Fast curing, low odor, high gloss, and high fullness.
B-166A	Modified epoxy acrylate	Good flexibility and strong adhesion
B-166A-85	Modified epoxy acrylate	Good flexibility, excellent adhesion, contains 15% HEMA
B-166A-85P	Modified epoxy acrylate	Good flexibility, excellent adhesion, contains 15% HEMA
B-27	Active amine photosensitizing promoter	Low color number, benzene-free, low odor, antioxidant and anti-polymerization
B-296	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, chemical resistance, yellowing resistance, and impact resistance.
Extended glue
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-210D	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, low heat release, and excellent toughness.
T-2022D	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Non-stick, low heat generation, strong adhesion, high hardness
Sealant glue
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-376	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	LED yellowing is minimal, and the nail polish formulation exhibits excellent stability.
B-412T-6	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Good toughness, tin-free, and excellent stability of the nail polish formulation.
Matte Sealing Layer
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-328M	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Low gloss, low viscosity, excellent wettability, and a pleasant hand feel.
B-328R	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Low gloss, excellent matting, good wetting, and a fine, smooth, and silky hand feel.
B-329D	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Low irritation, low viscosity, excellent wettability, and a pleasant feel.
One-step adhesive
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-315	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Wear and chemical resistance, high hardness, toughness, and yellowing resistance.
A-grade film
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-113	Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate	High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, containing 20% TPGDA.
B-216	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high build, and excellent toughness
B-268M	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Good flexibility, excellent adhesion, superior plating performance, and strong hiding power.
B-619W	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high hardness, good toughness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance.
Individual Recommendation
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
BM1211 (HPMA)	Hydroxypropyl methacrylate	HEMA-free, high strength, low irritation, high adhesion

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Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (10)

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 8)