Handling Poor Conditions in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 2)


Shrinkage refers to the phenomenon where gel polish, after curing, contracts from the nail edge or surface inward, exposing part of the natural nail. The root causes are insufficient adhesion and excessive shrinkage stress. Unlike wrinkling, shrinkage is more closely related to nail preparation and the performance of the base coat. This article will discuss strategies for preventing and addressing shrinkage, covering both preventive measures and post-application remediation techniques.

I. Preventive Measures for Shrinkage

1. Thoroughly cleaning the nail surface is the first step in preventing gel shrinkage. Use a cleaning solution or alcohol wipes to thoroughly wipe the nail surface, removing oil, moisture, and dust. For each nail, use a fresh section of the wipe to avoid transferring oil from one nail to another. After cleaning, do not touch the nail surface with your hands, as oils from your skin can recontaminate the nails.

2. Apply the base coat evenly. The base coat should cover the entire nail surface, with adequate coverage at the edges but without spilling onto the skin. Use an appropriate amount of product—just enough to lightly coat the brush tip. When applying, spread the coating uniformly from the nail root toward the tip, ensuring no areas are left uncoated. For thin nails or areas with an uneven nail surface, apply a slightly thicker layer of base coat to ensure full coverage.

3. Control the curing time. Follow the curing time specified in the product instructions and avoid prolonging it unnecessarily. Over-curing can increase shrinkage stress and raise the risk of gelation shrinkage. For equipment with an uncertain curing time, first conduct a test using a fingernail to determine the appropriate curing parameters.

4. Choose low-shrinkage products. Shrinkage rates vary among different brands and product lines of gel polish. For users prone to shrinkage issues, prioritize low-shrinkage formulations or apply a drying agent before the base coat to enhance adhesion.

II. Treatment Methods After Shrinkage

1. Handling localized shrinkage. If the shrinkage occurs only in a small area along the nail edge, you can reapply base coat and color gel to the exposed area. Buff the surrounding area of the exposed region, wipe it with a cleaning solution, apply a thin layer of base coat and cure it, then apply color gel and top coat.

2. Handling extensive shrinkage of the nail plate. If the shrinkage covers a large area and exposes multiple parts of the nail bed, the entire manicure must be removed and redone. After removal, carefully inspect the condition of the nails to ensure that the nail surface is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry, then reapply the polish according to the standard procedure. During the redo, pay particular attention to cleaning the nail surface and applying the base coat evenly.

III. Conclusion

Prevention is the primary approach to managing shrinkage. Adhering strictly to the nail surface cleaning protocol, ensuring even application of the base coat, avoiding over-curing, and selecting low-shrinkage products—these four measures form the foundation for preventing shrinkage. If shrinkage does occur, determine whether to perform localized touch-ups or a full reapplication based on the extent of the issue. When shrinkage recurs repeatedly, first verify that the nail surface has been thoroughly cleaned; second, assess whether the base coat is appropriate for the current condition of the nails.

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

Enhance 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 exotherm, and good 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, excellent 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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