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Classification of UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 1)

Release time:

2026-04-17 07:10

Classification of UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 1)

Within the UV gel nail polish product lineup, each product category is designed for a specific function and role, collectively delivering a comprehensive nail-art application solution. From the base coat that adheres to the natural nail, to the color gel that imparts vibrant hues, from the top coat that seals and protects, to the strengthening gel that enhances durability, every product type has its own distinct design objectives and ideal use cases.

I. Primer

Base coat is the foundational layer applied between the natural nail and the color polish, serving to bond and adhere. It typically contains adhesion-promoting monomers that form a strong bond with the nail’s cuticle layer, preventing the subsequent coating from lifting or peeling. After curing, the base coat develops a tacky surface that enhances color polish adhesion, allowing direct application without the need for buffing. Based on the strength of adhesion, base coats are classified as standard or high-adhesion types. Standard base coats are suitable for most normal nails and can provide lasting wear for two to three weeks. High-adhesion base coats are designed for nails with oily surfaces or poor adhesion, leveraging stronger chemical bonding to improve durability.

II. Color Gel

Color gel is the primary layer that delivers color and forms the core of nail art decoration. Based on color, it can be divided into clear gel and solid-color gel: the former is used for transparent or semi-transparent effects, while the latter is used to completely cover the natural nail color. Depending on the desired effect, it can further be categorized into solid-color gel, glitter gel, cat-eye gel, magnetic gel, thermochromic gel, and semi-transparent gel, among others. Typically, two to three coats of color gel are required to achieve optimal saturation and opacity, with each coat needing to be cured under a lamp. High-quality color gels can provide even coverage with a thinner application, whereas gels with insufficient opacity may require more coats or a thicker layer, which increases both the application time and the difficulty of curing.

III. Seal Coat

The top coat is the outermost layer applied over the color gel, serving to seal the color gel, enhance gloss, and extend its durability. Based on application method, top coats are categorized into wipe-off and no-wipe varieties. Wipe-off top coats form a sticky film on the surface after curing, which must be removed with a cleaning solution; once wiped, they deliver a high-gloss finish. No-wipe top coats, by contrast, leave no sticky residue upon curing, achieving a glossy effect without the need for wiping, making them more convenient to use—but they also demand more precise application, as excessive thickness can lead to sagging or incomplete curing. Depending on the level of gloss, top coats can further be divided into high-gloss and matte finishes. High-gloss top coats provide a mirror-like shine, ideal for most nail art styles, while matte top coats offer a soft, understated matte effect, perfect for designs that emphasize texture and a low-key aesthetic.

IV. Reinforcement Adhesive

Reinforcement gel is a transparent, high-viscosity gel with substantial thickness, designed to strengthen nails and fill in surface irregularities. For users with thin, brittle nails, applying reinforcement gel over the base coat can enhance overall nail strength and reduce the risk of breakage. When the nail surface is uneven or pitted, this gel exhibits excellent self-leveling properties, effectively smoothing out imperfections and providing a smooth, even base for subsequent color gels. Reinforcement gel can also be used to adhere nail art decorations. Its viscosity falls between that of a base coat and an extension gel—providing just the right level of flow for easy application while maintaining sufficient thickness to deliver effective reinforcement.

V. Extension Adhesive

Nail extension gel is used to create extended nail sections and offers high hardness combined with excellent malleability. It is typically applied over a paper form, where it is shaped and cured to extend the nail beyond its natural length. The formulation of extension gel is carefully balanced to achieve optimal hardness and flexibility—ensuring the extension is durable yet supple enough to withstand everyday activities. Extension gels are available in clear, pink, and colored varieties. Clear extension gel is ideal for achieving a highly transparent look, pink extension gel closely matches the natural nail color and is often used as a base for French manicures, while colored extension gel delivers immediate color payoff, reducing the need for additional color gel application.

VI. Peelable Adhesive

Peel-off gel is a type of gel polish that can be removed simply by peeling it off, without the need for nail polish remover. Its formulation reduces the bond strength between the coating and the nail surface, allowing the cured layer to be peeled away in one piece. The main advantages of peel-off gel are its ease of removal—no remover required—and its mild chemical irritation to the nails. However, it offers relatively poor durability, typically lasting only three to seven days, making it ideal for users who frequently change their nail colors or for short-term wear. It is also not suitable for prolonged use in hot water or humid environments.

VII. Two-in-One Primer and Sealer

Two-in-one primer-and-seal gel combines the functions of a primer and a top coat in one product, allowing a single bottle to serve as both. Formulating such products requires balancing adhesion with gloss, which can result in performance that falls short of dedicated primers and top coats. Two-in-one gels are ideal for streamlining workflows and achieving quick manicures, making them well-suited for beginners or for everyday, simple nail designs.

VIII. Conclusion

UV gel nail polish can be functionally categorized into a variety of types, including base coats, color gels, top coats, strengthening gels, extension gels, peel-off gels, and two-in-one gels. The base coat ensures adhesion, the color gel delivers the desired shade, the top coat provides sealing and protection, the strengthening gel boosts nail strength, the extension gel is used to build up the nail length, the peel-off gel facilitates easy removal, and the two-in-one gel streamlines the application process. In practical use, it is important to select the appropriate functional gel based on the condition of the nails, the desired outcome, and personal application preferences, while ensuring that products within the same system are used in a coordinated manner to achieve optimal manicure results.

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.

Boxing 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.
Single Product 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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Classification of UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 2)

Key Points in the Production Process of UV Gel Nail Polish