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Classification of UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 2)

Release time:

2026-04-17 17:14

Classification of UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 2)

The performance of UV gel nail polish depends not only on its intended function but also closely on its curing method and visual effects. Different types of gel polishes have varying requirements for the curing light source: some are suitable for conventional UV lamps, others are specifically designed for LED lamps, and still others are compatible with both. In terms of visual effects, ranging from solid colors to glitter, from cat-eye to thermochromic finishes, these specialty gels offer a wealth of possibilities for nail design. Understanding these categories helps users make informed choices based on their equipment and design needs. This article will classify UV gel nail polishes according to two key aspects: curing characteristics and effect types.

I. Classification by Curing Characteristics

1. UV-cured adhesive

UV-cured gel is a traditional type of nail polish gel that requires curing under a UV lamp. UV lamps emit a broad spectrum of ultraviolet light, making them highly compatible with a wide range of photoinitiators; as a result, most nail gels cure well under UV light. However, UV curing takes relatively longer—typically about two minutes—and the lamp’s output gradually diminishes over time, necessitating regular replacement. Additionally, UV lamps generate significant heat during use, which can cause a burning sensation upon exposure and may be uncomfortable for users with thin or sensitive nails.

2. LED curing adhesive

LED-cured gel is a type of nail polish gel specifically formulated for use with LED light sources. Because LED lamps emit a relatively narrow range of ultraviolet wavelengths, it is essential to select photoinitiators whose absorption peaks align with the emission peak of the LED. LED-cured gels cure more rapidly—typically achieving full cure in 30 to 60 seconds—and LED lamps themselves offer longer service life, lower energy consumption, and reduced heat generation. Consequently, LED-cured gels place higher demands on formulation design, with the compatibility of photoinitiators being critical; improper selection can result in incomplete curing or a tacky surface.

3. UV/LED Dual-Source Adhesive

UV/LED dual-source gel polish is currently the mainstream type on the market. Its formulation contains photoinitiators that are responsive to both UV and LED wavelengths, enabling proper curing under either light source. This type of product strikes a balance between compatibility and curing efficiency, eliminating the need for users to purchase specialized polishes for specific curing devices. The formulation of dual-source gels is relatively complex, requiring careful optimization of the ratio and compatibility of the two photoinitiators to ensure consistent, high-quality curing under both UV and LED lamps. Most commercially available gel polishes fall into this category.

II. Classification by Effect

1. Solid-color glue

Solid-color gel is the most basic type of color gel, presenting a single, uniform hue. It spans a wide spectrum of shades, from light to dark and from vibrant to subtle, making it suitable for a variety of nail design styles. Key quality indicators for solid-color gel include opacity, color saturation, leveling properties, and the smoothness of the cured surface. High-quality solid-color gel achieves even coverage with a thin application, delivers rich, true-to-tone color, minimizes brush marks during application, and results in a glossy, perfectly smooth finish after curing.

2. Glitter glue

Glitter glue is a type of colored adhesive in which glitter, shimmering powders, and other decorative particles are mixed into a transparent or semi-transparent base. It delivers a sparkling, iridescent sheen, making it ideal for parties, festivals, and other festive occasions. The size, shape, color, and density of the glitter can be customized to suit design requirements; common options include hexagonal glitter, round glitter, and irregularly shaped glitter. When applying, it is crucial to ensure even distribution of the glitter to prevent clumping or gaps in certain areas; in some cases, special application techniques or specialized tools may be needed to achieve uniform coverage.

3. Cat-eye glue

Cat’s-eye gel is a special-effect color gel formulated with magnetic pigment particles. After application, moving a magnet near the nail surface causes the pigment particles to align along the magnetic field lines, creating a cat’s-eye-like iridescent band effect. Different magnet shapes produce distinct band patterns, such as straight, radial, or wavy designs. The magnetic alignment must be performed while the coating is still uncured; the distance between the magnet and the nail, as well as the speed of the magnet’s movement, influence the sharpness and definition of the effect. Typically, a single layer of cat’s-eye gel is sufficient to achieve the desired result, eliminating the need for multiple coats.

4. Magnetic adhesive

Magnetic gel shares a similar principle with cat-eye gel, but delivers a wider range of effects. By pairing it with different magnets, magnetic gel can produce a variety of patterns, such as ripples, nebulae, and grids, making it an upgraded version of cat-eye gel. The types and concentrations of magnetic pigment particles in the formula have been optimized to create richer, more dynamic magnetic-field arrangements. Magnetic gel places higher demands on magnetic-attraction techniques; combining different magnets allows for the creation of unique, personalized effects.

5. Temperature-sensitive adhesive

Thermochromic gel is a type of color-changing gel that alters its hue in response to temperature changes. It contains thermosensitive colorants, so the color shifts as the nail’s temperature varies. Typically, it displays one shade at lower temperatures and another at higher temperatures, with intermediate shades appearing at moderate temperatures. This playful, interactive effect makes thermochromic gel particularly popular among younger consumers. However, the degree of color change is highly sensitive to ambient temperature; for example, it may exhibit different tones in winter versus summer. Users should therefore be mindful of how environmental temperature affects the final appearance.

6. Semi-transparent adhesive

Semi-transparent gel is a type of colored gel that falls between sheer and opaque gels, offering a translucent effect that subtly reveals the natural color of the nail. It is commonly used in Japanese-style nail art and nude makeup-inspired designs that emphasize a natural look, as well as as a transition layer in ombre nail techniques. The level of transparency can be adjusted to suit different needs, with options ranging from slightly sheer to fully semi-transparent. When applied in a single layer, the gel remains highly transparent; applying multiple layers gradually deepens the color, allowing for flexible control over the number of coats based on the design requirements.

III. Conclusion

UV gel nail polish can be classified according to its curing characteristics into three types: UV-cured gel, LED-cured gel, and dual-source gel. UV-cured gel offers excellent compatibility but requires a longer curing time; LED-cured gel cures quickly but places higher demands on the formulation; dual-source gel combines the advantages of both, making it the market mainstream. In terms of visual effects, gel polishes are available in a wide range of styles, including solid-color gel, glitter gel, cat-eye gel, magnetic gel, thermochromic gel, and semi-transparent gel, each catering to different aesthetic preferences. In practical applications, it is essential to select a gel polish that is compatible with the type of curing equipment being used and to choose the appropriate effect gel based on the design style, in order to achieve the desired manicure result.

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 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 fullness, 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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Classification of UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 3)

Classification of UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 1)