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Usage Differences Among Different Types of Gel Nail Polish (Part 2)

Release time:

2026-04-28 17:14

Usage Differences Among Different Types of Gel Nail Polish (Part 2)

In addition to the standard three-piece set commonly used for everyday nail art, the market also offers several specialty gel polish products. Peel-off gels are designed for quick removal, cat-eye gels create a distinctive iridescent streak effect, and glitter gels deliver a dazzling visual experience. These three types of products differ significantly from regular color gels in their application: some streamline the process, others require additional techniques, and some demand extra steps to ensure a smooth, even surface.

Each type of gel polish has its own specific application priorities, primarily in terms of thickness control, application technique, and edge finishing.

I. Key Points for Applying the Primer

The key to applying the base coat is to keep it thin. Its primary function is to provide adhesion, not to build up thickness. Applying too much can result in incomplete curing, which will compromise the adhesion of the top coat. Use a small amount of product, and scrape off any excess with the brush against the bottle’s rim—just enough to leave a slight film on the brush. When applying, gently glide the brush from the nail root toward the tip, ensuring full coverage of the entire nail surface. After curing, there’s no need to wipe away the tacky layer; leaving it intact actually helps the color gel adhere better.

II. Key Points for Coating Color Adhesive

The key to applying color gel is even, thin, multi-layer application. Start with a thin base coat, then apply a second layer to deepen the color; a single thick coat will never match the results of two thin coats. Use a one-way brushing technique: swipe the brush 2–3 times from the nail root toward the tip, avoiding back-and-forth strokes to prevent air bubbles. Apply gentle pressure, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the nail surface. After coating, be sure to seal the free edge by lightly dabbing a small amount of gel onto the cuticle area with the brush tip.

III. Key Points for Applying the Seal Coat

The core principles of topcoat application are achieving an appropriate thickness and ensuring complete front-edge coverage. A topcoat that is too thin will lack sufficient shine, while one that is too thick is prone to sagging. Apply slightly more product than you would for the base coat, aiming for a smooth, even surface with no noticeable buildup. Front-edge coverage is crucial: use the brush tip to gently dab along the nail’s leading edge, ensuring the topcoat fully seals the nail’s cross-section. After curing, wipe away any sticky residue with a cleaning solution; for no-rinse topcoats, this step is unnecessary.

IV. Key Points for Applying Reinforcement Adhesive

The key application points for reinforcement gel are similar to those for primer: apply a thin coat. The thickness may be slightly greater than that of the primer, but avoid applying it too thickly, as this can result in incomplete curing. Use the same application technique as for the primer—apply a uniform, thin layer from the nail root toward the tip. After curing, there is no need to wipe off the sticky surface layer; simply apply the color gel directly.

V. Key Points for Applying Extended Adhesive

The core of extended gel application lies in shaping and thickness control. The ideal curvature and length must be sculpted on the nail form, with a thickness of about 1 to 2 millimeters—slightly thicker at the nail root and slightly thinner at the tip—to create a natural arc. When shaping, gently push and scrape from the nail root toward the tip, taking care to avoid trapping air bubbles. The curved surface of the nail form should fit snugly against the leading edge of the nail, leaving no gaps. After curing, remove the nail form and use a polishing tool to refine the shape.

VI. Key Points for Coating Peelable Adhesive

The core of peel-off gel application lies in edge control. Peel-off gels do not require a primer or top coat, but they place even higher demands on edge precision. If the gel is applied too close to the nail edge, it can result in incomplete removal. During application, keep the brush about 0.5 mm from the nail’s lateral edge to ensure the gel fully covers the nail surface. The application thickness should be the same as that of regular color gels: apply thin layers repeatedly, using a one-way brushing technique.

VII. Key Points for Coating Cat’s Eye Adhesive

The core of applying cat-eye gel lies in timing the magnetic alignment and controlling the coating thickness. Immediately after application, the gel must be magnetized before it cures; the shorter the interval, the more pronounced the iridescent band effect. Hold the magnet 2–3 mm from the nail surface for 5–10 seconds. The shape and positioning of the magnet determine the appearance of the effect: a straight magnet produces a linear iridescent band, while a round magnet creates a circular halo. Once magnetization is complete, cure the gel under a lamp right away. The coating thickness should be moderate—too thin will result in a weak effect, while too thick is difficult to control. Typically, apply two layers, magnetizing and curing each layer.

VIII. Key Points for Applying Sequin Adhesive

The key to applying glitter glue is achieving an even distribution of the glitter. Before application, invert and roll the bottle to fully suspend any glitter that has settled at the bottom. Use a press-and-drag technique: gently press the brush tip onto the nail surface to ensure the glitter adheres evenly, avoiding back-and-forth brushing that can cause glitter to clump. After application, the surface may appear uneven; there are two ways to address this: first, once the glitter glue has cured, apply a thin layer of clear top coat to smooth the surface before adding the final sealant; second, choose a high-transparency glitter glue and apply the sealant directly over the glitter. The former method offers better stability and is best suited for designs with larger or denser glitter particles.

IX. Conclusion

Each type—peel-off gel, cat-eye gel, and glitter gel—has its own specific techniques. Peel-off gel streamlines the process by eliminating the need for a base coat or top coat, but it places even higher demands on edge control; once applied to the skin, it can be difficult to remove cleanly. With cat-eye gel, the key lies in timing and technique for magnetic attraction: apply it and immediately attract the magnet, then shine the light right after—any delay and the effect will dissipate. As for glitter gel, the challenge is achieving an even distribution of glitter particles, ensuring they are fully suspended, applying the product with firm pressure, and, if it’s too thick, topping it with a layer of clear gel. What these three types have in common is that they all use color gel as a base, yet each adds or simplifies certain steps. Only by following the unique characteristics of each product can you achieve the desired 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 build, and excellent toughness
B-268M	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Good flexibility, good adhesion, good plating performance, and excellent 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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Usage Differences Among Different Types of Gel Nail Polish (Part 3)

Usage Differences Among Different Types of Gel Nail Polish (Part 1)