News

Knowledge

Company News

Application Mind Map

Test Report

Technical Article

Industry News

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 1)

Release time:

2026-04-29 06:51

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 1)

Even when UV gel polish is applied according to the standard procedure, various defects can still occur. Wrinkling is one of the most common issues, characterized by irregular, wrinkle-like patterns on the surface after the gel has cured, which severely compromises the aesthetic appeal and smoothness of the manicure. Understanding the causes of wrinkling can help you consciously avoid this problem during application.

I. Manifestations and Impacts of Wrinkling

Cracking refers to the formation of irregular, skin-like wrinkles on the surface of gel polish after it has cured. These patterns can range from a fine, dense mesh to broad, deep grooves; whichever form they take, they disrupt the smoothness and shine of the nail surface. Cracking not only detracts from the visual appeal but also compromises the seal’s density, preventing the top coat from adhering evenly and thereby reducing the longevity of the manicure. In cases of severe cracking, the entire design often needs to be removed and redone.

II. Main Causes of Wrinkling

1. Overly thick coating is the primary cause of wrinkling. When the color adhesive or topcoat is applied too thickly, ultraviolet light cannot penetrate to the bottom of the coating; the surface layer cures first, forming a hard film, while the underlying adhesive remains in a liquid state. As curing continues, the internal adhesive shrinks as it sets, but the already hardened surface layer cannot contract in tandem. This mismatch in stress between the inner and outer layers causes the surface to be squeezed and develop wrinkles. Although applying a single thick coat may seem convenient, it carries a significantly higher risk of wrinkling than applying multiple thin coats.

2. Insufficient curing time can also cause wrinkling. When the curing lamp’s power is inadequate, the lamp tube has aged, or the irradiation time is too short, the overall degree of cure for the coating is low, leading to uneven shrinkage between layers and resulting in wrinkles. Some users, in an effort to speed up the process, shorten the curing time, which in fact increases the likelihood of wrinkling.

3. Lamp aging is a frequently overlooked cause. During operation, UV lamps gradually degrade, resulting in a continuous decline in output energy. Even when the irradiation time is set to the same duration, the actual energy delivered by an aged lamp is often insufficient to achieve complete curing of the coating, leading to differential curing between the surface and the interior and, consequently, wrinkling.

4. Mixing products from different brands can also lead to wrinkling. Each brand’s primer, color gel, and topcoat have distinct resin systems and shrinkage rates; when mixed, the interlayer reactions become mismatched and the degree of shrinkage is inconsistent, resulting in wrinkling. In contrast, products within the same brand are designed with compatibility across all layers, so mixing them disrupts this balance.

III. Conclusion

The primary causes of wrinkling can be attributed to three main factors: coating thickness, curing conditions, and product compatibility. Excessive coating thickness leads to inconsistent curing progress between the inner and outer layers; insufficient curing results in non-uniform coating shrinkage; aging of the curing lamp reduces output energy; and mixing different products degrades interlayer compatibility. Whether acting individually or in combination, these factors can all contribute to the occurrence of wrinkling. Therefore, understanding these root causes and taking deliberate measures during operation—such as controlling coating thickness, monitoring the condition of curing equipment, and maintaining product compatibility—is essential for minimizing wrinkling.

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	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 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

Share to:

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 2)

Usage Differences Among Different Types of Gel Nail Polish (Part 3)