News

Knowledge

Company News

Application Mind Map

Test Report

Technical Article

Industry News

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 4)

Release time:

2026-04-30 06:06

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 4)

During the application of UV gel polish, chipping is one of the key factors that affect the longevity of a manicure. Chipping manifests as the gel lifting at the nail edges or peeling off entirely from the nail surface, causing the manicure to lose its integrity in a short period of time. Unlike surface defects such as wrinkling and shrinkage, chipping is directly related to the adhesion performance of the coating and is therefore a particularly sensitive complaint among users. Understanding the root causes of chipping can help practitioners take targeted measures during application to prevent this issue.

I. Manifestations and Impacts of Shedding

Nail polish gel peels off starting at the nail’s free edge or lateral edges, gradually spreading toward the central portion of the nail plate until the entire coating is completely detached. The detached layer typically retains its original integrity, indicating that interlayer adhesion remains adequate; however, the interface bond between the coating and the natural nail has failed. Such delamination not only compromises the expected longevity of the manicure but also erodes consumer trust in the product. Products that frequently peel off can lead to customer churn in professional salons and prompt consumers to switch to other brands for home use.

II. Main Causes of Shedding

1. Inadequate cleaning of the nail surface is the primary cause of nail detachment. The natural nail surface is coated with an oily film that provides protection; however, this film can impede the adhesion between the base coat and the nail. If the surface is not thoroughly degreased with a cleaning solution prior to application, the base coat will fail to form a strong chemical bond with the nail. Even after curing, although the coating itself exhibits complete cross-linking, insufficient adhesion to the nail can result in detachment under minimal external force. Moreover, touching the cleaned nail surface with your hands can reintroduce oils, further compromising adhesion.

2. Insufficient adhesion of the base coat is also a common cause of lifting. Adhesion performance varies among different brands of base coats; standard base coats are suitable for normal nails, but may lack adequate adhesion when used on oily nail surfaces, thin and soft nails, or nails that are frequently exposed to water. Applying the base coat too thinly or missing certain areas can likewise result in localized adhesion failure, leading to lifting that starts at those spots and spreads outward.

3. Inadequate sealing of the top coat is a major contributing factor to peeling and lifting. One of the key functions of the top coat is to create a watertight seal across the entire coating system, preventing moisture and contaminants from penetrating at the edges. If the top coat does not fully encapsulate the leading edge of the nail, the coating at the nail’s cross-section remains exposed. During daily activities such as handwashing and showering, moisture can seep in through these uncovered edges, creating a gap between the coating and the nail surface. Over time, this weakens adhesion, eventually causing the coating to lift and peel off starting from the fingertip. This mechanism explains why many manicures begin to show problems at the tip of the nail.

4. Naturally oily nails are an inherent characteristic for some users. Oily nails produce sebum at a rapid rate, so even after thorough cleaning prior to application, oil can reseep out within a short period, compromising the adhesion of the base coat. For such nails, a stronger adhesion-enhancing solution is required; standard base coats are often insufficient.

III. The Extension Process of Shedding

Delamination typically does not occur instantaneously; rather, it unfolds over a progressive process. The initial sign is often a subtle lifting at the nail’s leading or lateral edge, which may be difficult to detect with the naked eye. As daily activities such as friction, contact, and moisture penetration take place, the lifted area gradually expands. Once the extent of the lift reaches a certain threshold, the entire coating layer may detach in one piece under a single external force. After delamination, the back surface of the coating is usually smooth and intact, indicating that the failure occurred at the interface between the coating and the nail.

IV. Conclusion

Chipping is a common issue that affects the longevity of UV gel nail polish, and its root causes can be traced to three main factors: inadequate nail surface preparation, suboptimal base coat performance, and insufficient top coat sealing. Residual oils on the nail surface prevent the base coat from adhering properly; a weak base coat lacks the adhesion needed to withstand everyday stress; and an imperfectly sealed top coat creates pathways for moisture to penetrate. Oily nails, in particular, require a more robust adhesion strategy. These three factors rarely operate in isolation—when multiple contributing elements overlap, the risk of chipping increases significantly. Understanding the underlying causes of chipping and rigorously following proper cleaning procedures, selecting an appropriate base coat, and ensuring thorough top coat application are essential steps for extending the wear time of your manicure.

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.
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 5)

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 3)