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Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (7)

Release time:

2026-05-05 06:14

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (7)

During the application of UV gel polish, brush marks are one of the common issues that affect surface smoothness. After curing, these marks leave distinct brush-bristle impressions on the surface, resembling narrow, elongated grooves that detract from the natural, polished texture of the nail. Unlike defects such as wrinkling or bubbling, brush marks are more closely related to the ease of application and the product’s flow characteristics.

I. Appearance and Effects of Brush Marks

Brush marks manifest as fine, elongated streaks on the surface of gel polish after it has cured, with the spacing and depth of these streaks influenced by the bristle arrangement and application pressure. On a nail surface with pronounced brush marks, you can observe distinct variations in light reflection under illumination, and the uneven texture is also palpable to the touch. These marks compromise the smoothness and uniform gloss of the nail surface, giving the manicure a rough, unrefined appearance. Brush marks are especially noticeable in light-colored and transparent coatings, as light more readily penetrates the layer and highlights the surface texture.

II. Main Causes of Brush Marks

1. Excessively high viscosity is the primary cause of brush marks in gel polish. When the viscosity is too high, the gel has poor flow and cannot self-level quickly after application. The brush strokes leave visible traces on the surface, which become permanently fixed once the polish cures. This issue is especially common in low-temperature environments, as cold temperatures further increase the gel’s viscosity. Viscosity can vary significantly among different brands and types of gel polish; top coats are generally thicker than color gels and more prone to brush marks.

2. Applying excessive pressure during application is a subjective operational issue. Many beginners, worried about uneven gel application, unconsciously press the brush firmly against the nail surface. Overpressure causes the bristles to splay and split, leaving multiple parallel streaks on the gel surface. The brush’s elasticity and the bristle arrangement are specifically designed for gentle contact; applying too much pressure, on the contrary, disrupts the brush’s optimal performance.

3. The quality of the brush head is also a factor that cannot be overlooked. Low-quality brush heads have bristles that are unevenly arranged—some bristles are too long, some too short, and others have split tips. Even with proper application technique, using such a brush head makes it difficult to achieve a smooth, even surface. Over time, the brush head itself will degrade: the bristles become stiff, split, and fall out, all of which adversely affect the coating result. If the bottle cap is left off for an extended period, exposing the brush head to air, the adhesive can dry and cake on the bristles, again leading to brush marks.

III. The Relationship Between Brush Marks and Leveling

The severity of brush marks is directly related to the leveling properties of the adhesive. Leveling refers to the ability of the adhesive film to spread out and self‑correct surface defects after application. Adhesives with good leveling will see brush marks disappear on their own within a few seconds after coating, whereas those with poor leveling will have brush marks permanently set in once the adhesive cures. Leveling is influenced by the formulation: adhesives with lower viscosity generally exhibit better leveling, but excessively low viscosity can lead to edge bleeding. High‑quality formulations strike a balance between viscosity and leveling—maintaining stable edge definition while ensuring that brush marks fade quickly.

IV. Conclusion

Brush marks are a common issue in the application of UV gel polish that can compromise surface smoothness, with the primary causes lying in gel viscosity, application pressure, and brush condition. When the gel viscosity is too high, its leveling properties are poor, and brush marks cannot dissipate on their own; excessive application pressure can cause the brush bristles to splay, leaving deeper imprints; and a low-quality or aged brush will directly produce irregular streaks. These factors often occur simultaneously: the more viscous the gel, the higher the demands on application technique and brush quality. Understanding the root causes of brush marks—selecting products with excellent leveling, controlling application pressure, and maintaining the brush in good condition—is the fundamental approach to minimizing this problem.

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 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

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Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 8)

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 6)