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Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 8)

Release time:

2026-05-05 16:15

Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (Part 8)

During the application of UV gel polish, the presence of particles is one of the most common issues affecting surface smoothness. After curing, the gel polish may exhibit tiny raised bumps on the surface, which feel noticeably rough to the touch and appear as a speckled, pitted texture. Unlike defects such as brush marks or wrinkling—which are typically caused by application technique—particle formation is more closely linked to external environmental factors and the cleanliness of the product itself.

I. Particle Characteristics and Impacts

Granulation refers to the appearance of tiny, uneven bumps on the surface of gel polish after it has cured—some as small as a pinhead, others as large as a grain of sand. These granules may be scattered randomly or concentrated in specific areas. When touched, they feel distinctly rough, and a light scrape with the fingernail reveals noticeable resistance. Granulation compromises the smoothness and uniform sheen of the nail surface, giving the manicure a coarse, unrefined look. In light-colored or transparent coatings, granulation is especially pronounced, as light more readily casts shadows over the raised areas. In severe cases, the top coat cannot fully cover the bumps, and the sharp tips of the granules may pierce through the coating, creating pathways for moisture and stains to penetrate.

II. Main Causes of Particles

1. Dust contamination in the manicure environment is the primary cause of particulate contamination. Tiny particles such as airborne dust, hair, and skin flakes settle on uncured nail coatings and become permanently embedded in the nail surface once the coating hardens. Common sources include dust around the manicure workstation, fibers from towels, and dust blown out of air-conditioning vents. Even with highly skilled techniques, it is difficult to avoid particulate issues when working in dusty environments. Additionally, in salons where multiple technicians are working simultaneously, foot traffic can stir up dust, further contributing to particulate contamination.

2. The presence of impurities in gel polish is another significant cause. Impurities that may be introduced during production, or dried and caked gel that has accumulated at the bottle opening and falls back into the bottle during use, can all be transferred onto the nail surface during application. If the bottle opening is not cleaned regularly, the dried gel can form hard clumps; when the cap is opened, these clumps may fall into the bottle, contaminating the entire product. Similarly, dried gel on the brush head can be carried into the bottle—or directly onto the nail—when drawing up the polish.

3. A dried-out, caked-up brush head is a common yet easily overlooked issue. When the brush head is left exposed to air for an extended period, residual adhesive gradually dries and hardens into solid particles. The next time you use the brush, these dried particles adhere to the bristles and are transferred onto the nail surface during application; once they cure, they form noticeable raised bumps. Such particles are typically larger than dust particles, have irregular shapes, and are therefore easier to spot.

III. The Difficulty of Preventing Granulation

The unique nature of particulate contamination lies in its closer relationship with the external environment than with other types of defects. While factors such as coating thickness, curing time, and product selection can be controlled by the operator, environmental cleanliness encompasses a much broader scope. Dust is ubiquitous in the air, and achieving a dust-free environment requires specialized air-purification equipment. This characteristic makes particulate contamination more common—and more challenging—in home settings than in professional nail salons.

IV. Conclusion

Particles are a common issue in the application of UV gel nail polish that affects the smoothness of the surface finish, with the primary causes falling into three categories: environmental contamination, product contamination, and brush contamination. The main source of particles is dust settling onto uncured coating, while dried gel on the bottle opening and brush represents internal contamination. Preventing particle formation relies heavily on environmental control and routine maintenance; keeping the work surface clean, minimizing dust stirred up by air currents, promptly cleaning the bottle opening, and ensuring the bottle cap is tightly sealed are all essential measures for reducing particle-related problems. For products that have already developed particles, regular replacement is more effective than repeatedly attempting to clean them out.

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.
Type A 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, excellent 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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Common Defects in UV Gel Nail Polish (9)

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