FAQ: Does Gel Polish Need UV Light?

Nov. 21, 2023

Q: Do I really need an LED light?

A: Yes! Gel nail polish products that do not require an LED or UV light to cure are not real gel nail products—they are regular nail polish being deceptively marketed. With any genuine gel nail polish (like RONIKI), an LED light is a must.

Q: Can gel polish cure without a UV or LED lamp?

A: No, not actually. I guess theoretically you might cure your UV Gel Polish, but completely dry times would be exceptionally irregular depending upon just how intense it is, what brand you are utilizing, the chemistry of your nails, etc. I have never ever tried to completely dry gel polish using the sun and also I would not suggest it. It most likely takes enough time that it's ineffective, anyhow. Just get a UV lamp or an LED light. They aren't that expensive.

Q: What's the difference between a UV lamp and an LED light?

A: An LED lamp can heal gel gloss (base coat, shades, and also leading coat) in 30-60 secs. The light bulbs last the lifetime of the light as well as never have to be changed. A UV lamp treatments gel gloss in 2-3 minutes. I don't know the local times because I have actually just ever made use of an LED light. It usually claims on the gel gloss container for how long to cure in LED as well as how much time to treat in UV. Light bulbs in UV lights do need to be replaced periodically. I have actually listened to that Gel Polish Raw Material tends to cure "more difficult" when using a UV lamp.

Q: Can you use a UV gel base coat on regular nail polish?

A: Now, you should not use UV gel on top of regular nail polish. This is because regular nail polish does not adhere well to the gel base coat.

You see, the function of the base coat is to stick the nail polish on the nail bed like glue. However, because the chemical composition of gel-based coats is completely different from regular nail polish, they cannot be combined well.

Q: How to apply gel top coat over regular polish? Does UV dry regular nail polish?

A: The first thing you need to do is to prepare your nails as usual.

I usually do this: push my cuticles back, file my nails, and then clean them with a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Next, apply your regular nail polish, as usual, I usually apply two thin coats of nail polish.

But before you apply the gel, you need to let the nail polish dry completely. I recommend letting the nail polish dry for 4-6 hours before applying the top coat.

If your nail polish is not completely dry before applying the gel, your nail polish will shrink and wrinkle.

Now, once your nail polish is dry, you can apply a thin layer of gel to the nail polish, just make sure you cover the edges of the nail polish

Finally, let it be cured under UV or Led lamp. Don't forget to wipe off the sticky layer with rubbing alcohol after curing.

>> Shop for Roniki gel polishes here

Q: How to cure gel nails without a UV light？

1. Purchase a non-UV gel polish for an easy at-home option. There are several nail polish brands nowadays that make non-UV gel polishes you can use at home. These gel polishes are applied in the same manner as regular, non-gel polish and are made to cure on their own without light.
ㆍWhen purchasing a gel polish, make sure that it specifies on the label that the polish does not require a UV light or LED lamp to cure. If the polish doesn’t specify that it’s a non-UV polish, it likely won’t cure without a light or lamp.

2. Apply a quick-drying nail polish spray to freshly painted nails. Lay one of your hands out on a flat surface covered with newspaper or paper towels. Hold the can of quick-drying nail polish spray about 6 inches (15 cm) away from your hand, and then spray a light coat over your nails while the polish is still wet. Repeat this to spray the nails on your other hand. Leave your nails to dry for several hours. Once the polish is dry and hardened, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any residual spray.
ㆍWhile quick-drying polish sprays are generally formulated for non-gel nail polishes, they might still help cure gel polish faster. Be aware, however, that it will still likely take several hours for the polish to harden.

3. Spray just-painted nails with canola oil cooking spray. Lay some newspaper or paper towels out on a flat surface before laying your hand out with your fingers spread apart. Hold the cooking spray about 6 inches (15 cm) away from your hand and then spraying each of your fingers with the oil while the polish is still wet. Then, repeat this on your other hand. Leave the oil to dry for several hours, then wash your hands once the polish has hardened.
ㆍCooking spray can help cure the top layer of your gel polish faster while moisturizing your cuticles as well.
ㆍTry not to touch anything while your nails are drying, as the cooking spray can leave your fingers feeling a bit sticky.

4. Hold your nails in ice cold water to harden gel polish. First, let your nails start to air dry for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, fill a shallow bowl with cold water and a few cubes of ice. Stick your nails into the water, making sure that all the nails are completely submerged. Hold your nails under the water for about 3 minutes before removing them from the bowl. Let your fingers and nails air dry for at least an hour.
ㆍWhile your nails will likely feel completely hardened right when they come out of the ice water, they may not be completely cured for several hours. Therefore, it’s important that you’re careful with your nails for several hours after removing them from the water.

That's all we have to share today! As a Gel Polish supplier, I hope today's sharing is helpful to you. Also, if you are interested in our products please visit our website!