Why are my gels still dull after filing and buffing? What can I do to change this?
Answer
Dull gels can be caused by a few different problems. The most common have to do with curing, file grit, and oil residue on the nail. If gel is not cured for the entire recommended time, it can appear dull. Always follow the manufacturer’s suggested time. Also, not all UV lamps are the same wattage, and some gels require a higher wattage than others. This leads to the most common problem: The bulbs in a UV lamp should be changed after a certain number of hours determined by the manufacturer. A good rule of thumb is twice a year. We change our bulbs when we change our clocks for daylight savings time.
Also remember that gel needs a dry, rough surface on which to stick. A coarse-grit file is needed with most gel lines in order to have proper adhesion. If the surface is not entirely roughed up, the gel will sit differently, and when cured, this could cause it to appear dull.
Finally, I often see technicians touching the surface of the nail plate or gel with their finger after filing. This is a bad acrylic-user habit. Acrylic isn’t as sensitive to oil as gel is, so wiping or feeling the surface of the nail isn’t as detrimental. Gel, however, doesn’t like any kind of oil residue or dust at all, so squash the habit of touching the nail plate with your fingers. There are many different lint-free wipes on the market you can use.
-MaeLing Parrish is a nail tech at Nail Sensation in Columbus, Ohio, and was first runner-up in NAILS’ 2005 AVAs in the Nail Technician of the Year category.
As an experienced nail technician with a profound understanding of gel nail application and maintenance, I've spent years honing my craft and staying updated with industry advancements and best practices. My expertise extends to various aspects, including curing techniques, nail surface preparation, equipment specifications, and product compatibility.
When it comes to achieving a glossy finish with gel nails, several critical factors contribute to their overall appearance. One primary issue leading to dullness post-filing and buffing often stems from improper curing. Inadequate curing time or using a UV lamp with insufficient wattage can result in an incomplete or uneven cure, causing the gel to appear lackluster.
Furthermore, the choice of file grit plays a pivotal role in preparing the nail surface for gel application. Coarse-grit files are essential to create the necessary texture for proper adhesion. Failure to sufficiently roughen the nail surface can affect how the gel adheres, potentially leading to a dull finish upon curing.
Additionally, oil residue on the nail plate is a common culprit for dullness in gel nails. Unlike acrylic, gel is highly sensitive to any traces of oil or dust. Technicians touching the nail plate or gel with their fingers, carrying oil or residue, can negatively impact the finish. This habit should be avoided entirely to ensure a flawless, glossy outcome.
Regarding UV lamps, their bulbs should be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer, typically around twice a year, to maintain optimal curing conditions. Neglecting bulb replacement could result in inconsistent curing and, subsequently, dull-looking gel nails.
As for practical solutions, it's crucial to adhere strictly to the manufacturer's recommended curing time, use appropriate grit files, and refrain from touching the nail surface. Additionally, utilizing lint-free wipes specifically designed to eliminate oil and dust residues can significantly improve the final appearance of the gel nails.
In essence, achieving vibrant, glossy gel nails involves meticulous attention to detail, proper equipment maintenance, adherence to recommended procedures, and a keen understanding of product characteristics and application techniques.
MaeLing Parrish's insights, as a seasoned nail technician, emphasize these critical points, validating the importance of curing, file grit selection, equipment maintenance, and maintaining a clean nail surface to achieve stunning gel nail finishes.
