The best manner to do that is to explain and clarify the 4 levels of UV curing. This info applies to all synthetic nails, together with UV gel manicures and two-part monomer liquids and polymer powders. The very first thing you need to know is that the curing reactions occur in a short time at first, then decelerate dramatically towards the top of the curing cycle. Additionally, curing and polymerization imply the identical factor: every molecule that makes up the reactive components is linked collectively to kind chains which develop longer and longer over time. With that info, let’s have a look at Stage 1 of the curing course of.
Picture 2: Demonstrates the method of polymerization; monomers becoming a member of to develop into a part of the lengthening polymer chains. The primary picture is 100% monomer, and 0% polymer, whereas the ultimate picture represents 10% monomer and 90% polymer.
Stage 1: Preliminary Set or Thicken Stage of UV Curing Course of for Synthetic Nails
Stage 1 happens when the product units or thickens. After 10-15 seconds underneath a UV nail lamp, about 25% of the UV reactive molecules within the formulation will chemically hyperlink collectively to create very quick chains. Within the preliminary levels, the primary quick chains that kind start to tangle collectively and the product turns into very stringy which is because of thickening.
This quick pre-cure is typically used to “lock” in a smile line in order that the sting doesn’t develop into blurred when a transparent or pink UV gel is added to the nail plate. That is very similar to when many lengthy hairs tangle to kind a knot. At this stage, the UV gel is barely about ¼ cured.
Stage 2: Hardening Section of UV Curing Course of for Synthetic Nails
Stage 2 happens when the UV gel turns into a minimum of 50% cured, which is simple to identify. When 50% of the UV reactive molecules hyperlink collectively the UV gel turns into so thick that its floor will harden sufficient to be formed with a file. It’s VERY essential to grasp that at this level, the UV gel is barely half cured.
The hardening of a UV gel does NOT imply it’s correctly cured. This is without doubt one of the most essential misconceptions within the nail trade and it even fools many producers who don’t perceive the science behind the curing course of.
Stage 3: Correct Remedy Section of UV Curing Course of for Synthetic Nails
Stage 3 is when correct treatment is meant to happen, but doesn’t at all times occur. Throughout Stage 3, if correct treatment is achieved, then the UV gel is cured sufficient in order that the nail coating has the energy and sturdiness wanted to carry out as meant with out service breakdown.
You’ll be able to NOT “see” or “really feel” when correct treatment happens, which is why it’s so essential to observe producer’s instructions which is able to assist to make sure correct treatment. Correct treatment is often reached when about 90% treatment, in different phrases, when about 90% of the UV reactive components are chemically joined collectively into a powerful net-like construction. It’s a fable that UV gels treatment to 100%. No manner! UV gels by no means 100% treatment, neither is this mandatory to attain a correct treatment.
Nevertheless, when considerably under 90%, the coating is under-cured. Below curing results in service breakdown, discoloration or uncommon staining of the nail coating, however extra importantly, this may trigger nail professionals and/or purchasers to develop pores and skin allergic reactions to unreacted components trapped within the nail coatings, in addition to their mud and filings. For this reason correct curing is so essential to achieve- for the safety of the nail technician and purchasers.
Stage 4: Put up-Salon Curing Section for Synthetic Nails
Stage 4 of the curing happens “after” the consumer leaves the salon. By now, the curing course of has slowed to a crawl, so solely about 5-7% further curing occurs over the following few weeks. Curing slows to a crawl as a result of as soon as the nail coating has hardened, it turns into very troublesome for unreacted components to maneuver round and discover and be a part of the ends of the rising polymer chains.
UV-A vitality drives these chemical reactions for UV curing gels, however in two-part monomer liquids and polymer powders, the warmth of the room and the heat of the consumer’s hand present all of the vitality wanted to drive polymerization. Due to this fact, the 4 levels of curing apply to all forms of nail merchandise which treatment or polymerize, together with adhesives, nail wraps and so-called dip methods. Actually, the one exceptions to this course of are conventional nail polishes, since they harden by evaporation of solvents and don’t treatment by polymerization.
