Anonymous asks…what is the difference between the polishes and why do some require UV where others require LED? If I buy an LED lamp, will that still work on Shellac polishes, which normally use a UV lamp? Or if I buy a UV lamp will this work on the ones that normally use LED? Does the wattage of the lamp make a big difference to the curing time?
The Right Brain responds:
To get a definitive answer to this question I spoke with a marketing coordinator for Nail Systems International, one of the top manufacturers of nail lamps. Here’s what I was told:
“UV and LED lamps are different. Generally a gel polish will cure faster in an LED lamp, and it will take a bit longer in a UV lamp. As long as the polish is labeled to work both in LED and UV lamps, the person should be OK. Just make sure the gel polish is formulated to work in both lamps. Check the cure time suggested for each of the different lamps as well (Example: Our balance UV gels only cure in UV lamps… Our NSI Polish Pro is curable in both UV and LED. The Polish pro takes about 2 minutes, per layer, to cure in a UV lamp; where as in an LED lamp it takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute.”
Image credit: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
A rule of thumb…. if a gel polish is labeled UV, it will not cure a LED lamp. LED will cure in both types of lamps.
It is best to go to a professional who knows the correct application and the right lamp to use for the different systems of gel polishes.
Lynnette – thanks! Good to hear from you again!!
Hmmmm
Since there are warnings about using UV lamps (skin damage, suggestions to use sun screen on hands if used for a manicure)
are LED lamps in the same catagory?
Wondering if it would be wise to use sunscreen if you are in an LED lit home?