How to Safely Perform a Cure Test for Gel and Builder Gel
When working with gel and builder gel, ensuring your products are fully cured is essential. Under-cured gel not only affects durability but also poses a risk of allergies and sensitivities due to unreacted chemicals. Performing a cure test can help determine whether your lamp is effectively curing the product you are using. However, it’s important to note that this is not a long-term solution, but rather a general gauge of how your lamp may be working. Lamps need to be tested under lab conditions for full accuracy, but this test can provide some peace of mind in the interim.
Why Perform a Cure Test?
A cure test is a simple yet effective way to check if your lamp provides the correct curing conditions for your gel products. Not all lamps emit the same light intensity, wavelength, or coverage, which can lead to under-cured gel and potential allergic reactions over time. By conducting a cure test, you can ensure that your lamp is suitable for curing your chosen gels, This can be especially important when trialling out new brands and systems before having the compatible lamp!
Check out the: HONA Approved Lamp List.
How to Perform a Cure Test
If you are unsure whether your current lamp can properly cure a gel or builder gel system, follow these steps to perform a safe and simple cure test:
Step 1: Prepare Your Test Surface
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Wear gloves to prevent skin exposure to uncured gel (It's important not to get uncured gel on your hands/skin).
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Use a nail form or a piece of baking paper as your surface.
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Apply a bead of builder gel or a layer of gel polish at the same thickness as you would on a natural nail.
Step 2: Cure the Gel
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Place the prepared form or baking paper under your lamp.
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Cure it for the full recommended time according to the brand's instructions (e.g., 60 seconds for gel polish, 60–90 seconds for builder gel).
Step 3: Check the Underside
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Once cured, carefully remove the gel from the test surface.
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Examine the underside of the bead:
Fully cured: The gel should be solid and only the tacky inhibition layer should be present.
Under-cured: If the underside remains gloopy, soft or squishy, the lamp may not be curing the product properly. You can expect it to be tacky, however, because the gel will cure with a tacky layer.
Step 4: Test Across Different Shades and Products
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Different pigments and viscosities can affect how a gel cures.
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Perform the test across multiple shades and formulas to ensure your lamp can cure a range of products effectively.
Understanding Cure Effectiveness
If your lamp is struggling to fully cure the gel, there are several key factors to consider:
1. Irradiance Value
The intensity of UV/LED light emitted from the lamp (measured in milliwatts per square centimetre, mW/cm²) affects curing. Different brands require specific irradiance values, and if your lamp lacks sufficient power, under-cure can occur.
2. Wavelength Range
For optimal curing, your lamp should emit UV-A wavelengths between 365–400 nanometers (nm). This ensures proper polymerisation of the gel.
3. LED Placement & Reflective Interior
Lamps with LEDs positioned around the top and sides provide better coverage. A mirrored interior helps distribute light evenly, preventing under cured areas.
4. Curing Time & Manufacturer Guidelines
Each brand recommends different curing times. Using the correct lamp and following brand guidelines ensure an efficient and thorough cure.
Summary
Performing a cure test is a simple but crucial step in ensuring that your gel products cure safely and effectively. By understanding the key factors that influence curing and regularly testing your lamp, you can protect yourself and your clients from under-cured products and potential allergies.
Did your lamp pass the test? Check out the: HONA Approved Lamp List.