SOG has a shorter cure time than classic gels. Technically 90 seconds will cure Akzentz SOG but the full 2 minutes are required with Classic. I always cure thumbs up for about 30 seconds more because of the side curing issue - peoples hands just sit in such a way it doesn't get enough light. I'm cleaning up my table and such while they are curing so it isn't too bad. And yes the gloss will shrink if applied thin or not capped over a smooth finish. All that being said, I use Options clear a ton for gloss and the best one yet is the new Luxio gloss in a bottle, it's fabulous and I love the feel (I know exactly what you mean!).
Bottom line is use what works for you! The only time I'm strict about using classic non porous too gloss is with hair stylists and baristas so the nails don't get stained. -jess On May 25, 9:07 am, "Laura Merzetti" <[email protected]> wrote: > I have been using both traditional gel uv topcoats as well as soak-off gel > polish topcoats for a while now. On my regular gel clients, I've been > noticing the 5-finger cure in the tunnel lamps doesn't always produce > shiny, glossy nails with the traditional UV top coats. I've experimented > with several - the ones where you wipe the inhibition layer. I am not a fan > of the tackless sealers, so this is not about them. > > I thought maybe my bulbs might be wearing out, but I also noticed that > whenever I had a gel polish client, her nails came out amazingly shiny and > stayed that way till her next appointment, 2 or 3 weeks later. Not so with > my traditional gel enhancement clients. I wipe off both with 99 percent > alcohol, if that matters. I can always tell the ones that are really > shiny, and the ones that are going to be dull. I feel like my application > is the same on all fingers, but perhaps it isn't. > > If I cured 4 fingers, then the thumb separately, it would be better. But I > don't have the extra time to do that. It is bugging me that I can cure all > five fingers to a beautiful, high gloss shine, with say Shellac, or Gelish > top coats. But not Brisa Gloss, for example, or Akzentz Top Gloss. I > have tried to 'break' the gel polish systems by either applying too much, or > too little topcoat and each time they come out with a mirror finish and stay > that way. Sometimes my traditional top coat will come out great, and other > times, one side of the thumb might be dull. I also notice it tends to pull > away from the enhancement more than the gel polish topcoats do. I virtually > have NO shrinking with them, ever. > > I am really contemplating just using the gel polish top coats now on > everybody, regardless of whether they are traditional or soak off gel polish > clients. I have been wearing it myself over enhancements with no real > issues either. I also like the 'feel' of it better, hard to explain, like > the surface feels smoother. What do you all think? Has anybody else > noticed this as well or is it just me? > > Laura M. > > Scratch My Back Nail Studio > > www.scratchmyback.ca<http://www.scratchmyback.ca/> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "NailTech" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nailtech?hl=en.
