QuestionQUESTION: I have recently started to do gel nails and have found that when I use rubbing alcohol to wipe off the residue on the last application that the gel has come off and seems to have reacted with the rubbing alcohol. What am I doing wrong and what are the solutions?
thanks Debra
ANSWER: Well, what do you mean by "reacted with the rubbing alcohol?" Is it still sticky? I find that with most gels I like the results better if I use acetone to remove the sticky layer. The only gels I use alcohol with are the new soak off gel polishes, I use 99% alcohol and it works well.
I'm thinking the gel isn't coming off, but maybe you are left with a dull surface instead of a shiny one? Try the acetone instead of alcohol, or use the cleansing product that's made for the gel. If that doesn't clear up the issue, it might be time to replace your lightbulbs. It can be hard to remember to replace your lightbulbs when needed because the UV lightbulbs still turn on and light up, even though the wavelength is no longer in the right range to fully cure the gel. The lights stop working long before they burn out. So make yourself a little note to change the bulbs about once every 4 months if you use the lamps daily.
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QUESTION: The lights are brand new, and other gels haven't had this result. When the nails are wiped with alcohol the gel layer rubs off right down to the natural nail.
AnswerHave you contacted the manufacturer of the product about this? It's possible that you got a bad batch. Maybe a batch that didn't get the photo-initiator added, or not enough added. Unless the directions for this specific product are significantly different from other light-cured products, I'd say it sounds like you aren't doing anything wrong and it's possible that the product itself is compromised. I'd definitely contact the manufacturer and see if they have any more info for you-- and maybe try another batch of the same product to see if you get better results with it.
