topic Re: GEL NAIL INFO? in Beauty

GEL NAIL INFO?

Shanus — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 16:53:06 GMT

Have never had gel nails. I was thinking of doing the new polishes in drugstores called Gel Polish. Has anyone tried these? Do you get 2 wks. wear like salon gel nails say?

Re: GEL NAIL INFO?

jackthebear — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:03:14 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
Have never had gel nails. I was thinking of doing the new polishes in drugstores called Gel Polish. Has anyone tried these? Do you get 2 wks. wear like salon gel nails say?

I tried the Sinful

got at least a week with no chips and close to 2 weeks

but there are so many variables

but sinful polishes are inexpensive so it's way to try it out.

Re: GEL NAIL INFO?

juperier — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 05:02:46 GMT

@Shanus I'm assuming you mean the various "gel-like" polishes that don't require a lamp (yes, the terminology is confusing). I haven't had any reason to try them because I typically change polish every 2-3 days at the most.

Composition wise they are more similar to regular nail polish, with some additional ingredients that interact and cure. Different brands do this in different ways You need to use each brand's system as directed in order to obtain the best results. From what I've read, they often do wear longer than regular polish, but not necessarily as long as lamp cured gels (which involve a very complex chemical process).

Re: GEL NAIL INFO?

forest4thetrees — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 07:09:24 GMT

Essie has come out with a new one that's a two-step process (no lamp needed); and they also have a gel-setter that is more like a long-wear top coat that can be used on any of the Essie polishes.

I can go a week-ten days w/o chips...........

Re: GEL NAIL INFO?

Shanus — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 12:54:37 GMT

@juperier The drugstore brands that say gel polishes that need a special base coat & top coat & no lamp....they claim long wear plus long time shine + easy removal. Need to keep some type of polish or nail hardner on nails since working to make jewelry involves lots of hand washing, chemicals, etc. Just curious!

Re: GEL NAIL INFO?

juperier — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 15:03:50 GMT

@Shanus That's what I figured you were referring to, just wanted to make sure. Both types of polish have a gel consistency. But how they work is very, very different. It's certainly worth a try, since polish does help protect your nails. Hopefully, you'll find a system that will work better than regular polish.

Be careful not to use hardeners for too long. If your nails become too hard or brittle, they will break easily and/or peel. It's also possible to develop onycholysis, which is when the nail plate lifts away from the nail bed. You'll want to find some qualilty cuticle oil and use that frequently over and around your maincure. Just be sure to wipe any residue off your nail plate with pure acetone or isopropyl alcohol before applying your base coat.

Just a thought, would you be able to wear nitrile gloves for at least part of the jewelry making process?

Re: GEL NAIL INFO?

SahmIam — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 15:14:29 GMT

The only gel product that really works for me is the one with the lights. Removing them, however, is a nightmare and the damage to my nails was no different than when using acrylics.

The store gel kits (no lights) lasted no longer than normal nail polish on my nails.

Re: GEL NAIL INFO?

Shanus — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 15:25:02 GMT

@juperier I do try to use copper tongs when placing pieces in & out of the acid bath to remove the fire scale from soldering, but inevitably, it does end up on your hands & a quick trip to the sink helps somewhat. Gloves hinder the feel of the metal when filing and sanding to acquire smoothe edges. Thanks for suggestion, though.