Question 1

What is the primary chemical process that occurs when a UV or LED gel is exposed to curing light?

Accepted Answer

Photoinitiators in the gel absorb light energy and trigger polymerization, converting the liquid monomer into a hardened polymer network.

Question 2

What is the key difference between a hard gel and a soft (soak-off) gel?

Accepted Answer

Hard gel forms a dense, cross-linked polymer network that cannot be dissolved by acetone and must be filed off, while soft gel has a less cross-linked structure that allows acetone to break it down for removal.

Question 3

What are photoinitiators in UV/LED gel products?

Accepted Answer

Photoinitiators are chemical compounds that absorb specific wavelengths of light and generate free radicals, which start the polymerization (curing) reaction in gel products.

Question 4

What is a gel polish (also called shellac or hybrid gel)?

Accepted Answer

Gel polish is a hybrid product that combines features of traditional nail polish and gel; it is applied like polish, cures under UV/LED light, and is removed by soaking in acetone.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the inhibition layer (also called the tacky or sticky layer) left on gel after curing?

Accepted Answer

The inhibition layer is a thin, uncured surface of gel caused by oxygen interfering with polymerization; it allows subsequent gel layers to bond chemically to the previous layer.

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