Understanding and Fixing Builder Gel Colour Separation: A Comprehensive Guide
In the world of professional nail care, builder gels are a game-changer. Their versatility and strength have made them a favourite amongst nail techs and DIY enthusiasts alike. However, a common issue often crops up – builder gel colour separation. If you've ever noticed that the pigment in your builder gel has sunk to the bottom of the bottle, you're not alone. This post will explain why this happens and how to fix it, ensuring that you can achieve the best results with your builder gel.
Why Does Builder Gel Colour Separation Happen?
Builder gels, like many gel polishes, are a complex blend of various components. The primary ingredients include oligomers, monomers, photoinitiators, and pigments. Each of these plays a unique role in the formulation.
Oligomers and monomers come together to form the structure of the gel, photoinitiators are responsible for initiating the curing process when exposed to UV or LED light, and pigments impart the colour.
Over time, these ingredients can separate due to their different densities and solubilities. It's a natural phenomenon, much like the way oil and vinegar separate in salad dressing when left undisturbed. With builder gels, the pigments are typically heavier and can sink to the bottom, leaving the lighter components at the top.
Does Colour Separation Mean My Builder Gel is Bad?
Contrary to what you might think, this separation doesn't imply that there's something wrong with your builder gel or that it has expired. Builder gel colour separation is a common occurrence with all brands, and it doesn't mean the product is unusable.
Fixing Builder Gel Colour Separation
Fixing this issue is quite simple – you just need to stir the gel. Use a clean spatula or an orangewood stick to do this, gently stirring until the pigment is evenly distributed throughout the gel.
Remember, shaking isn't the best option as it can introduce air bubbles into the gel, which can lead to problems during application. So, gentle stirring is the way to go.
Preventing Builder Gel Colour Separation
For best results, make it a practice to stir your builder gel before each use. This ensures all components are well mixed, and you're getting the maximum benefit of the product.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, builder gel colour separation is a common and easily fixed issue. By understanding why it happens and how to correct it, you can ensure that your builder gel performs at its best, delivering the stunning, durable results you're after. Remember, if you have any further questions about builder gels or nail care in general, don't hesitate to reach out.