This article documents a test evaluating the efficacy of a Sun5 48W UV/LED lamp in curing CND Shellac nail polish, specifically a dark shade. The experiment aimed to determine if this lamp provides sufficient curing power for CND Shellac, a product known for its compatibility with both UV and LED lamps. Darker colors often require longer curing times due to their higher pigment concentration, which absorbs more light. This test focuses on establishing the necessary curing time for optimal results with the Sun5 lamp and this specific type of Shellac.The experiment involved multiple curing cycles, each lasting 10 seconds, to observe the curing process and determine the minimum time needed for complete curing. The findings provide practical guidance on adjusting curing times based on the color of the Shellac used and highlight potential differences in curing times compared to other lamps or products. This information is valuable for users seeking to achieve a professional, flawlessly cured finish when using the Sun5 48W UV/LED lamp with CND Shellac.
Pros And Cons
- Good for foiling
- Darker colors are harder to cure
- Requires longer curing time (40 seconds) compared to other shellacs
Read more: Top 10 UV Nail Lamps: The Ultimate Guide
Testing CND Shellac with the Sun5 Lamp
I decided to test the curing capabilities of my Sun5 48W UV/LED lamp with CND Shellac, specifically a dark-colored shade. Darker colors are known to require longer curing times due to their higher pigment concentration, which absorbs more light.
The Shellac I used was a LED and UV curable gel. Many people ask about the compatibility of this particular lamp and CND Shellac. Therefore, this test is crucial to determining whether this lamp provides adequate curing for the product.
Initial Curing Attempts and Observations
My initial attempt involved a 10-second cure. The result was incomplete curing; the Shellac was still tacky and rubbery, pulling away slightly when tested.
Subsequent 10-second intervals were added, totaling 30 seconds. Although it appeared cured, a sticky residue remained. Further curing was needed to achieve a completely smooth and dry finish.
Achieving Complete Cure
After a total of 40 seconds of curing in 10-second intervals, the Shellac was fully cured. The sticky layer had significantly reduced.
A second coat was applied and cured for another 40 seconds, achieving a satisfactory result. It's worth noting that this curing time is longer than what's typically required for other products. This particular Shellac shade needs more time to cure properly under this lamp.
Conclusion and Recommendations
While the Sun5 lamp ultimately cured the CND Shellac, it required significantly more time (40 seconds per coat) compared to the manufacturer's suggested cure times.
The darker color of the Shellac clearly impacted curing time. This experiment emphasizes the importance of adjusting cure times based on both the product and the color used, especially with darker shades.
Therefore, while the Sun5 lamp works, users should expect longer cure times and pay close attention to the consistency of the cured Shellac. This lamp might not be the most efficient option for curing dark-colored CND Shellac.