Yes!

In the gel example, the lamp specifications affect whether or not the gel cures.

With liquid and powder systems, the percentage of accelerator in the liquid and the percentage of catalyst in the powder are what is important.

When the powder and liquid are mixed, the catalyst and initiator react, causing polymerization. Think of the catalyst and initiator as the same as a match and a striking board – alone, nothing happens, but together, they spark the reaction.

Accelerators, initiators, catalysts, and energy are needed by all nail enhancement products. If one of those things is missing, polymerization will happen much more slowly or not at all.

When a brand formulates its liquid and powder recipes, the liquid is formulated with a specific percentage of accelerator that matches the percentage of catalyst which is dispersed onto the polymers. If the ratios of accelerator and catalyst are not correct, then slower or faster polymerization can occur.

Product that sets too fast results in shrinkage and exotherms (as we already know), along with the lifting and service breakdown that can be caused by those issues. On the other hand, product that sets too slowly does not completely polymerize before you start to file. This can cause microscopic pulling of the unset product.

The best way to control the speed of polymerization with liquid and powder systems is to use the matching liquid and powder from the same brand. This is the only way to ensure the catalyst and accelerator percentages are correctly aligned.

If you’re a Monaco student, you can read more about this here.

Who else has a question? Email us [email protected]

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