Artificial nails are works of art, and there are different types made with numerous designs and techniques. One of those nails is acrylic nails, which are known for their durability and amazing designs. However, the common question asked by a person that wants to DIY acrylic nails is if they can be made without a UV lamp. In this blog post, we’d provide the answer to the question.
However, Can You Do Acrylic Nails Without UV Light?” Yes, you can do acrylic nails without UV light. Acrylic Nails do not need to be made with UV light, nor do you need to dry the nails with a lamp. Technically, it would be best if you let the acrylic nails cure naturally after fixing them.
This is because the monomer mixed with the polymer begins a chemical effect that compels the solvent to solidify and cure.
Although the drying process will stiffen for a bit after 15 minutes, the complete cure might take a long period- about 24 hours.
In addition, the UV light cannot react with the chemical properties (monomer and polymer), nor can it fasten the drying process of the nails. Also, the drying technique of acrylic nails makes them different from gel nails.
How Do I Make Acrylic Nails Without UV Light?
To apply acrylic nails without a UV light, you will need the following supplies:
- Acrylic nail liquid and powder
- A nail brush
- A nail file and buffer
- Quick-drying top coat
To apply the acrylic nails without a UV light, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prep your nails
In this step, you want to make sure that your nails are clean and ready for the acrylic application. Start by washing your hands thoroughly to remove any dirt or oils from the surface of your nails. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails into your desired shape.
You can use a square or round file, depending on the shape you want. After shaping your nails, use a buffer to smooth out any rough edges and to create a clean surface for the acrylic to adhere to.
Step 2: Mix the acrylic
Acrylic nails are made of a mixture of liquid acrylic monomer and a powder polymer. To mix the acrylic, you will need to follow the instructions provided with your acrylic nail liquid and powder. Generally, you will need to dispense a small amount of the liquid acrylic monomer into a disposable cup, and then slowly add the powder polymer while stirring the mixture with a nail brush.
Mix the acrylic until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Make sure to only mix a small amount at a time, as acrylic hardens quickly and you want to be able to use it before it sets.
Step 3: Apply the acrylic
Use the nail brush to apply a thin layer of acrylic mixture to each nail, starting at the base of the nail and working your way up to the tip. Be sure to smooth out any bumps or imperfections as you go.
Step 4: Allow the acrylic to dry
Allow the acrylic to air dry or use a non-UV nail lamp or LED lamp to cure the acrylic. Alternatively, you can use a fan to accelerate the drying time or apply a quick-drying top coat to seal in the acrylic and help it dry faster.
Step 5: Shape and buff the nails
After the acrylic has dried, you can use a nail file and buffer to shape and smooth the surface of your nails. Start by using the nail file to shape your nails into the desired shape. You can use a square or round file, depending on the look you want to achieve.
Then, use the buffer to smooth out any rough edges and to create a glossy finish on the surface of your nails. Be sure to use a light touch when buffing your nails, as over-buffing can cause your nails to become thin and weak.
Step 6: Apply a top coat
If you want to give your acrylic nails a glossy finish, you can apply a top coat of nail polish. To do this, simply brush on a thin layer of nail polish over the surface of your acrylic nails. Be sure to let the polish dry completely before applying a second coat, if desired.
A top coat will help to protect your acrylic nails and give them a professional, finished look. It’s also a good idea to apply a top coat every few days to help keep your acrylic nails looking fresh and shiny.
Techniques for Applying Acrylic Nails Without UV Light
Acrylic nails are a popular type of artificial nail that can be applied at home or in a salon. In this section, we will discuss techniques for applying acrylic nails without UV light. The techniques include the following:
1. Using a non-UV nail lamp or LED lamp
Non-UV nail lamps and LED lamps use light waves that do not contain UV rays, so they do not cause the acrylic nails to harden. Instead, they use heat or a chemical reaction to cure the acrylic nails. This method is generally slower than UV light, but it is still an effective way to apply acrylic nails.
2. Air drying or using a fan to accelerate drying time
Another technique for applying acrylic nails without a UV light is to allow the acrylic nails to air dry or to use a fan to accelerate the drying time. This method is typically slower than using a UV light or a non-UV nail lamp, but it can be effective if you are patient and allow the acrylic nails sufficient time to dry.
To air dry the acrylic nails, you will need to apply the acrylic mixture to your nails as you normally would and then wait for the acrylic to harden.
3. Using a quick-drying top coat to seal in the acrylic
A quick-drying top coat can also seal in the acrylic and help it dry faster without using a UV light. To use this technique, you will need to apply the acrylic mixture to your nails as you normally would and then apply a quick-drying top coat on top of the wet acrylic. The top coat will help seal the acrylic and create a smooth, shiny finish.
Why Do My Acrylic Nails Not Dry?
Your acrylic nails are not drying because you used too much acrylic liquid monomer and powder. When you apply too much acrylic material, the nails won’t come out well or dry.
So, it would be best if you tried out the acrylic materials ratio on a clean finger. This time you need to ensure you are fair with the materials, or the nails won’t dry. Also, you should make sure you are using the right acrylic materials.
This means if you are using an acrylic liquid monomer, the powder should be polymer because the two products react to form a polymerization process.
In addition, if you decide to use UV light to dry the acrylic nails, it will not quicken the drying process and will react with the chemical properties of the acrylic nails.
How Will I Know if My Acrylic Nails Are Dried Without UV Light?
If your acrylic nails do not dry well, it can make them wear out in a twinkle of an eye. You must ensure they are dry before using them to do activities. First, allow the acrylic to dry for a sufficient amount of time. This can take anywhere from several hours to a full day, depending on the acrylic thickness and the air’s humidity levels. After this, you can try out the tips below to know if your acrylic nails are dried:
1. Check the underneath layers
To check the surface of the acrylic to see if it is dry, look at the acrylic and touch it with your finger. If the acrylic appears hard and is no longer sticky or wet to the touch, it is likely to dry. If the acrylic still appears soft or wet, it may need more time to dry.
2. Test the hardness
To test the hardness of the acrylic, you can try to make a small indent with your fingernail. If the acrylic is still soft and malleable, it is not yet dry. It is likely dry if the acrylic is hard and does not dent easily.
3. Wait for full curing
Even if the surface of the acrylic appears to be dry, the underneath layers may still be wet and require more time to fully harden. To ensure that your acrylic nails are fully cured, it is best to give them at least 24 hours to dry before applying any nail polish or engaging in activities that could put stress on the nails. This will allow the acrylic time to fully harden and set, ensuring that your nails are strong and durable.
Will the Acrylic Nails Be Affected if I Don’t Use UV Light?
No, the acrylic nails won’t be affected if you don’t use UV light. Acrylic nails can dry naturally with the UV lamp, which is what sets acrylic nails different from gel or poly gel nails.
As long as you are not using too many acrylic materials on your nails, they won’t be affected. Also, if you use a good-quality acrylic product, you do not have to worry about the nails being affected.
In addition, after making your acrylic nails, you should ensure that the nails are completely dried before you can do anything strenuous with your hands. Although the acrylic nails appear perfectly dried in 15 minutes, you should let them dry continuously for at least 24 hours to be safer.
Can you dry acrylic nails with a UV light?
Yes, you can use a UV light to dry acrylic nails. UV light is often used in professional nail salons to speed up the drying process for acrylic nails. When the acrylic is exposed to UV light, it causes the acrylic to cure, or harden, more quickly. This can be a convenient option if you are in a hurry, or if you have difficulty waiting for your acrylic nails to dry naturally.
Can u use gel nail polish without UV light?
Yes, you can use gel nail polish without UV light. Gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that is formulated to set and harden under UV light, but it can also be set and hardened using natural light. This is known as no-light gel nail polish.
Conclusion
The acrylic materials were made to dry naturally without the use of UV lamps, and this sets the nails different from other types of nails.
So, you do not need to worry about purchasing UV light if you want to DIY your acrylic nails. The steps you need to make your acrylic nails without a UV light have been provided in this blog post.
Also, other information you need about acrylic nails, likewise gel nails have been discussed in this article.
I hope you get the answers you need from this blog post. Kindly click on the links to check the prices of the products I recommended. Good luck.