Gel nail polish has revolutionized the beauty industry, offering salon-quality manicures that last for weeks. At Brunson, we’ve developed an extensive range of gel nail polish collections designed to deliver professional results with exceptional durability and shine. Understanding the science behind gel polish technology helps explain why these formulations outperform traditional nail lacquers.

Traditional nail polish relies on solvent evaporation to dry. As the solvents dissipate into the air, the polish hardens on the nail surface. This process creates a relatively weak bond that’s susceptible to chipping and peeling within days.

Gel polish operates through an entirely different mechanism: photopolymerization. This sophisticated chemical process creates molecular bonds that are significantly stronger and more durable than those formed through simple evaporation. The result is a manicure that maintains its integrity for two to three weeks or longer.

Essential Components

Gel polish formulations contain specific ingredients that work together during the curing process:

• Oligomers and Monomers: These are the foundational molecules in gel polish. Oligomers are short chains of repeating molecular units, while monomers are single molecular units. Both remain in a liquid state until activated by light exposure. These molecules are engineered to link together and form long, cross-linked polymer chains.
• Photoinitiators: These light-sensitive compounds serve as the catalyst for the entire curing process. When exposed to specific wavelengths of light (typically UV or LED), photoinitiators break down and generate free radicals—highly reactive molecular fragments that initiate the polymerization reaction.
• Pigments and Additives: These components provide color, texture, and special effects while being incorporated into the polymer matrix during curing.

When gel polish is exposed to UV or LED light, a rapid transformation occurs:

1. Activation: Light energy at the appropriate wavelength strikes the photoinitiator molecules, causing them to decompose into free radicals.
2. Chain Initiation: These free radicals are extremely reactive. They immediately begin attaching to the oligomers and monomers present in the gel polish.
3. Propagation: Once a free radical bonds with a monomer, it creates a new reactive site. This new site quickly bonds with another monomer, and the process continues in a chain reaction. Multiple chains grow simultaneously throughout the gel polish layer.
4. Cross-linking: As polymer chains lengthen, they begin forming connections with adjacent chains. This three-dimensional network of interconnected polymers creates an exceptionally strong, rigid structure.
5. Termination: The reaction continues until the available monomers are consumed or the chains become too immobile to continue reacting. The result is a fully cured, solid polymer layer bonded to the nail surface.

The entire curing process typically takes 30 to 60 seconds per coat under a UV or LED lamp, depending on the specific formulation and light intensity.

The photopolymerization chemistry behind gel polish delivers distinct advantages:

Extended Wear Time: The cross-linked polymer network formed during curing creates a resilient coating that resists chipping, scratching, and general wear. This allows gel manicures to maintain their appearance for two to three weeks, compared to just a few days for traditional polish.

Superior Gloss: The curing process produces an exceptionally smooth, uniform surface at the molecular level. This smooth surface reflects light evenly, creating the signature high-gloss finish that gel polish is known for—without the need for extensive buffing or multiple top coats.

Immediate Results: Unlike traditional polish that requires extended drying time and remains vulnerable to smudging during that period, gel polish is fully cured and ready for normal activity immediately after the final coat is cured.

Enhanced Adhesion: The chemical bonding process creates a strong attachment to the nail plate, reducing lifting and separation at the edges.

It’s important to understand that gel polish doesn’t “dry” in the conventional sense. Traditional polish dries as solvents evaporate, leaving behind solid components. Gel polish undergoes a chemical transformation through light-activated curing.

During curing, the liquid gel polish transforms into a solid polymer through the photopolymerization process described above. The UV or LED light provides the energy necessary to activate the photoinitiators and sustain the chain reaction until curing is complete.

Curing time varies based on several factors:

• The intensity and wavelength of the curing lamp
• The thickness of the gel polish application
• The specific formulation of the gel polish
• The pigment concentration (darker colors may require slightly longer curing times)

Most gel polishes cure in 30 to 60 seconds per coat under modern LED lamps, while UV lamps may require 2 to 3 minutes per coat.

While gel polish offers exceptional durability, proper removal is essential to maintain nail health. The polymer bonds that make gel polish so durable also require specific techniques for safe removal.

The Professional Removal Process:

1. Surface Preparation: Use a medium-grit nail file to gently break through the top coat layer. This allows the nail acetone to penetrate the gel polish more effectively. File until the surface appears dull but avoid filing into the natural nail.
2. Acetone Application: Saturate cotton pads or pre-made acetone wraps with pure acetone (not nail polish remover, which may contain insufficient acetone concentration). Place the saturated pad on each nail, ensuring full coverage of the polish.
3. Wrap and Wait: Secure the acetone-soaked cotton with aluminum foil wraps or specialized clips. This prevents evaporation and maintains contact between the acetone and gel polish. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the acetone to break down the polymer bonds.
4. Gentle Removal: After soaking, the gel polish should appear softened and lifted. Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push off the softened gel. If resistance is encountered, rewrap and soak for an additional 5 minutes rather than forcing removal.
5. Nail Care: Once all gel polish is removed, gently buff the nail surface to remove any remaining residue. Wash hands thoroughly, then apply cuticle oil and hand cream to replenish moisture lost during the acetone soak.

Important Safety Considerations:

• Always work in a well-ventilated area when using acetone
• Avoid prolonged or repeated acetone exposure to minimize drying effects
• Never force or peel gel polish from the nail, as this can damage the nail plate
• Consider applying petroleum jelly around the nail (on the skin) before wrapping to minimize skin dryness

Brunson offers specialized gel polish formulations designed for different effects and applications:

• Smart Gel Nail Polish

Our flagship collection features advanced formulations that deliver exceptional chip resistance and vibrant, long-lasting color. The optimized polymer matrix ensures consistent performance across an extensive color palette, from subtle nudes to bold statement shades.

• Cashmere Gel Polish

This collection incorporates specialized matting agents that create a velvety, non-glossy finish. The unique formulation maintains the durability of traditional gel polish while offering a sophisticated, modern aesthetic.

• Rubber Base Gel

Engineered as a foundation layer, this flexible base coat promotes superior adhesion between the natural nail and color coats. Its elastic properties accommodate the natural flex of the nail, reducing the risk of cracking or lifting.

• Spider Gel

This highly viscous gel maintains structural integrity when drawn into fine lines, making it ideal for creating intricate web patterns, delicate linework, and detailed nail art designs. The thicker consistency prevents spreading while allowing precise application.

• Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish

Formulated with specialized magnetic particles, this gel polish responds to magnetic forces to create mesmerizing dimensional effects. The particles align along magnetic field lines, creating the signature cat eye shimmer that shifts with viewing angle.

• Diamond Glitter Nail Polish and Micro Diamond Gel Polish

These collections incorporate premium glitter particles in various sizes and shapes. The particles are suspended in a clear or tinted gel base, creating luminous, reflective finishes that maintain clarity and sparkle throughout wear.

• Builder Gel

This structural gel offers higher viscosity and increased strength for nail extensions, repairs, and creating an apex on the natural nail. The formulation provides sculptability before curing while maintaining excellent self-leveling properties.

• Fairy Dust Gel Polish and & Blooming Gel Polishes Collections

Specialty formulations designed for advanced nail art techniques. Blooming gel contains alcohol or other solvents that create diffusion effects when combined with regular gel polish, producing watercolor-like patterns and ombré effects.

• Mermaid Gel Nail Polish

This collection features iridescent pigments and micro-flakes that create multidimensional color shifts. The specialty pigments reflect different wavelengths of light depending on the viewing angle, producing an ethereal, mermaid-scale effect.

• Magic Top Coat Gel

A protective top coat formulation designed to seal and protect the color layer while enhancing shine. Some variants in this collection offer special effects such as matte finish, shimmer enhancement, or quick-dry properties.

• Chameleon Gel Polish

Incorporates thermochromic or photochromic pigments that respond to temperature or light changes, creating dynamic color transformations. These specialty pigments are stabilized within the gel matrix to maintain their reactive properties throughout wear.

Brunson gel nail polishes are formulated with premium-grade ingredients selected for optimal performance, color vibrancy, and wear resistance. Our quality control processes ensure consistency across batches, allowing nail professionals and enthusiasts to achieve predictable, salon-quality results.

When applied correctly and maintained properly, Brunson gel polishes deliver flawless manicures that resist chipping and maintain their original appearance for weeks. The extensive collection offers options for every style preference, from classic elegance to bold artistic expression.

Explore the complete Brunson gel polish collection to discover innovative formulations, trending colors, and specialty effects. Our product range includes everything needed for complete nail services—from foundation base coats to dimensional color systems and protective top coats.

Visit the Brunson website to explore our professional gel polish collections and discover the possibilities of advanced nail technology.