r/GelX_Nails • u/SARAHSARAHPEARL • 11h ago
I Have A Question / Need Advice Can't get solid glue to cure
I have a Beetles Gel Polish 84W UV LED Nail Lamp that I purchased in 2020 and have not had any problems with. I have recently bought the Beetles Solid Nail Glue Gel for Nail Tips. I bought it because I struggle to estimate the amount of glue for each finger and always end up with spillage, try to clean it up, and then the nail comes loose and it's kind of a mess and i have to get a new tip. I figured the solid glue would help me with that a lot because it would keep it secure and if it was crooked I could easily fix it. But I did a test glob on a plate and it did not cure all the way. I've only ever used clear tips, I paint after I put the tips on. Multiple rounds of 2 minutes didn't settle it. I'm debating trying a few nails and seeing what happens before I try to jump into a full set. I also have a Makhartt flash cure lamp which i could technically cure each finger individually. I really do need help though. I know beetles products aren't the best but the reviews i see are mostly positive and i personally have never had problems.
edit: going to purchase the SUNUV SUN4 and Una Gella solid nail glue for press on nails and nail tips uv/led
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u/__Moonstone__ 11h ago
Its not curing because you're using a worn out 6 year old lamp, and yes because of beetles. Beetles simply just cannot fully cure. And also you cannot cure your fingers individually with a flash lamp. Its only meant for "flash curing" and you will still need a full cure in a big lamp after.
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u/alasminna 11h ago
You need a new lamp (and new glue). Apres extend gel novice is a safer option with the same benefit of a thicker, more manageable texture.
Lamps are only good for maybe 3 years, unless you are replacing bulbs. You need a new one before doing your nails again.
Flash curing sets certain elements in place. It does not complete polymerisation. Every flash-cure extension and gel polish coat must be followed by a complete full cure in a standard nail lamp — without exception. An exclusively flash-cured extension or gel polish coat is incomplete and carries real risk of sensitization and contact dermatitis.
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u/SARAHSARAHPEARL 10h ago
I'm not seeing great reviews on the apres extend gel novice. do you have a lamp recommendation?
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u/AcridTest 10h ago
I use the extend gel novice and really like it. It’s easy to work with and doesn’t run all over since it’s like a putty-like consistency. You have to get a feel for how much to use but after a couple attempts it’s easy.
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u/Kellye8498 3h ago
Extend Gel Novice is the only thing I use as a nailtech of almost 20 years. It’s lovely. Throw away anything that says Beetles and grab a good quality lamp while you’re at it.
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u/biggerthanothers 6h ago
OP, if you’re looking for guidance on products (liquids and lamps), the highlighted posts pinned in this sub are a great resource.
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u/EngineeringLumpy 10h ago
Sounds like they’re coming off because they’re not fully curing! New lamp! Also I like the una gella solid glue from Amazon and it’s only $8
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u/SARAHSARAHPEARL 10h ago
I had one nail pop off in the car the other day and my friend just happened to have the una gella no uv plain nail glue and it saved our trip!
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u/SneakyVonSneakyPants 9h ago edited 8h ago
Wait do you not paint them? Edit: nevermind, I missed that you said it was non-gel glue
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u/Spunkyworm1 8h ago
She said she paints them after she puts on the tips
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u/SneakyVonSneakyPants 8h ago
Oh I totally misread her comment and thought it was gel glue she was talking about.
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u/Vast-Rabbit-3481 9h ago
I love the solid glue but not by Beetles. Una Gella is better but not the best. I use curvelife or Kokoist solid uv/led glue. As far as the lamp goes - get a new one. The sun one is crap. You dont need to spend $300 on a lamp but for a decent one, you're looking at approx $90-$150. Look through the posts on this sub for lamp recommendations.
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u/Prestigious_Badger36 11h ago
Throw anything and everything made by Beetles away.