The short answer
Gel wrinkles when a thick layer cures on the surface before the gel under it. Apply thin coats, cure for the label time, check your lamp, and keep gel off the skin.
Why does gel polish wrinkle?
A wrinkle usually means a coat was too thick. The surface cures first, and the gel underneath is still liquid, so the top skin crinkles as it settles. Pooled gel at the cuticle and sidewalls wrinkles for the same reason.
Thin, even coats cure all the way through, so most wrinkles trace back to how much gel went on.
How thin is thin?
Scrape most of the gel off the brush on the neck of the bottle, then stroke it on in a thin, even layer. Cap the free edge and wipe any pooled gel off the skin before you cure.
Two thin coats of color usually look better than one thick coat. See Gel Manicure Steps.
Could the lamp be the problem?
It can be. Check that you followed the cure time on the label and that the lamp suits the gel. A weak or dirty lamp, or a lamp that is not seated correctly, can leave a layer under-cured. See How Long to Cure Gel Nails.
The Corded LED Nail Lamp and the Signature Cordless LED Lamp have 15, 30, 60 and 90 second timers to match label times.
Do dark colors and glitter wrinkle more?
Dense colors and glitter let less light through, so they need thinner coats and the full label cure time. Dark gels, heavy glitter and thick art layers are the usual suspects. Cure art layers one at a time.
What if a nail has already wrinkled?
Wipe or file the wrinkled layer smooth, then apply a fresh thin coat and cure it. If the gel is soft underneath, soak off and redo the layer. Steps are in How to Remove Gel Nails.
Always follow the cure time on the product label. If a product keeps wrinkling, check with your distributor or an instructor about the product and the lamp.
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Wholesale inquiries: info@cre8tionproducts.com