The Ultimate Troubleshooting Flowchart (From Streaks to Wrinkles)
We’ve all been there. You’ve spent ages on your prep, you’ve picked the perfect shade, and then - disaster. The polish starts to wrinkle under the lamp, or you notice ugly streaks in your favourite nude.
Before you reach for the acetone, take a breath! Most gel mishaps are caused by small, easily fixed technical errors. We’ve put together the ultimate "Emergency Fix-It" guide to help you identify what went wrong and how to ensure it never happens again.
1. The Problem: "The Raisin" (Wrinkling & Shrinking)
What it looks like: The gel looks smooth when you put it in the lamp, but comes out looking shrivelled or textured like a raisin.
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The Cause: Usually, this is because the layer was too thick. If the top layer of gel cures faster than the gel underneath, it pulls and "shrivels." It can also happen if your lamp is underpowered.
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The Fix: Always apply "thin to win." It is better to do three paper-thin coats than one thick one. Ensure you are using a professional 36W+ lamp for a full cure.
2. The Problem: "The Tiger Stripe" (Streaking & Patchiness)
What it looks like: You can see brush strokes, or the colour looks "bald" in some areas and heavy in others.
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The Cause: Too much pressure on the brush or "over-working" the gel. If you press too hard, the bristles of the brush plow through the pigment rather than letting it float.
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The Fix: Use a light touch. Let the gel "self-level" for 5–10 seconds before putting it in the lamp. If it’s a very pale nude, try a thin layer of base coat first to create a smoother "slip" for the colour.
3. The Problem: "The Champagne Effect" (Tiny Bubbles)
What it looks like: Tiny air bubbles trapped under the surface of the colour or top coat.
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The Cause: Shaking your polish bottles like a cocktail shaker! This traps air in the formula. It can also happen if you "pump" the brush in and out of the bottle.
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The Fix: Never shake your bottles. Instead, roll them between your palms to mix the pigment. When applying, use slow, steady strokes.
4. The Problem: "The Early Exit" (Lifting at the Edges)
What it looks like: The gel starts to peel away from the cuticle or the side walls within a few days.
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The Cause: Improper prep or "flooding" the cuticles. If the gel touches skin, it will lift.
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The Fix: This is a big one! We’ve dedicated a whole guide to this. Check out our post on Why is my Builder Gel Lifting? and make sure you’re using the Nail Prep Dehydrator & Primer duo.
5. The Problem: "The Dull Finish" (Cloudy Top Coat)
What it looks like: Your top coat looks matte or cloudy instead of glass-like and shiny.
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The Cause: Wiping a "No-Wipe" top coat too soon, or using a cleanser that is too weak. It can also happen if you touch your nails before they have "cooled" down after curing.
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The Fix: If you use a No-Wipe Top Coat, let the nails "cool" for 60 seconds after they leave the lamp before applying Cuticle Oil. This allows the seal to fully harden.
Quick-Check Flowchart Summary
| If you see... | It likely means... | Your next move is... |
| Wrinkles | Layer was too thick | Remove and apply thinner coats. |
| Streaks | Too much brush pressure | Lighten your touch; let it self-level. |
| Bubbles | Bottle was shaken | Roll the bottle; don't "pump" the brush. |
| Lifting | Poor prep/Skin contact | Clear cuticles; use Primer & Dehydrator. |
| Dullness | Touched too soon | Let it cool for 60s before oiling. |
The Secret Ingredient: High-Quality Formula
Sometimes, the trouble isn't you - it's the chemistry. Using a high-quality, stable formula like our HEMA-Free BIAB range reduces the risk of shrinking and wrinkling because the pigment is perfectly balanced with the builder.
Ready to level up your kit? Browse our Professional Prep & Finish Collection here.
