Did you know that UV lamp and a LED lamp don't work with the same products?
Here is what you need to know to make your choice.
UV or LED ?
The difference between the 2 lamps is the type of light. UV lamps work with neons and LED works with LED lights. These two types of lights cure products differently and cannot be used with any product, just specific ones made for a specific type of light. UV neons usually last 50 hours of use and can be replaced many times. LED litghts last about 50 000 hours of use but cannot be replaced or repaired. UV lamps are often bigger and heavier than LED lamps which are more compact. LED lights cure faster than UV, but you should always follow the instructions of the product you are using. The strenght of a lamp can vary from 9w to 72w or maybe more in the future! The higher the wattage, the smaller the time of curing. The most popular wattage is 36w. Porducts usually take 2 minutes to cure with this kind of lamp which is the average.
Here are some Popular products that cure with UV lights: Shellac, Essie Gel, Creative Play Gel, UV Resin, etc.
Here are some Popular products that cure with LED lights: PolyGel, Gelish, etc.
Best Of Both Worlds!
There is a third type of lamp that is very popular right now: The universal lamp. This type of lamp has LED lights but can cure both UV and LED products. You can cure any product with a universal lamp and you have the advantage of the light weight of LED lights. Universal lamps use to be quite expensive but since so many companies make them right now, prices are more affordable! It is the most 'universal' lamp you can own!
How Much To Pay?
Universal lamps use to be quite expensive but since so many companies make them right now, prices are more affordable! It is the most 'universal' lamp you can own! Prices go from 60$ to 300$ but don't be fooled by low prices on big websites like eBay, many copies are sold online and while you think you're getting a good product, you might be getting a lower quality copy. Make sure you do some research and get information on the product you want to purchase.
Time to shop!