How to Use UV Glue for Nails (and Safely Remove Them Too!)

Erin Szoch
9 hours ago
2 min read

🧴 What You’ll Need

UV/LED nail glue (or resin)
UV/LED lamp
Nail file & buffer
Nail tips or forms (optional), I use Glamnetics Nails
Alcohol wipes or nail cleanser
Base and top coat
Cuticle oil

💅 You can shop all my nail tools and products here:

👉 Shop My Nail Tools on LTK

💅 Step 1: Prep Your Nails

Remove any old polish or residue.
Push back and clean cuticles.
Gently buff the surface to remove shine.
Wipe nails with an alcohol pad to remove oils and dust.

✨ Step 2: Apply UV Glue

Add a thin layer of base coat (if using)
Cure for 30-60 seconds
Repeat if you need to build more structure

💫 Step 3: Apply Tips (Optional)

If you’re extending your nails or using something like Glamnetics:

Choose tips that fit each nail perfectly.
Apply a small amount of UV glue to the tip well and press onto your nail.
Hold for a few seconds until it sets.
Cure for 60 seconds

🌸 Step 4: Shape, Polish & Finish

Seal with a top coat and cure for a glossy finish.
Finish with cuticle oil for healthy hydration.

💧 How to Remove UV Glue Nails

Removing UV glue nails the right way helps protect your natural nails from peeling or breakage. Here’s the gentle at-home method I use:

Option 1: Soak-Off Method

File the top coat: Lightly file to break the seal so the remover can penetrate.
Soak in warm acetone: Pour acetone into a bowl (or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrap each nail with foil).
Wait 10–15 minutes: Let the glue soften completely.
Gently lift softened glue: Use a wooden cuticle stick to nudge off the softened layers. Don’t force it—if it resists, soak a few more minutes.
Buff and hydrate: Once clean, buff nails lightly and apply cuticle oil or nail strengthener.

❌ Avoid:

Pulling or peeling the nails — this can damage your natural nail bed.
Using metal tools aggressively — always go slow and gentle.

🧡 Aftercare

Once your UV nails are off, give your natural nails a little TLC:

Apply cuticle oil daily.
Use a strengthening base coat if they feel weak.
Take a few days between sets to let them breathe.

🎥 Watch the Process

See my full tutorial and final results here:👉 @erinszoch on Instagram

Why It Works

Using UV glue for nails provides a quick, strong bond and allows for building or repairing nails with precision. Because it cures under UV/LED light, it’s less dependent on air-drying than traditional glues. Proper prep, thin layers, and full curing are key to durability.