Setting times - liquid or powder?

[cherubs]

Silly question alert:o:o:o:o

Is it the liquid or powder that determines the setting times? I know that Tammy Taylor have summer liquid & powders with a slower set time and that the liquid can be used with the regular powders. Other companies do just fast set powders to be used with their regular liquid.

I'm confused (it doesn't take much):lol:

 

[Bagpuss]

Its the monomer I think ??? ....Creative do Moxie which sets faster than Retention .... but they are used with the same Creative powders.

 

[Envy]

Set time is determined by the ratio of catalyst to product.

The more catalyst the faster the reaction. Traditionally the catalyst is in the powder and is Benzoyl peroxide (yes like what the use in acne cream) It transfers energy to the monomers making them grab onto each other. If the ratio of catalyst is altered then the reaction can be one of two things:

Too slow - meaning some of the monomers never bond to the chains, this can lead to soft weak nails and over exposure (hence - never work wet)

Too fast - if the reaction occurs too quickly then the nails can be extremely brittle and crack prone. Also in some cases the energy transfer process happens so fast that heat can be felt.