Beauty Calculators
Gel manicure timer.
Cure times depend on your polish brand and lamp, so you enter them from the label. The tool lays out base, colour coats and top coat, adds up total lamp time and appointment time, and runs a countdown through each step with a beep. Runs in your browser.
Layers and times
Timeline
Fill the form and press Calculate.
Worked example
Your labels say base 30 seconds, colour 60 seconds per coat, top coat 60 seconds. With base, two colour coats and top, both hands together: 30 + 60 + 60 + 60 = 210 seconds (3:30) in the lamp. One hand at a time doubles it to 7:00. Add 60 seconds to paint each coat and the timeline for both hands together is 4 coats x 60 s + 210 s = 7:30.
How it works
There is no standard cure time for gel polish. It depends on the formula, the colour (dark and opaque shades usually need longer), the coat thickness and the lamp's output, so every time on this page comes from you, taken from the polish or lamp instructions. Use the label of the specific product and lamp you have.
Total lamp time = sum of cure seconds for every coat, doubled if you cure one hand at a time. The timeline adds painting time if you enter it. The timer counts down each cure step and beeps at the end so you can swap layers.
The tool does not judge whether a time is enough. Under-curing is why gel stays tacky or lifts; follow the manufacturer's directions and wipe the sticky layer only as they instruct.
Sources and basis (checked 2026-10-04): no standard exists; all times are from your product label. Not medical advice: if you have skin irritation or an allergic reaction to nail products, stop using them and ask a healthcare professional.
FAQ
How long do you cure gel polish?
Whatever the label of your polish and lamp says. Many brands print times per coat; enter those here. This page does not set a time for you.
Why does gel polish stay sticky?
Possible causes include too little cure time, a coat applied too thickly, or a lamp that does not match the polish. Check the polish and lamp instructions. The sticky layer is normal on some products until it is wiped, as the label says.
Should I cure one hand at a time?
Some lamps are designed for both hands, others for one. Choose the option that matches your lamp; the planner doubles the lamp time for one hand at a time.
Do dark colours need longer?
Often brands say so for thick or opaque shades. Enter the time from the label for that specific colour.
Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
It uses your device clock, so it stays accurate, but some phones throttle audio in a background tab. Keep the page open and the sound on.