Nail table lamps are not just for manicures! Here are 10 hidden uses for them. They are so practical!
When it comes to nail table lamps (nail lamps), most people’s first reaction is to use them to dry nail polish or phototherapy glue. But in fact, this small and high-energy LED lamp has far more functions than that! Whether it is at home, in the office or for DIY, it can be of great use. Today, let’s unlock its 10 hidden uses so that your nail lamp will no longer be covered in dust!
1. Quickly cure UV glue/resin handicrafts
💡 Applicable scenarios: DIY, model making, jewelry repair
The UV ultraviolet rays (common 365nm-405nm wavelength) emitted by the nail table lamp can quickly cure UV glue, resin and other materials. Whether it is bonding small accessories, repairing ceramic cracks, or making a drip glue mobile phone case, use it to shine, and it can be done in a few minutes, 10 times faster than natural air drying!
Tips:
Choose a lamp with a wavelength of about 395nm, which is compatible with most UV glues.
Keep the object still during irradiation to prevent the glue from flowing and deforming.
2. Disinfect small items (such as toothbrushes and makeup brushes)
💡 Applicable scenarios: daily cleaning, travel and portability
UV-C ultraviolet rays (short waves) can kill bacteria, but ordinary nail lamps are mostly UV-A (long waves), which have limited sterilization effects. However, if your lamp is dual-wavelength (UV+LED), it can assist in disinfecting small items such as toothbrush heads, powder puffs, and makeup brushes to reduce bacterial growth.
Note:
It cannot replace professional UV disinfection cabinets and is suitable for emergency use.
The recommended exposure time is 5-10 minutes to avoid plastic aging.
3. Accelerate the drying of nail polish (non-phototherapy)
💡 Applicable scenarios: rushing out after applying ordinary nail polish
Although ordinary nail polish (non-UV glue) cannot be “cured” with a nail lamp, the heating effect can accelerate volatilization and shorten the drying time! Expose for 1-2 minutes after applying nail polish, and then use the cold air mode (if available) to reduce the risk of scratches.
4. Create fluorescent/luminous effects
💡 Applicable scenarios: party decoration, creative handicrafts
UV lamps can stimulate the luminous effects of fluorescent pigments and luminous powders! Use it to illuminate fluorescent stickers, luminous paintings or DIY fluorescent T-shirts, and instantly make the works “light up” in the dark, suitable for Halloween, music festivals and other scenes.
5. Check the anti-counterfeiting marks on banknotes/documents
💡 Applicable scenarios: Authenticity identification
Many banknotes, passports, and driver’s licenses have UV anti-counterfeiting marks, which can be revealed with a nail lamp (such as the invisible numbers on the RMB). Bring it with you when traveling to quickly check the authenticity of documents, super practical!
6. Pet urine stain detection
💡 Applicable scenarios: Pet home cleaning
Cat and dog urine stains will fluoresce under UV light! If you suspect that the sofa or carpet has been “marked” by a pet, turn off the lights and scan with a nail lamp to accurately locate the stained area and then clean it in a targeted manner.
7. Plant fill light (mini version)
💡 Applicable scenarios: Succulents, small potted plants
Some plants require light of a specific wavelength to promote growth. Although the power of the nail lamp is limited, it can temporarily fill in the light for small potted plants (such as succulents and mosses) on the desk, especially suitable for emergency use when there is insufficient light in winter.
Note:
Do not expose for more than 1-2 hours a day to avoid overheating.
Choose LED models (low heat generation).
8. Curing 3D printed models
💡 Applicable scenarios: 3D printing enthusiasts
Some photosensitive resin 3D printed models require secondary curing with UV lamps. If there is no professional equipment at home, a high-power nail lamp can be used instead (multi-angle irradiation is required).
9. Nail lamp transformed into a night light
💡 Applicable scenarios: Night lighting
Some nail lamps have a constant light mode, the light is soft and not dazzling, and it can be placed on the bedside as a night light at night, which is more eye-friendly than the light from the mobile phone screen.
10. Creative photography lighting
💡 Applicable scenarios: still life photography, UV special effects
UV lamps can create unique fluorescent effects, such as shooting fluorescent makeup, UV pigment paintings, or lighting crystals and minerals (some gemstones will change color under UV).
