“If your products say cure with a 48W lamp, why is this only 23W?”
Historically, wattage has been used across the nail industry as a simple reference point for lamp performance. However, modern LED curing is not defined by electrical wattage alone. Effective polymerisation is determined by UV wavelength, radiant energy delivered to the nail surface, and the stability of that energy over time.
The TGB Illuminate Lamp uses dual-wavelength 365 nm + 405 nm LEDs and precisely controlled energy delivery to produce the same professional curing performance validated across TGB systems, while operating within a regulated ~23W electrical architecture. This means curing capability has not changed — we are now simply describing lamp performance in a more accurate, science-led way aligned with modern LED technology.
“Is 23W strong enough to fully cure BIAB™ / HARD BIAB™ / Gel Colour?”
Yes. The Illuminate Lamp has been specifically engineered and tested with all TGB systems to ensure complete and reliable curing across BIAB™, Hard BIAB™, Gel Colour, and TGB Top and Base Coats when used as directed.
“Does this mean your previous instructions were wrong?”
No. Curing performance has not changed. We are now describing lamp performance using more precise, science-led parameters rather than headline wattage alone.
“Do I need to update all my curing habits now?”
No changes to professional technique are required. Simply follow the standard TGB curing times and guidance using the Illuminate Lamp.
“Will my products under-cure if I use this lamp?”
No. Testing confirms full and consistent curing of compatible TGB products when used as directed.
“Why did you ever say 48W if wattage doesn’t matter?”
Wattage has historically been used across the nail industry as a simple reference point. Modern LED technology allows curing performance to be described more accurately through wavelength, radiant output, and controlled energy delivery.
“Is this lamp weaker than my current 48W lamp?”
No. Curing performance is equivalent, as effectiveness depends on UV output and
wavelength stability, not wattage alone.
“Can I still use my old 48W lamp with your products?”
Yes, you can use any official TGB lamp. All TGB systems are tested and validated across our official lamp range to ensure safe, consistent curing.
Please note that wattage alone does not determine curing performance, so we always recommend using an official TGB lamp for optimal results.
“Does this replace the need for a higher-watt lamp altogether?”
Professional curing depends on performance, not wattage. The Illuminate Lamp delivers the required curing energy within a regulated system.
“If wattage doesn’t matter, what does?”
Effective curing is determined by:
Correct UV wavelength (365 + 405 nm)
Stable radiant output
Controlled energy delivery over time
“What do you mean by ‘controlled energy delivery’?”
This refers to the precise regulation of electrical power and UV output, ensuring consistent curing performance rather than fluctuating intensity.
“How does radiant output compare to traditional 48W lamps?”
Independent testing shows equivalent curing performance, confirming that radiant energy and wavelength stability, not nominal wattage, determines results.
“Is the curing time the same as before?”
Yes. Standard TGB curing times remain unchanged.
“Does dual-wavelength (365 + 405nm) cover all your systems?”
Yes. Dual-wavelength LEDs are designed to activate the full photoinitiator range used across TGB products.
“Is this lamp tested specifically with TGB products?”
Yes. The Illuminate Lamp has undergone controlled curing validation across TGB systems.
“How is this more ‘science-led’ than other lamps?”
The Illuminate Lamp has been developed and validated using measured curing performance, wavelength precision (365 nm + 405 nm), radiant output stability, and long-term degradation testing, rather than relying on headline wattage alone.
This allows curing performance to be described using true photopolymerisation science.
“Does the lamp degrade over time like others?”
All LED curing systems gradually reduce in light output with extended professional use. Testing confirms the TGB Illuminate Lamp maintains stable curing-relevant performance throughout its intended service life; however, to ensure consistent professional curing reliability, we recommend replacing the lamp after approximately 12 months of regular salon use, in line with professional maintenance best practice.
“Is this change because of allergies or reactions?”
No. This update is not related to allergies or safety concerns. It reflects our commitment to clearer, more accurate scientific communication around curing performance. The technology and curing capability remain consistent — we are simply explaining it more precisely.
“Is under-curing a risk with this lamp?”
Not when used as directed. Validation testing confirms complete and reliable curing across compatible TGB systems.
“Could this cause contact dermatitis if used incorrectly?”
As with all professional nail systems, incorrect application or curing could increase risk. Following TGB professional guidance and correct curing procedures ensures safe, effective results.
“Is this lamp safer than higher-watt lamps?”
Safety is determined by engineering design, wavelength control, and regulatory compliance, rather than wattage alone. The Illuminate Lamp is designed for safe professional use within regulated electrical and optical parameters.
“Is this linked to TPO / HEMA reformulations?”
No. Lamp engineering and product formulation development are separate scientific
processes, although both follow regulatory and safety-led innovation.
“Is this compliant with UK / EU regulations?”
Yes. The lamp meets relevant electrical safety, compliance, and professional-use requirements for the UK and EU markets.
“Has this been independently tested?”
Yes. Performance, stability, and curing behaviour have been assessed through controlled laboratory and comparative testing.
“Why should we trust this over a traditional 48W lamp?”
Because curing effectiveness depends on wavelength accuracy, radiant energy delivery, and stability over time. The Illuminate Lamp is engineered and validated specifically for TGB systems using these measurable parameters.
“Is this just marketing or cost-cutting?”
No. The design reflects engineering optimisation and scientific validation, not reduction in performance. Curing capability remains fully equivalent to the previous reference system.
“Why didn’t the industry explain this sooner?”
Historically, performance has often been described using wattage because it was simple and widely understood. At TGB, we want to be transparent and science-led in how we educate professionals. As our testing and validation processes are more detailed, we’re choosing to describe curing performance more accurately focusing on wavelength, radiant output and controlled energy delivery rather than wattage alone
“Are other brands misleading people with wattage?”
Different brands describe lamp performance in different ways. TGB’s approach is to focus on measurable curing science and transparency.
“Why is TGB changing the narrative now?”
This reflects the launch of a new-generation LED platform and our commitment to science-led clarity and professional education.
“Are you trying to educate or quietly change standards?”
Our goal is clear professional education and transparency, while maintaining unchanged curing performance.
“Will you update product labels and instructions?”
Future updates will ensure consistent, science-accurate guidance across the TGB system.
“Will you replace products if curing issues occur?”
If you experience an issue, our team will assess it in line with standard policy.
Signs of incorrect curing may include:
- Softness beneath the surface
- Loss of structure or shine
- Premature lifting
These signs are typically associated with application variables such as layer thickness, product compatibility, or curing time.
When products are used as directed with compatible systems, correct curing procedures are designed to prevent this.
“What troubleshooting steps should I follow?”
If you have concerns:
- Check layer thickness and application technique
- Ensure compatible TGB systems are being used
- Confirm correct curing times
- Verify the lamp is operating as intended
If issues persist, contact TGB Support with full details of your application process and products used.
Our team will investigate and resolve any verified product concerns in line with standard policy.
“What is lux?”
Lux measures how much usable light actually reaches the nail surface. In curing, it helps show whether the lamp is delivering enough consistent light energy to properly set the gel over time
“Is lux more important than wattage?”
Lux, wavelength, and radiant output together describe real curing performance, whereas wattage only describes electrical input. For this reason, curing reliability is better assessed through optical output stability and wavelength accuracy rather than headline wattage alone.
“What lux level is needed to cure gel correctly?”
Required lux levels vary depending on formulation, photoinitiator system, and layer
thickness. The Illuminate Lamp has been validated to maintain curing-relevant light intensity across compatible TGB systems when used according to guidance.
“Does the Illuminate Lamp maintain its lux over time?”
Yes.
Degradation testing shows the lamp maintains stable curing-relevant light levels across extended operating hours, supporting consistent professional curing performance throughout its intended service life. Based on independent testing under controlled conditions assessing bulb degradation over 500 hours of continuous use, with comparative evaluation against selected professional LED nail lamps measuring light intensity, wavelength stability, and curing output.
“How does wavelength relate to lux and curing?”
Wavelength determines whether the photoinitiators activate, while lux and radiant
output determine how efficiently curing occurs.
All three must work together for complete polymerisation.
“Why is dual-wavelength (365 + 405 nm) important?”
Different photoinitiators absorb energy at different wavelengths.
Dual-wavelength LEDs ensure full activation across TGB gel systems, supporting
reliable curing depth and surface finish.
“Can a bright lamp still under-cure?”
Yes.
Visible brightness does not guarantee correct wavelength or stable radiant energy, which are essential for true curing performance.
“What makes the Illuminate Lamp optically stable?”
The system was engineered from the ground up with controlled power regulation,
wavelength precision, and long-term degradation testing to ensure consistent curing relevant optical output over time.
“What is polymerisation?”
Polymerisation is the curing reaction that turns gel from a liquid into a solid coating
when exposed to the correct UV/LED light.
This happens because special ingredients in the gel, called photoinitiators, absorb light at specific wavelengths and trigger the chemical process that forms a strong, durable polymer structure.
When the correct wavelength, light intensity, and curing time are used, polymerisation completes properly creating the smooth, long-lasting finish expected from a professional manicure.
“My Illuminate Lamp has run out of battery, how long until it’s ready to use again?”
If the lamp battery is fully depleted, allow a few minutes of charging with the supplied adapter before use.
ADDITIONAL CS:
“What is the warranty period?”
The Illuminate Lamp includes a 12-month manufacturer warranty covering electrical
and functional defects under normal professional use. Warranty does not cover
accidental damage or misuse.
“Can I use any USB-C cable to charge it?”
For safety, performance and warranty protection, we recommend using the USB-C
cable and adapter provided with the lamp. Use of alternative charging equipment may affect performance.
“Is the lamp safe to use during pregnancy?”
The Illuminate Lamp operates within regulated UV/LED parameters designed for
professional cosmetic use. There is no evidence that properly used LED nail lamps pose additional risk during pregnancy. Clients should always follow standard professional guidance.
“Do I need to use UV protection?”
As with all professional UV/LED systems, avoiding direct skin exposure beyond
recommended curing times is best practice. For additional reassurance, clients may
choose to apply SPF to hands prior to treatment
“How do I clean the lamp?”
We recommend cleaning the outer shell using TGB SalonSafe™ Wipes or a Lint-Free Wipe lightly dampened with a gentle disinfectant such as isopropyl alcohol.
Do not immerse the lamp in liquid.
Do not use acetone.
Avoid touching or wiping directly over the LED bulbs.
“Does it have an automatic sensor start/stop?”
Yes.
The lamp includes an automatic hand sensor which activates curing when the hand is inserted.
“How many bulbs does the new lamp have?”
The Illuminate Lamp contains 42 precisely positioned LED beads, engineered to ensure even curing coverage across the full hand.