How to apply acrylic nails? The first 10 steps in preparing to apply acrylic nails are crucial since they influence success or failure:
1) Clean your hands with anti-bac spray.
2) Use an orangewood stick/cuticle stick to push the cuticles back.
3) Using a 100/180 grit file, lightly buff the shine off the nail.
4) Put the tip into action. Check that you have chosen the correct size for each nail, then lay them out from large to little for each nail. Cut the tip to the length you want.
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5) Use a file to blend the line eliminator over the seamline of each tip.
6) Gently buff the gloss off the tip (do not do this with sprayed or design tips; only do this with natural-colored tips).
7) Using a nail brush, remove all dust from your nails.
8) Reapply Anti-Bac spray to the nail.
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9) Use Nail Prep on the natural section of the nail to eliminate superfluous oils from the nail plate. Allow to dry completely.
10) Apply a dab of Primer to the natural nail section of each nail. Be careful not to get this on your cuticles, and only a small amount is needed. Allow to dry completely. The primer creates a chemical foundation for the acrylic to cling to.
You’re now ready to start applying the acrylic:
1) Fill a Glass dappen dish halfway with monomer (acrylic liquid).
2) Dip the brush into the monomer in the dish about two-thirds of the way. To remove extra liquid, wipe the brush over the edges of the dappen.
3) Drag the brush across the powder’s surface, making a medium ball.
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4) Allow the liquid to seep into the ball until it reaches a medium-wet consistency.
5) To apply the acrylic, split the nail into three sections: the top (area 1), the middle (area 2), and the edge (part 3). Apply the ball to area 1, being cautious not to get any acrylic on the cuticle (this will result in lifting). Smooth out with the brush after gently pressing the ball down.
6) Repeat with regions 2 and 3, mixing each area with the one before it and stroking downwards.
7) Apply a last thin layer to the entire nail.
8) Shape the nail with the 100/180 file and mix the acrylic into the cuticle region with the 180-grit side of the file.
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- Use a nail brush to remove the dust.
- Massage cuticle oil into the cuticles.
- Wash your hands.
- Seal with two layers of a high-quality top coat.
One word of caution: when purchasing acrylic liquid, make sure to ask the source if it is MMA-free.
MMA is a hazardous substance that is prohibited in the United States due to the health dangers it poses. MMA also hardens the acrylic compound, which damages your nail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few FAQs I get asked concerning (or related to) how to apply acrylic nails.
How to use acrylic paint on nails?
Apply acrylic paint to nails using tips, materials, and a brush.
How do you infill a nail with acrylic?
Add a thin layer of clear acrylic to infill a nail with colored acrylic for an easier process.
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How do I choose the best acrylic nail kit?
Choose a kit with basic acrylic nail supplies and a glass to hold the liquid.
How long does it take to do acrylic nails?
Give yourself enough time to do acrylic nails, starting with your dominant hand, to ensure clean and tidy nails.
What do you use before applying acrylic nails?
Acid-free nail primer
Do you use water with acrylic nails?
Acrylic nails should be kept dry and only exposed to water for a short period of time.
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Do you need nail glue for acrylic nails?
Nail glue is used to adhere acrylic nails to natural nails.
How long do acrylic nails last?
2-3 weeks