Acrylic nails - application part 3

| July 7, 2010 |

Once you are ready to apply the product, use your instructions that came with the acrylic system you bought. The manufacturer usually includes directions specific to each product and it’s a great way to pick up tips. If you have any problems or questions, contact them. Most manufacturers are very easy to get in contact with and have lots of answers for you. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep on saying it, manufacturers make their products to work together and they do so stick to one line.

The consistency of your acrylic is the next very important thing you need to conquer to have your acrylic not lift. It can’t be too wet or too dry. If your product is too wet it can seep into and onto your clients skin. The product won’t stick to skin so when the the product dries it will separate from the skin and cause lifting. If your product is too dry, it will turn out lumpy and uneven. The way to achieve perfect results every time is with a medium consistency.

A great way to practice getting the best consistency is on a plain plastic tip. test your mix ratio by placing the ball you’ve created on the apex of the tip and observe it for a few seconds. If your acrylic is too wet you will notice that the ball will settle and flow out towards the sides almost immediately. You may also notice the height of the ball drops in half or looses most of it’s original shape. You may also notice the appearance of a ring of extra liquid around the base.

If your acrylic is too dry you’ll notice that the height and shape of your ball have not changed after 10 seconds. The ball will not have spread out much and you may see the ball appears lumpy or crusty. You will also notice that your ball is hard to move and shape.

You will know you have found the perfect consistency when your ball of acrylic spreads out slowly and appears frosty or glassy. You will see a smooth dome like shape and the ball will only drop about 1/4 of it’s original shape. You will not see any extra liquid and your ball will be easy to form and shape.