Isla Bennett
Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those who want to add length and strength to their natural nails. They are made by combining a liquid monomer with a powder polymer to create a mouldable substance that hardens when exposed to air. This process allows for a lot of freedom in terms of nail art, and you can play with length, shape, and design. If you're thinking of applying gel nail polish over your acrylics, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, gel manicures typically use a specific type of nail polish that is cured with a UV lamp to create a shiny, long-lasting finish. Unlike regular nail polish, gel polish takes longer to dry, so it's important to factor in the extra time. Additionally, while acrylic nails can be removed by filing and clipping, gel polish may require a different approach, such as an acetone soak, to ensure safe removal without damaging your natural nails.
How to apply gel on acrylic nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | Proper ventilation is required during the application of acrylic nails. |
| Tools | Acrylic nail clippers, files, bowl, brush, nail tips, nail form, nail polish remover, cotton balls, foil, cuticle pusher, cuticle oil, hydrating cream |
| Preparation | Remove old polish with an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover. Soak old acrylics or gels in pure acetone. Clip, file and buff nails. Glue nail tips, trim and file to desired length and shape. |
| Application | Combine liquid monomer with powder polymer to create a moldable substance. Apply mixture to nails, flatten and brush towards the tip. |
| Maintenance | Schedule a fill every 2–3 weeks to keep nails looking new. Apply cuticle oil daily. Wear gloves for household chores. |
| Removal | File almost all acrylic from nails, then cut excess length. Soak cotton balls in acetone, place on nails and wrap fingers in foil. Let sit for 30–60 minutes, then gently push off softened acrylic with a cuticle pusher. Apply cuticle oil and hydrating cream. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails by shaping, buffing, and filing them
Preparing your nails is an important step in achieving a chic, salon-worthy finish. Start by ensuring your nails are clean and free of any old polish or residue. Use an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover to take off any existing nail polish. If you have old acrylics or gels, it is recommended to soak them in pure acetone rather than peeling them off, as this can damage your natural nails.
Once your nails are clean, it's time to shape them. You can do this by gluing nail tips to each of your nails and trimming and filing them to the desired length and shape. Use acrylic nail clippers and files, as regular clippers and files are not as effective on acrylic nails. A grit of 180, 240, 1000, and 4000 should be sufficient, but you may need an even coarser file if you are aiming for a very smooth finish.
Buffing your nails is the next step in the preparation process. Buffing helps to smooth out any ridges or imperfections on the nail surface, creating an even canvas for the gel application. Use a fine-grit buffer and gentle pressure to avoid over-buffing, which can thin the nail plate.
Finally, filing your nails will ensure they are ready for the gel application. Filing helps to further shape the nails and smooth out any rough edges. It is important to file in one direction only, as filing back and forth can cause splitting and tearing.
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Use a nail form or tip to guide the application
Using a nail form or tip is an important step in applying gel to acrylic nails. This technique helps to guide the application and ensure a precise and neat finish. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a nail form or tip:
Before you begin, ensure your natural nails are clean and free of any old polish or residue. Use an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover to ensure your nails are ready for the acrylic application.
Now, select the appropriate nail form or tip. Nail forms are flexible, curved strips that can be placed under your natural nail to act as a guide. On the other hand, nail tips are artificial nail extensions that are glued to your natural nails to create a base for the acrylic application. Choose the option that best suits your desired nail shape and length.
If you opt for nail tips, carefully glue them to each of your nails, ensuring they are securely attached. Trim and file the tips to your desired length and shape. This step ensures that your acrylic nails will have the perfect foundation to build upon.
With your nail forms or tips in place, it's time to mix your acrylic. Pour liquid monomer into a dish and acrylic powder into another dish. Use a brush specifically designed for acrylic applications, and load it with the liquid monomer before dipping it into the powder. This combination creates a moldable substance that hardens when exposed to air.
Apply the acrylic mixture to your nails, carefully shaping it over your natural nail or the nail tip. Flatten the acrylic and brush it towards the tip, ensuring a smooth and even application. Once the acrylic sets, you can file and refine the shape, creating the perfect canvas for polish or nail art.
Remember to practice and be patient, as applying acrylic nails takes some skill and precision. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you'll be able to achieve salon-worthy gel acrylic nails.
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Mix the gel and acrylic powder
To mix gel and acrylic powder, you will need a few supplies. Firstly, get your hands on an acrylic bowl and an acrylic brush, which are tools you will need to mix and apply the acrylic. The bowl should be somewhere between a size #8-12. You will also need acrylic powder and liquid, which are mixed to create the acrylic nails. Ensure you have enough ventilation during the application as the monomer and powders contain chemicals that require proper ventilation.
Next, pour the acrylic liquid into the bowl and then dip your brush into it. After this, dip the loaded brush into the acrylic powder. The liquid and powder will combine to create a gummy, mouldable substance that hardens when exposed to air. This mixture is then applied to your nails. Flatten the acrylic towards the tip of your nails using the brush.
It is important to note that you should not use MMA monomers; instead, opt for EMA. Before applying the acrylic, ensure your nails are clean and free of any old polish. Use an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover to remove any old polish. If you have old acrylic nails or gels to remove, do not peel them off as this will damage your nails. Instead, soak them in pure acetone until they can be pushed away with ease.
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Apply the gel mixture to your nails
Applying the gel mixture to your nails is a delicate process that requires precision and patience. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
Before you begin, ensure your nails are clean and free of any old polish or residue. Use an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover to thoroughly clean your nails. It is important to start with a fresh canvas to ensure the gel mixture adheres properly. Additionally, be sure to have all your supplies ready, including the gel mixture, a nail brush, and a practice hand or finger if you are a beginner.
Now, let's mix the gel. In a well-ventilated area, pour the acrylic liquid into a small dish and the acrylic powder into a separate dish. Use a nail brush to load up on the liquid acrylic, and then dip it into the powder. The monomer (liquid) and polymer (powder) will combine to create a gummy paste. This paste is what you will apply to your nails. Practice mixing the gel on a nail tip or practice hand to get a feel for the consistency and application process.
When you are ready, begin applying the gel mixture to your nails. Start by brushing a thin layer of the gel onto your nail, flattening it, and brushing it towards the tip. Be careful not to apply the gel too close to your cuticles, as this can cause damage to your natural nail. Take your time and work on one nail at a time, ensuring each nail is coated evenly.
After applying the gel mixture, you may need to shape your nails using a nail file. Gently buff and file your nails to achieve your desired shape and length. Remember to be gentle, as aggressive filing can damage your nails. Use the appropriate grit for filing, and consider using a coarser file if the end result is very clumpy.
Finally, finish your nails with a coat of nail polish or a desired design. Acrylic nails provide a great base for nail art, so feel free to play with length, shape, and designs. Remember to care for your nails properly, including wearing gloves for household chores and regularly applying cuticle oil to maintain their health and longevity.
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Finish with polish or a design
Once your acrylic nails are applied and shaped to your desired length and style, you can finish with nail polish or a design. If you're doing your nails at home, you'll need to purchase your chosen colour or colours of nail polish. If you're at a salon, your nail technician will likely present you with a range of options.
If you opt for nail polish, you can choose from regular polish or gel polish. Gel polish offers a high-shine finish and may be less damaging to your nails than regular polish. However, it can sometimes chip more easily. Both types of polish will require a longer drying time than acrylics. Gel polishes are cured with a UV nail lamp, which hardens the polish and creates a shiny, long-lasting manicure.
If you're feeling creative, you could also finish your acrylic nails with a design. Acrylics allow for a lot of freedom in terms of nail art. You can play with length, shape, and design to create a unique look. You can also try out new nail trends, like jelly nail polish and pop art French tips.
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