When you work with clear powder, it’s important to pick up the right amount of liquid. The correct ratio of liquid to powder depends on what brand of acrylic you’re using. If you have to blot or bleed your bead before working with it, it’s too wet. If your ball is still crystalized or powdery, it’s too dry. After you place the bead on the nail, give it about three seconds to let it polymerize — don’t touch it right away. Then use the side of your brush to guide it into the shape you want. Don’t overwork the acrylic or dig into it. You don’t want to keep playing with it. The more you touch it, the more you create bubbles.
— Ann Chang, Kupa educator and host of The Nail Tips Show on YouTube