The first step is to make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s mix ratio to a tee. If you follow the instructions carefully, your product should come out balanced. Also train yourself to think of applying acrylic like you would a polish. The same techniques apply, and staying consistent with your techniques will help you improve in both applications. Another trick to remember is that you want to shape the nail with your brush and not your file. Try to get it right during the application and don’t resort to filing to smooth out imperfections. — Maisie Dunbar is owner of M & M Nails and Wellness in Silver Spring, Md.
Technique
How do I know how thick to apply acrylic?
July 28, 2008
More FAQ
How do I backfill the white tip with silk wraps?
I have a client who wants silk wraps with a white tip. Please tell me how to backfill the white tip with silk wraps.... read more
How do I apply gel polish without it pooling to the center of the nail and leaving the outside perimeter bare?
How do I apply gel polish without it pooling to the center of the nail and leaving the outside perimeter bare? ... read more
What technique is the best for a manicure and do you use different techniques for different problem nails?
I have tried several different ways to give the best natural nail manicure possible and want to know which way is the best. I have tried water manicures, which I’m told are no longer the way to go. I have tried soaking cuticles in heated oil or lotion before massaging. What technique is the best for the nail and do you use different techniques for different problem nails? ... read more
How can I get an arch on a flat nail?
How can I get an arch on a flat nail when doing an acrylic natural nail overlay without getting my finished product too thick? The nail always looks like it is too thick with too much acrylic at the free edges as well as at the cuticle.... read more
Why do my acrylic nails turn yellow by the time my clients come back for their fill?
Why do my acrylic nails turn yellow by the time my clients come back for their fill?... read more
How do I glide the pink over the white without ruining the white?
I’m having trouble with my smile lines. When I apply the pink to the center of the nail it seems to muddy my crisply sculpted white smile line. I know I have to glide the pink over the white to the free edge, but I don’t know how to do this without ruining the white?... read more
Can you explain the difference between a regular gel and a builder gel?
I’m in school. Can you explain the difference between a regular gel and a builder gel?... read more
Why are my gels still dull after filing and buffing? What can I do to change this?
Why are my gels still dull after filing and buffing? What can I do to change this?... read more
Is it true that filing nails in a back-and-forth motion will cause the nails to break or become weaker?
Is it true that filing nails in a back-and-forth motion will cause the nails to break or become weaker?... read more
Why are my gels still dull after filing and buffing?
Why are my gels still dull after filing and buffing? What can I do to change this?... read more
How do I keep the white acrylic from blending in with the pink?
How do I keep the white acrylic from blending in with the pink? Is there a trick to keeping the white and pink apart?... read more
How do I speed up my services?
How do I speed up my services? I don’t want to hurt people by filing fast and some women can’t work with you during nail services.... read more
