How to extend nails with acrylic? - Step by step

Materials you need:

1. Acrylic powder
2. Acrylic liquid (monomer)
3. Nail tips or templates
4. Nail glue
5. Nail file (coarse and fine grain)
6. Buffer
7. Brush for acrylic
8. Dappen dish (Dish for acrylic liquid)
9. PH bond
10. Primer
11. Pre-Cleanser
12. Wipe off
13. Nail wipes
14. Household paper or lint-free paper towels in larger sizes
15. Nail oil
16. Top coat
17. UV or LED lamp (for curing top coat)
18. Good ventilation

Step 1: Preparation of natural nails

• Push back the cuticles gently with a cuticle pusher.
• Shape your natural nails with a nail file.

Step 2: Apply nail tips or templates

• If you are using nail tips, choose appropriate sizes for each nail and attach them with nail glue. If you are using templates, apply them around the nail.

Step 3: Apply primer

• Apply a thin layer of acrylic primer to your natural nails. Let it dry for a few seconds. Make sure the product does not touch your skin.

Step 4: Mix acrylic powder and liquid

• Dip the acrylic brush into the liquid and tap off the excess on the side of your dappen dish. Then dip the brush into the acrylic powder.
  
  Note: It is important to maintain the correct proportions between liquid and powder when working with acrylic nails. A maximum limit of 2 parts liquid to 1 part powder should be aimed for. When shaping acrylic, it is crucial that the "ball" maintains its round shape even after 15 seconds. If the ball flattens and the acrylic liquid leaks out around it, it is a clear sign that the mixture is too wet. Maintaining the correct balance in this process is of utmost importance to create nails that are both durable and to avoid any possible allergic reactions. So remember, keeping an eye on proportions and consistency is the key to successful acrylic nail art!

Step 5: Apply acrylic to the nails

• Place the acrylic on the nail close to the cuticle (but not so that the acrylic comes into contact with the skin) and spread it evenly towards the tip of the nail. Shape the acrylic with the brush while it is damp to get the desired shape and thickness.
  Between brush strokes, quickly dab the brush on the paper towel to remove excess acrylic and liquid from the brush.

Step 6: Curing and Forming

• Let the acrylic nail harden for a few minutes. Then use a nail file to shape the nails to the desired length and shape.

Step 7: File and buff your nails

• Use a coarse nail file to shape the acrylic nails and a finer file to smooth the surface afterwards.

Step 8: Clean your nails

• Use a wipe moistened with Wipe off liquid to remove dust and dirt from your nails.

Step 9: Finish with top coat

• For shine and durability, now apply a thin layer of top coat and cure it with a UV or LED lamp.

Step 10: Apply nail oil

• Massage nail oil around the cuticles and hands to moisturize and nourish the skin.

You have now successfully created acrylic nails! Remember that practice and patience are important when learning this technique, so give yourself time to get better at it. Also remember that if you are a beginner, you should not practice on yourself or anyone else, always start by practicing on a practice hand or finger until you have mastered the technique well.