In the past few years, acrylic nails or fake nails have taken over the world. They are one of the most important things in the lives of women. Trendy colors, glamorous nails, they are everywhere. This trendy nail art technique allows women all around the world to make the colors, patterns, and designs of their dreams. But what exactly is acrylic liquid? Today, we will answer the question, acrylic liquid what is it?
The process of achieving dazzling nail art is not easy. This is where acrylic liquid helps. Another name for acrylic liquid is a monomer. It is an active and essential ingredient used in an acrylic manicure. Usually, it is mixed with a polymer powder and helps stick the fake nails to your real nail for a long period. The liquid provides acrylic manicure with a polished and smooth finish.
You can either make acrylic nails at home or visit some nail art shop. With that in mind, today we will try to answer all your questions related to acrylic liquid what is it.
Reader's Roadmap
What Is The Best Type Of Acrylic Liquid?
Acrylic liquid is a broad term. There are different types of acrylic liquid you can buy in the stores. If you want to buy some for home usage, make sure to choose the best. And that one contains EMA or ethyl methacrylate. Do not buy a liquid that contains MMA which is methyl methacrylate.
The formulas containing MMA are toxic and can cause damage to your nails. On the other side, EMA is completely harmless and safe for your nails. The problem might be that acrylic liquid with EMA has a strong odor. So, make sure to open the windows for proper ventilation when you try to make your nails.
Another thing to pay attention to is the time. Look for options that take longer to try. This way, you have time to fix any mistake you make.
What Makes Acrylic Liquid So Good?
When you are talking about why the acrylic liquid is so good, you have to talk about the ingredients. It all comes down to the ingredient list. Here are some ingredients that make acrylic nails shine.
Monomer
We already said that another name for acrylic liquid is a monomer. Many different chemicals are classified as monomers. And manufacturers choose one that is in liquid form. The monomer does the bulk of the heavy lifting in the work of creating nails. The most common one is ethyl methacrylate, EMA, which we mentioned above.
EMA has fewer adhesion properties to hold everything together, it restricts cracking, and spreads smoothly over your nails.
Inhibitor
Manufacturers add a product to the monomer that prevents premature polymerization. That is when molecules prematurely link together into chains of molecules. If they link too early, the monomer will harden in the bottle.
That is why manufacturers add an inhibitor. Usually, that is hydroquinone (HQ), hydroquinone monomethyl ether (MEHQ), or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Either one of the three works.
Catalyst
These ingredients speed up the chemical reaction and allow the product to be set up within minutes instead of hours. Without a catalyst, you will have to wait for your nails to dry the whole day. The reaction happens when the liquid comes into contact with benzoyl peroxide, which is the activator or initiator in the powder.
The catalyst determines the setup time of the acrylic. Some manufacturers speed up or reduce the time the product needs to be set up by adjusting the amount of catalyst in the formula.
Crosslinkers
These chemicals are added to the formula to link the strands of molecules together in a 3D-type web. They bridge, strengthen, and connect molecular chains.
UV Absorbers
Any good acrylic liquid has to have UV absorbers. They interact with UV light and prevent your nails from yellowing when exposed to the sun. These absorbers absorb the UV light and convert it to harmless blue light.
Optional Ingredients
Some manufacturers can add optional ingredients that make the nail polish better or worse. For example, some add flow modifiers that customize the product’s workability. They create an easy and smooth spread.
Wetting agents also help the product spread smoothly over the surface and improve adhesion to solid surfaces.
Last, but not least, they add dyes to the liquid. These dyes help achieve the desired effect. For example, blue is an optical brightener, making the color look and appear more vibrant.
How To Do Acrylic Manicures At Home?
If you do not want to go to a nail salon or nail art shop to do your nails, you can easily do acrylic nails manicure at home.
The first step is to buy an acrylic nail kit. Buy one from a reputable and well-known brand. The kit contains acrylic liquid, brush, and powder. We have to stress again, buy a kit with the liquid containing EMA, not MMA.
Now, gather your accessories and prepare your nails for a manicure. This includes nail tip glue, nail clippers, filers, acrylic brush, and acrylic bowl. Trim your nails, buff them, and remove any nail paint from before.
The next step is to take the acrylic nails and file them according to the desired size. Apply some acrylic glue to them and stick them to your real nails. Press and hold each nail for 10 seconds and then take a small amount of glue.
Now, take the two acrylic dishes. Pour the liquid in one and powder in the other separately. Slowly dip the brush in acrylic liquid, take it out, and brush it against the side of the bowl. Move towards the powder and run the brush slowly on it. Make sure not to take too much powder, go for a balanced ratio.
Apply the mixture with the brush to your nails, slowly and neatly. Remember to wipe the brush after each and every nail. Then, take the mixture again. Once you finish with all your 10 nails, let the acrylic liquid dry. Wait for at least 10 minutes, and you have your acrylic manicure ready. You can now paint them with the desired color.
Difference Between Acrylic Liquid Nails And Gel Nails
When it comes to fake nails, many women opt either for gel nails or acrylic liquid nails. What is the difference between the two? Both are artificial nails and enhancement done in place of natural nails. Generally speaking, gel nails provide a glossier and more natural look. Acrylic nails are more sturdy and durable.
Let’s explain gel nails first. There are two types of gel. You can choose between hard gel and soft gel. As the name suggests, hard gel, after being cured, is tough enough to be made into a nail extension. These extensions are artificial nails created using a nail product that will enhance your nails past the edge of the natural nail.
As we know, acrylic nails, or fake nails, false nails, and fashion nails, are basically extensions placed over fingernails as fashion accessories.
Unlike acrylic nails, gel nails harden under UV light. Each layer has to harden under this light for two to three minutes. It creates a chemical bond that connects the gel to your nail.
Gel nails are easier to remove, but the nail plate can still be damaged if the gel is scraped off before it has completely dissolved. Some women prefer gel nails because they are a more flexible monomer. But acrylic is much harder and more durable.
Gel is usually more expensive. And it is all about marketing. When companies started promoting gel nails, they made women believe it is safer and it doesn’t damage natural nails. And unlike acrylic nails, you cannot buy a kit and make gel nails at home. You cannot buy it in gallon containers.
Some gel manufacturers will try to sell their products implying that gels are healthier for natural nails. But there is no such thing. Usually, the damage is caused by over-filling the nails. And that happens when a nail technician makes a mistake.
At the end of the day, it comes down to your preference. Gel nails provide a more natural look with a glossy finish. But acrylic nails are sturdier and more durable. We suggest taking a look at the benefits and weaknesses of each before making a conclusion. In any case, we hope we answered your questions about acrylic liquid and what is it.
