When you get your acrylic manicures done, you may have seen your nail tech dipping her brush in a cute mini glass filled with liquid. Ever wondered what that liquid is and why does she wet her brush in it?
The liquid used primarily in acrylic manicures and designs is a monomer and here’s everything you need to know about this simple yet important product.
What is Monomer for Nails and How to Use, Apply, and DIY it?
Just as it is not possible to have a dough without both flour and water, similarly acrylic powders standalone cannot build acrylic nails. You need a monomer liquid to build a dough-like ‘bead’ crucial for acrylic nails. Read on to learn more about what monomer is and how you can use it for your manicures.
What is a Monomer?
A monomer is a chemical liquid used for sculpting acrylic nail extensions and art by mixing with acrylic nail powder. Chemically, it is a liquid compound that can be polymerized. When mixed with a polymer powder, these monomer liquids form a clay-like consistency that can be molded and sculpted before it dries to harden into the given structure.
Monomers are used in the nail industry as they help sculpt nail extensions, overlays, French manicures, and 3D nail art. This feature of acrylic manicures has transformed the nail industry ever since it has been discovered. The liquid monomer has anti-yuellowing an true color visibility properties with a low odor. These properties make it the best choice for acrylic manicures.
Monomer, also known as acrylic liquid or acrylic extension liquid, takes a few minutes to dry and evaporate hence it becomes easy to manipulate the ‘bead’ made with acrylic powder and monomer. You can shape and sculpt it as needed before it hardens into a plastic-like surface. It is best for adding long extensions as it provides strength and longevity with its maximum adhesion.
How to Use Liquid Monomers
Since you can do acrylic nails in salons and at home, monomers are also safe to use for both professional and DIY manicures. Here’s how you can use liquid monomers no matter whether you’re a beginner or a pro:
1) Prep, buff, and prime the nail bed well before beginning with your product application. Don’t skip a dehydrator and a primer when putting acrylics on your natural nails.
2) In the case of extensions, place the fake nail tip or nail forms properly. For overlays, simply proceed with the further steps on the natural nails.
3) Pour a substantial amount of liquid monomer in a glass dappen dish. Make sure the quantity is enough to dip the entire nail brush multiple times. Though you may add more liquid later as well.
4) Dip the acrylic brush in the liquid monomer poured in the glass. Wipe away the surplus and immediately go ahead with bead formation.
5) Dip the brush in the acrylic powder container and gently press it so the product gathers at the tip of the brush.
6) Go ahead with placing this bead on the nail surface and sculpt the nail with gentle tapping and spreading.
7) During the application process, you may dip the brush in the monomer again if need to promote pliability.
8) Once the monomer has dried and the acrylic powder has hardened, shape and file the fake nail or the overlay and finish it off with color and top coat.
Wrapping Up Monomers
Understanding what monomer is for acrylic nails and how to useit opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing your manicure game. Whether you’re a professional nail artist or a DIY nail enthusiast, mastering liquid monomers allows you to create stunning, durable acrylic nails right from the comfort of your home. With the proper techniques and a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting the art of acrylics. So, gather your tools, get inspired, and let your creativity flow.
