MAD Pressed doesn't offer an acrylic application kit just yet, but we’re thinking about it! If it’s something you’d love to see, let us know. Your feedback helps us decide what to launch next!

​

GRAB THESE FIRST

Application Supplies

• Cuticle pusher

• Nail Clippers

• 180 grit nail file

• Rubbing alcohol, acetone or nail dehydrator

• Acrylic primer

• Paper towel

• Acrylic monomer

• Acrylic powder

• Dappen dish (or any very small glass bowl/container)

• Paper towel

• Press on nail set

​

GET THOSE NAILS READY

• Take a good look at your press ons. Ensure that each one fits your nails from edge to edge.

• If you have flat nail beds, you way want to try flattening the press on by pressing it into your work surface. A common problem with flat nail beds and acrylic application is if the press on is too rounded for the nail bed, it will immediately pop off your nail after application.

• Be sure it's been a least a few hours since you've washed your hands or applied lotion.

• Gently push back your cuticles using the cuticle pusher.

• Clip your nails. If you are using coffin or almond shaped nails, you may want to cut your nails as short as possible. The tapered edges of these shapes may cause your natural nails to peak out from under them.

• Use the nail file to buff your nails. Ensure you get every corner of the nail, focusing on the cuticle area in order to file off as much of the cuticle as possible.

• Use an alcohol prep pad, acetone or nail dehydrator to thoroughly dehydrate each nail. If you see any shiny spots left, go back and file those areas again.

• Apply an very thin layer of primer to each nail, less is more!

 

READY, SET, PRESS!

• Open some windows! Monomer has a very strong chemical smell.

• Place the paper towel on your working area

• Pour a very small amount of monomer in your dappen dish.

• Open your acrylic powder and place it next to the monomer.

It's time to make some acrylic beads. This can take a lot of practice so be patient with yourself!

• Dip your acrylic brush in the monomer and wipe off the extra liquid using the lip of the dish.

• Gently place the brush in the powder for a few seconds

• Once you've lifted the brush, look at the bead and wait until most of the powder is absorbed and the bead becomes smooth and relatively round.

• Place the bead on the back of your press on nail

• Wipe your brush dry on the paper towel

• Using the brush, spread the bead to the edges. Try to only spread it to an area the same size as your natural nail.

• Feel free to carefully remove any excess with your brush.

• Rest the brush in the monomer until you're ready to use it for your next nail. This prevents bits of acrylic from drying on your brush.

• Apply the press on to your natural nail, starting at the cuticle area and down toward the tip. Press just firmly enough that some acrylic reaches past the edge of your natural nail. There's no need to try to squeeze out all the excess acrylic. You want a decent layer so that the press on fully hugs your natural nail.

• Use the cuticle pusher the remove excess acrylic from underneath of the press on tip and around the edges of your nail.

• After adjusting to ensure the nail is perfectly straight, hold it there for about 10 seconds. 

 

GENTLE REMOVAL, STEP BY STEP

• File off the top coat of each nail using a 100 grit file.​

• Add a touch of acetone on a cotton pad.

• Place the cotton pad on your nail and wrap it securely in aluminum foil

• You can now either add a nail clip to the tip of your finger or roll a finger condom over it. It sounds and looks odd, but it's a very effective option. It will prevent any acetone from evaporating off and makes it easier for you to use your hands while soaking.

• Leave the acetone on your fingers for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Working with one nail at a time, remove the finger condom/nail clip, aluminum foil and cotton pad then gently scrape off the loosened acrylic from your nail using a cuticle pusher

• If there's still a lot of product left, repeat the process. If there's only a little, file the rest off with a 180 grit nail file

​​

WANNA UP YOUR ACRYLIC APPLICATION GAME?

Consider using the following nail tools:​

• ​An electric nail file:

  • Use a 240 grit sanding band at 5 RPM to buff your natural nails/remove excess acrylic after removal

  • Use a flame diamond bit at 15 RPM to carefully remove your cuticles. Keep the bit as flat as possible and resist filing too much. Remember: we're only trying to remove the cuticle!

  • To help with a speedy removal, use an extra coarse safety bit (with the scary-looking teeth) to remove all gel from the press on nail. Keep it at a comfortable speed, 20 to 30 RPM and be extremely careful. The teeth can bite! Also, be sure to wear a face mask. Nail dust is bad for your lungs.

• A nail dust collector: if you're going to use an electric nail file, these machines are a total game changer. They keep your work surface clean and free of nail dust! You should still be wearing a mask though!