Monomer Liquid and Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements

Polymerization

The chemical reaction that creates polymers, also known as curing or hardening.

Catalyst

The substance that speeds up the chemical reaction between monomers and polymers.

Liquid added to catalyst

Used to control the set or curing time.

Chain reaction

Process that joins monomers together to create long polymer chains.

Monomer liquid and polymer powder

Nail enhancements made with powder and liquid.

Liquid

Represents the monomer in acrylic nail enhancement products.

Powder

Represents the polymer in acrylic nail enhancement products.

Acrylics

Nail enhancements created by mixing liquid and powder.

Monomer

A single molecule unit.

Poly

Means many.

Liquid portion of acrylic nails

Based on ethyl methacrylate monomer liquid and polymer powder.

Benzoyl peroxide

An initiator added to powder to start the chain reaction.

Mix ratio

The amount of monomer and polymer used to create a bead.

Dry bead

A bead with balanced amounts of liquid and powder.

Wet bead

A bead containing more liquid than powder.

Maximum durability of nail enhancement

Using the proper mix ratio ensures proper set and strength.

Too little powder used

The nail enhancement becomes weak.

Dehydrator

Removes surface moisture before acrylic application.

Primer

Enhances adhesion of acrylic nails.

Acid-base primer

Corrosive to skin and dangerous to eyes.

Use of dappen dishes

Holds acrylic products and minimizes evaporation.

Sable hair

The best brush type for acrylic application.

Nitrile polymer powder gloves

Best gloves for nail salon applications.

Disposal of leftover monomer liquid

Pour into absorbent towel before sealing in plastic bag.

Poorly maintained nail enhancements

More likely to lift and break.

Crack repair

Filing the break and applying monomer liquid and polymer powder.

Sidewall

The side area of the nail plate growing free from the nail fold.

Odorless products

Harden more slowly and create an inhibition layer.

Inlaid designs

3-D nail art embedded between layers of enhancement product.

Nipping an acrylic nail

Can worsen lifting and damage the nail plate.