Product Knowledge: Adhesives, Primers, Removers, and Material Safety
Cyanoacrylate chemistry
Lash adhesive cures by anionic polymerization, triggered by moisture in the air. Humidity too low (below about 45% relative humidity) slows curing and produces white frosting; humidity too high causes a shock cure that turns brittle. Aim for roughly 45–60% RH and 68–72°F. Thin viscosity wicks and cures fast; thicker viscosity gives more working time and slower dry. Typical components include ethyl cyanoacrylate, PMMA, carbon black pigment, and a stabilizer such as hydroquinone or MEHQ.
Storage and handling
Keep bottles sealed, upright, and away from heat. Unopened adhesive may be refrigerated to extend shelf life; never freeze it. Opened bottles are typically good for about 4–6 weeks. Dispense one drop per client and replace the drop every 15–20 minutes, since it thickens and cures on the ring. Work with ventilation.
Primer and remover
Primer lowers surface pH and removes trace oils, improving speed and bond strength; use it sparingly, keep it off skin, and let it dry. Remover is a solvent gel or cream that dissolves the cyanoacrylate bond: apply with the eye closed and the lower lid protected, wait for the bond to release, then slide the extension off. Never pull, cut, or pick.
Material safety
Keep an SDS for every product and know the first aid. Adhesive in the eye: flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Skin bonded: do not pull - apply remover or warm soapy water.
Traps
"More adhesive means better retention" (it causes clumping and slow cure); freezing adhesive; using expired product; bringing remover close to the eye; ignoring SDS documentation.
Rule of thumb
One drop, one client, replaced every 15–20 minutes.