Artificial Nail Product Application and Removal
Two chemistry families
Acrylic (liquid-and-powder) is monomer liquid plus polymer powder. The mixing ratio controls everything: too wet and the product shrinks, bubbles, and lifts; too dry and it is brittle and cloudy. A good bead is smooth and no longer runny when pressed. Primer improves adhesion; dehydrator removes surface oils first.
Gel relies on photoinitiators cured under UV or LED. Soft (soak-off) gel dissolves in acetone; hard (file-off) gel does not. Wipe the tacky inhibition layer with cleanser.
Removal done right
For acrylic and soft gel: file off the bulk, saturate a cotton pad with acetone, wrap in foil, and wait roughly 10–15 minutes; the product should crumble away. Never pry, bite, or force product off - that strips natural plate layers. Hard gel resists acetone, so it is thinned and filed.
Safety
Use EMA monomer; MMA is prohibited. Ventilate the area, wear a dust mask when filing, keep lids closed, and never eat or drink at the station. Overexposure appears as itching, redness, or lifting - remove the product and refer.
Maintenance
Rebalance every 2–3 weeks. That is a fill at the new growth, not a full set.
Rule of thumb: acetone dissolves acrylic and soft gel but not hard gel. Any answer that says "drill down to the natural nail" is wrong.