QuestionHello,
I use FPO Pinnacle products to do Acrylic nails, and have noticed that they started lifting within 24 hours. I prep the nails, then apply the tip and finally the acrylic. I have seen other answers on the website explaining why nails tend to lift - but now I am wondering if it could have anything to do with my products? Also, I've heard that some people use a finishing gel after acrylic and cure it. What is the advantage of using the gel? Thanks.
AnswerTo begin with, most lifting occurs due to improper prep (especially if the lifting happens right away.). Good prep includes removing the shine from the nail plate (using a 180 or higher grit), removing non-living tissue (generally around the cuticle area--with a professional-strength cuticle remover and curette or pusher), and cleansing and purifying, and dehydrating the nail plate. After applying tips, you'd need to cleanse the nail plate again, and use your systems primer, if required.
If the prep is good, and there are still problems with adhesion, then you need to look at mix ratio (the ratio of liquid to powder). This ratio is usually different for each system, so it's important to find out what it is for yours. If the ratio is too wet (the bead is very shiny,drippy, tends to fall off the brush or run into the sidewalls), it causes excess shrinkage during the curing time, and lifting will result. If it's too dry (powder not absorbed by the liquid still visible on bead), it will not cure properly, tend to be brittle, and lifting and cracking will occur. A good ratio bead will look smooth or have a slight texture, will dome slightly when placed on a form or plastic tip, and will be easy to work with, without having to chase it around the nail plate to keep it from running into the sidewalls.
As for a finishing gel, these can add extra protection to the acrylic enhancement, because they give a non-porous finish. It also looks pretty. :D
I hope this is helpful to you! Feel free to follow up if you have any other questions!
