Nail art is an extremely popular activity for people of all ages. It’s also the perfect way to express yourself and make your nails look fabulous! But if you’re just starting out, it can be hard to know what tools are best suited for your needs.
Acrylic nail brushes are one essential tool that beginners should not overlook when they start working with acrylics in nail art. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about how these products work, so that you can get started on your own manicure projects today!
As a beginner, the world of acrylic brush selection can be quite daunting. Nail techs are constantly encouraged to go out and purchase all the latest products—brushes included—but knowing what you need can be tricky. There are many varieties of brushes available for nail technicians, so it’s understandable if you’re not sure which ones to pick up first.
How do I know which one will function properly? Which brush is right for me? These questions go through every tech’s mind when they venture into an art supply store or browse online catalogs looking for the next addition to their kit. No matter where you acquire your brushes, they all basically serve the same purpose: they help deliver product to your natural nail as well as enhance its appearance.
Knowing what each brush is for will help you determine which ones are necessary for your kit.
Types of Acrylic Nail Brushes
There are four types of bristles that are generally used in acrylic nail brushes: Natural hair, Synthetic hair, Nylon hair, and Taklon.
- Synthetic: Man-made fibers that can mimic different textures of natural fibers. It is also known to be less absorbent than natural hairs making it a good choice for acrylic paints and inks.
- Natural: A natural hair brush is made of various types of animal hairs which make it more absorbent than synthetic ones. The softness or hardness of the type of bristles can also affect the quality of the brush, with softer bristles being better at holding acrylic paints and inks than harder bristles.
- Nylon Hair- this type of bristles is made from nylon and is also less expensive than natural hair bristles. However, nylon hair bristles do not hold as much paint and do not create a smooth finish.
- Taklon- this type of bristles is made from plastic and is the cheapest type of bristles. Taklon bristles are also stiffer than other types of bristles which makes them best for creating artificial nails with a lot of detail.
The Different Parts of an Acrylic Nail Brush
There are three parts of an acrylic nail brush: the bristles, the handle, and the ferrule.
- Bristles- the bristles are the part of the brush that holds the paint.
- Handle- the handle is the part of the brush that is held in the hand.
- Ferrule- the ferrule is the metal piece that connects the bristles to the handle. The ferrule is generally considered to be the weakest part of a brush, so it is important to avoid dropping or bending the brush too much.
Handle Types of Acrylic Nail Brushes
There are three types of handles that are generally used in acrylic nail brushes: wooden, metal, and plastic.
- Wooden Handle- this type of handle is made from wood and is the most common type of handle. Wooden handles are generally considered to be the best type of handles because they are lightweight and durable.
- Metal Handle- this type of handle is made from metal and is less common than wooden handles. Metal handles are generally considered to be the worst type of handles because they are heavy and can damage nails.
- Plastic Handle- this type of handle is made from plastic and is the cheapest type of handle. Plastic handles are generally considered to be the best type of handles because they are lightweight, durable, and cheap.
Types of Brushes Shapes that are Available
Flat brush – These come in all different widths and lengths, but their overall shape is rectangular (think small paintbrush). It’s used to apply nail products onto the natural nail, like acrylics or gels, and can also be used for detailing designs before applying a top coat.
The proper way to hold the flat brush when applying the product is at an angle. If you were looking directly down at it, the bristles should point slightly upward (toward your wrist), with the handle pointed toward your client’s cuticle. This way the product is applied smoothly, giving you a clean line.
Oval brush – The oval brush is a cross between the flat and round brushes. It has the same rounded belly as a round brush, with the added benefit of a curved/pointed edge.
The bristles, on the other hand, are less flared at the end (crimped) than the circular brush. This causes the brush’s tip to fan out in a curving manner rather than the sharp point of a round brush, but with considerably more curve than the flat.
The oval brush is ideal for a nail technician since it provides just the right amount of liquid and comfortably fits in the cuticle region, allowing you to properly position the acrylic. For further work, you can also form the tip of your oval brush into a point.
Fan brush- These are shaped like a cone that’s been cut in half with the tip of the cone being the bristles. A fan brush can be used to blend product onto your natural nail, as well as remove excess during application. It can also be used to apply a top coat and blend color into your design.
Fan brushes come in different widths; usually an assortment of 1/8″ – ¼” will suffice for most jobs. The best way to describe how it should be held is somewhat like an upside-down ice cream cone (only at an angle and not upside down). The bristles should point up toward your wrist and the handle should be pointed toward the cuticles.
Angled brush- This brush is shaped like a triangle (duh) with the bristles coming to a point. It is used for detailed work, such as painting tiny designs or adding fine lines to an existing design. You can also use it to apply products at an angle, which gives you more control when creating shapes and designs. To do this, hold the brush so that the bristles are pointing down and the handle is perpendicular to your client’s cuticle.
When you’re first starting out, I would recommend purchasing just these three basic types of brushes. With them, you’ll be able to do most of the detailing work needed for most nail designs. As you progress and your needs become more specific, additional brushes can be added to your collection.
Why use an acrylic nail brush
Acrylic nail brushes are essential when it comes to creating detailed designs and shapes on your nails. They help you create designs, shapes, and even your favorite patterns like the French manicure. They are also used to create lines for various nail art designs.
Choosing an Acrylic nail brush
If you want to choose the best acrylic nail brushes there are some things that you need to consider before buying one making sure that it will be perfect for your needs.
- Pick the right size for your nails.
- Choose a brush that you think is perfect for your design.
- Compare different types of bristles to see which one will be perfect for you and your designs.
- Consider the price and the quality of the brush before making your purchase.
How to Apply Acrylic Nails
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start applying your acrylic nails! Before you start, make sure that your nails are clean and free of any oils or residue. If they are not, your acrylic nails will not adhere to your nails properly and could come off sooner than expected.
Step 1: Apply a thin coat of primer to your nails and let it dry completely. This will help the acrylic nails stick to your nails better.
Step 2: Apply a base coat to your nails. Many people also choose to apply a thin layer of bonder, though this is not 100% necessary. Make sure that the first or first few layers are really thin so you don’t have to do as many coats later on.
Step 3: Take an acrylic nail and place it on an orange stick, then dip it into nail glue.
Step 4: Attach your acrylic nail to your natural nail. Make sure that you press down firmly and hold the position for at least 10 seconds. Keep in mind that after applying your first coat of acrylic nails to one hand, you should let them dry completely before starting the process on the other hand.
Step 5: Apply a thin coat of acrylic nail to your nails and let it dry completely.
Step 6: Repeat steps 4-5 until you have achieved the desired thickness. Remember that the more coats you apply, the longer your nails will last. However, be careful not to apply too many coats or your acrylic nails will start to feel really thick. Normally people apply around 3-5 coats for a long lasting set of nails.
Step 7: After you have applied the final coat, use a nail file to shape them and smooth out any rough edges. You can also file them down so that they are shorter if you prefer shorter nails.
Step 8: Dip a 100/180 grit pointed tip file in nail glue and attach it to your pinky. This will be used for French manicures so do not use a red, white or any color nail polish on this brush. Once you have dipped the pointed tip into the glue, place it on your nail so that the white tip is closer to the cuticle. Hold it there for around 10 seconds then remove and set it aside.
Step 9: Apply a coat of white nail polish over your pointer and thumb nails and let dry completely. Repeat this process using a red nail polish on your middle and ring fingers. You can use any color you choose, just make sure that the colors contrast well with each other.
Step 10: Use a brush to clean up any messes and you’re done! Enjoy your new set of acrylic nails!
Applying acrylic nails is not as hard as it may seem, and with a little practice you will be able to apply them in no time.
Additional tips and tricks for using acrylic nail brushes
When it comes to acrylic nail brushes, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind in order to get the most out of them. Here are some tips:
- When using a new brush for the first time, make sure to wash it thoroughly with soap and water. This will help remove any oils or other residues that may be on the brush.
- Always use a light touch when painting your nails with acrylic paint. Applying too much pressure can cause the brush to drag and create streaks in your nails.
- To ensure even coverage, start at the base of your nail and move upward towards the tip.
- If you need to pull the brush away from your nail, make sure to swipe it lightly on a piece of paper towel. This will help prevent streaking and ensure a smooth finish.
- If you want to add glitter or shimmer to your nails, use a sponge or cleaning cloth instead of a brush.
How much does an acrylic nail brushes cost?
The price range for acrylic nail brushes can vary from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. It all depends on the quality of the brush, the type of hair used, and the brand.
Small brushes generally start at around $0.25/brush
Large brushes range from as little as $0.75 per brush to upwards of several dollars each .
On average however, most basic acrylic nail paint brushes will typically run between $0.50 and $0.75 per brush.
When selecting an acrylic nail brush, be sure to choose one that feels comfortable in your hand and has soft bristles. This will help minimize fatigue and ensure a smooth, streak-free finish.
How to clean your Acrylic Nail Brushes:
The first step to keeping your brushes clean is preventing them from getting dirty in the first place. This means you should start with a clean nail, free of any oils or debris that could get trapped between bristles and cause product buildup.
Once you’re done applying acrylic, resist the urge to wipe off excess product on your client’s skin. This will only add more dirt and oils to the brush. Instead, use a paper towel or tissue to blot product from the brush until it’s mostly dry.
If you’re using a fan brush, hold it bristles down over the trash can and give it a few gentle shakes. You can also blow on it lightly to help dislodge any particles.
Now that your brush is clean, it’s time to store it properly. If you’re using a brush holder, fill it with water and add a few drops of disinfectant (like Barbicide). Swish the bristles around in the liquid and let them soak for about 15 minutes.
If you don’t have a brush holder, you can just as easily store your brushes by submerging them in a cup of Barbicide and letting it sit overnight.
After soaking has completed, rinse the brush bristles under lukewarm running water until they’re clean and free of disinfectant. Pat dry with paper towels or a terry cloth towel (never use fabric softener, as it will coat the bristles and make them less effective).
Finally, reshape the brush (if needed) and allow it to air dry completely before putting it away.
How to Fix a Stuck Acrylic Nail Brush with Dried Acrylics
Once you’ve used your brush on acrylics, no matter how quickly or carefully you cleaned the brush afterwards, there is a good chance that it got stuck with dried nail acrylic. The following are ways to fix this issue.
1. Dilute Them
Diluting the nail acrylic should be the first step you take when trying to fix a stuck acrylic nail brush. You can do this by adding some solvent, such as nail polish remover, to the dried acrylic on the brush. However, it is important to note that not all solvents are created equal. Acetone is a popular choice for dissolving dried acrylics, but it can also dissolve the glue that holds the bristles of the brush together. So if you’re using acetone to fix your brush, make sure to use only a small amount, and test it on an inconspicuous spot on the brush before applying it to the dried acrylics.
2. Pry Them Loose
If diluting the acrylics with a solvent doesn’t work, the next step is to try and pry them loose. Grab a flat head screwdriver and gently push it against the dried acrylics. Then, twist the brush slightly to loosen them from the ferrule around which they are wrapped. After you have loosened the dried acrylics from around the ferrule, you can then try to remove them by pulling the brush gently.
3. Try Soaking Them
If neither of these methods work, there is one more thing you can do. The last resort is to soak the bristles in nail polish remover until the dried acrylics melt away. But before trying this method out, ensure that you have already tried diluting and prying the nail acrylics from the brush with a solvent.
How can you tell if an acrylic brush is no longer functional?
If you’ve been doing your nails for a while, chances are that the bristles on some of your brushes may start to feel flimsy and loose. This is because acrylic nail brush bristles can get damaged over time due to their frequent use in applying harsh chemicals such as liquid monomer and polish remover.
To check if an acrylic nail brush is worn out, simply run your fingers over the bristles. If they feel loose and sparsely arranged then it’s time to replace that brush with a new one.
Why acrylic brushes are better than other types of brushes
There are many reasons why acrylic brushes are better than other types of brushes. Some of these reasons include the following:
- Acrylic brushes are more durable than other types of brushes. This is because they are made of synthetic materials, which makes them resistant to wear and tear.
- Acrylic brushes are easier to clean than other types of brushes. This is because the synthetic bristles are non-porous, which means that they do not absorb paint or other materials.
- Acrylic brushes are more affordable than other types of brushes. This is because they are made of synthetic materials, which are less expensive to produce than natural materials.
- Acrylic brushes are easier to control than other types of brushes. This is because they are smaller in size, and they have softer bristles.
- Acrylic brushes produce better results than other types of brushes. This is because they are able to hold more paint, and they can be used for a variety of different effects.
- Acrylic brushes are more versatile than other types of brushes. This is because the synthetic bristles can be shaped, cut and trimmed to achieve different effects.
- Acrylic brushes come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, making it easier to achieve different effects. For example, you can use small brushes for details, and large brushes for covering large areas.
- Acrylic brushes are easy to store and transport. This is because they do not take up a lot of space, and they are lightweight.
Overall, acrylic brushes are the best type of brushes available on the market today. They are durable, easy to clean, affordable, easy to control, versatile and compact.
What to look for in a brush before buying one
When looking for an acrylic brush, it is important to consider the shape of the brush head and the size of the bristles. The shape of the brush head is important because you want a brush that will allow you to create the type of nails you want.
For example, if you want to create very thin and precise nails, then you will need a brush with a thin head. If you want to create very thick and bold nails, then you will need a brush with a thick head. The size of the bristles is also important because you want a brush that will allow you to cover the entire nail surface in one coat.
FAQs about these tools
What is the purpose of using an acrylic brush?
An acrylic nail brush, as its name suggests, is used to apply liquid monomer and bonder onto artificial nails. Although you can also use your fingers for this process, it’s easier to apply them by dipping a clean or new brush into the bottle that’s holding the desired product.
Can I use an old toothbrush as an acrylic brush?
No, you should not use an old toothbrush as an acrylic brush because it will be difficult to get all of the dried acrylics off of the bristles, and they may also start coming loose. It’s best to invest in a new acrylic nail brush to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Is it okay if my acrylic nail brush starts shedding?
Yes, your acrylic nail brushes may start to shed after being used for a while depending on how much you’re using them and what kind of polish remover or cleaning product you are applying onto them. Just like with any other tool that is used frequently, it’s best to replace an acrylic nail brush with a new one so you can be sure that your bristles are clean and free of debris.
How do I wash my acrylic brushes?
When washing or cleaning your acrylic nails brush, make sure not to use any kind of soap since the chemicals in some kinds may damage them further. Instead, simply run the bristles under warm water and scrub them gently with a nail brush to get rid of any dried acrylics.
Can I use acetone when washing my brushes?
Yes, you can use acetone in order to clean your acrylic nails brush because it is a strong solvent that will easily dissolve the adhesive on the bristles. However, you should be careful when using acetone because it is also known to damage the plastic ferrule around which the bristles are wrapped. So if you’re going to use acetone to clean your brush, make sure to do so in moderation and test it on an inconspicuous spot on the brush before applying it to the dried acrylics.
Which product is best for removing dried acrylic on an acrylic brush?
If you want to use a nail polish remover in order to remove the hardened adhesive from your brush, opt for acetone instead of non-acetone because it will be too harsh otherwise. You can also try using straight rubbing alcohol or just plain water if you are out of other options.
What is an additional brush needed for?
An additional brush may be used to apply a thin layer of clear monomer onto the nails if you do not want your natural nail bed to show through, or just use it as an accent color instead. For example, some people like using black acrylic paint on their nails as an accent color, and in this case they will need to have a separate brush just for painting the nails.
What is the difference between a thin brush and a thick brush?
A thin acrylic nail brush is used when you want to achieve precise lines or detailed work, while a thicker brush can be used for filling in larger areas. A thick brush may also be used as a stippling tool with which to apply the acrylic paint onto your nails.
How do I clean an acrylic nail brush?
To clean and rinse your brushes, simply soak them under room temperature water until all of the dried polish is removed from their bristles. If you’re using acetone instead of soap to clean them, be sure to do so in moderation and test it on an inconspicuous spot on the brush before applying it to the dried acrylics.
What is the best type of bristle?
Nylon bristles tend to hold more paint and are better for creating smooth, even strokes. Soft bristles are less abrasive and are perfect for those with sensitive skin.
What size brush should I buy?
I would recommend starting off with a medium sized brush. Larger brushes can be easier to use for beginners, but smaller brushes allow you greater precision and control.
Where to buy a good quality brush for beginners ?
There are a lot of places where you can buy your acrylic nail brush like on eBay, because it is very easy and convenient. You can find a useful search bar on the right hand side of the page on eBay.
Just type “acrylic nail brush” in the search bar and press enter. After that, you will be shown a variety of different brushes to choose from. You can also find a lot of good quality brushes on Amazon, but the prices tend to be a bit higher.
Now that you know all there is to know about acrylic nail brushes, it’s time to get shopping. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your toolkit, there’s a brush for everyone.
