Kayla Young
If you’re a fan of acrylic manicures, then you will already know about acrylic liquid, which is an essential product that’s needed for the process. Also known as an acrylic monomer, the clear liquid is mixed with acrylic powder, and it is what forms the hard resin to create your nail art.
But did you know that you don’t have to use acrylic liquid specifically for this process? Or maybe you’re allergic to the liquid, so you can’t use it.
What are acrylic liquid substitutes? There are many acrylic liquid substitutes, including dip powder, rubbing alcohol, and more.
In this article, we’ll share with you the substitutes that can take your manicures to the next level, including with homemade acrylic liquid.
Contents
Acrylic Liquid Substitutes
When you’re searching for substitutes for acrylic liquid, it can be hard to know exactly where to start! There are so many different products available, which can make it difficult to determine what to use and whether it’s safe to use or not.
When you’re searching for substitutes for acrylic liquid, it can be hard to know exactly where to start! There are so many different products available, which can make it difficult to determine what to use and whether it’s safe to use or not.
In addition, people make many mistakes when using acrylic liquid at home, so here we hope to cover some of those common issues for you so that you can avoid the pitfalls.
In order to create the most natural-looking manicure or pedicure, acrylic liquid is often mixed with color pigment powder and/or glitter. The mixture forms a hard and durable putty-like resin that can be molded into any shape and create glamorous and long, voluminous nails from wraps, forms, and tips.
But this type of false nails isn’t without its risks.
For example, many people find that they are allergic nail products, including dip nails (aka the dip flu) and lacquer nail polishes. People are also commonly allergic to acrylic liquid, which is a clear substance that when mixed with powder will create a strong bond.
The acrylic monomers, ethyl methacrylate, catalysts, and inhibitors that make up the acrylic liquid are what give your nails the durability and strength that’s needed for this process.
It’s the ethyl methacrylate that acts as a solvent, which evaporates to allow the acrylic liquid to set. The catalysts speed up the process, and the inhibitors slow it down.
The combination ratio of all of these ingredients is what can be adjusted to control the properties of the actual acrylic liquid when it’s mixed with the color powder that you choose to use.
So, if you find that you are allergic to acrylic liquid, let’s take a look at some alternative solutions that you can substitute and will give you the same, if not even better, results.
1. Dip Powder Activator
It is possible to use a dip powder activator instead of acrylic liquid.
In fact, because it comes in a gel form, it’s actually easier to use than a liquid and comes in many colors, so will give you great results without the messy hassle.
And it doesn’t need UV light to cure, which makes it even more convenient.
2. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol or other alcohol-based products will act as excellent solvents because they evaporate quickly.
If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, then isopropyl alcohol should be your next choice.
And you can use the alcohol to clean your nails of any debris before applying your acrylics. Keep in mind that if you do so, you’ll need to moisturize them with a cuticle oil when you remove your manicure or pedicure.
3. Acrylic Gel
Acrylic gel is obviously thicker than acrylic liquid, so again this would be much easier and less messy to use overall.
It’s also easier to remove from your nails than acrylic liquid, and will keep the acrylic free from chipping more easily.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
This is a substance that you probably already have in your bathroom cabinet. Although usually used as a disinfectant or hair bleach, this also means that it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction than acrylic liquid, which, unfortunately, is a thing.
But again, it also has a drying effect, which will cause your nails to lose their natural oils.
Therefore, after you remove your manicure or pedicure, you’ll need to make sure that you use a cuticle oil to moisturize them.
Homemade Acrylic Liquid
There is also the option available to make your own acrylic liquid at home. This will save you money in the long run, because you probably have everything you need to make this already.
The only thing that you’ll need to make this is an old nail polish bottle, which has been thoroughly cleaned, some water, and non-toxic glue.
There is also the option available to make your own acrylic liquid at home. This will save you money in the long run, because you probably have everything you need to make this already.
Mix 3/4 teaspoon of the non-toxic glue, such as Elmer’s liquid glue, and 1/4 teaspoon of water in the bottle, and shake it vigorously.
Boom — now you have your own acrylic liquid.
Really! It’s that easy!
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve shared with you that there are other options available to apply your acrylic nails without using acrylic liquid.
And luckily, you now have some knowledge of acrylic liquid substitutes that you can try, which will help you to apply your acrylic manicure and pedicures with ease.
