Nail acrylic powder is a popular product in nail art, used to create beautiful and durable nail enhancements. Also known as crystal nail powder, it is primarily composed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a polymer formed from monomers such as ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA).
When applied to nails, the acrylic powder is combined with a monomer liquid—usually an acrylic-based nail liquid. This mixture not only controls the rate of polymerization but also prevents yellowing and ensures even color distribution. During this process, benzoyl peroxide in the powder acts as a catalyst, promoting the formation of strong polymer chains between the powder particles and creating a hard resin-like substance.
Acrylic powder is commonly used to build crystal nail extensions and comes in a variety of shades, including clear, white, and pink-transparent. When mixed with the monomer liquid, a chemical reaction called polymerization occurs, resulting in a durable material that can be shaped into artificial nails.
The monomer liquid typically contains acrylic ester as its main component, along with additives such as cross-linking agents for strength, inhibitors to reduce stickiness, UV inhibitors to prevent discoloration, curing agents to speed up drying, stabilizers to extend shelf life, and fragrances to mask chemical odors.
For optimal application, the working environment should be kept at around 22°C (with a variation of no more than ±5°C). In cooler conditions, slightly more powder and less liquid are recommended; in warmer settings, the opposite applies.
High-quality acrylic powder has a fine, sand-like texture with varied particle sizes. This allows the liquid monomer to penetrate evenly between the granules, minimizing the risk of air bubbles and ensuring smooth application with the brush.
