Acrylic nails are one of the most reliable and in-demand services in the industry, but not all acrylic systems are created equal. If you’ve ever asked yourself “why is my acrylic cloudy?” or struggled with beads that flood the nail plate, the issue often isn’t your technique it’s the chemistry of the products you’re using. By learning how acrylic powder and liquid are formulated, you can choose products with confidence and deliver consistent results your clients will trust.

Acrylic powder is built from tiny polymer beads commonly PMMA or co-polymers that use benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as the initiator. BPO is what starts the curing process when powder meets liquid. Many brands take a shortcut by coating BPO on the outside of the bead at the end of manufacturing. While easier to produce, this method often causes uneven polymerization, chalky textures, and cloudy clear powders. It can also result in that rusty looking residue left behind. IYKYK! High-performance powders embed BPO inside the bead during manufacturing, ensuring the initiator is evenly dispersed. The result is smoother polymerization, stronger enhancements, and the truest clear acrylic you can achieve without haze or cloudiness.

The liquid monomer is equally important. Professional systems use ethyl methacrylate (EMA) as the foundation because it creates durable, long-lasting enhancements without the risks of MMA. EMA-based liquids are often blended with additional components to fine-tune performance:

• Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate and Dimethacrylate: add strength and flexibility so nails aren’t brittle.
• N,N-Dimethyl-p-Toluidine: the accelerator that reacts with BPO in the powder to control set time.
• UV stabilizers: help prevent yellowing from sunlight and salon lamps.
• Inhibitors: keep the liquid stable in the bottle.
• Violet dyes: counteract discoloration to keep monomer fresh and usable.

When properly balanced, these ingredients give you a fast-setting, HEMA-free monomer that performs reliably at the table.

Another critical factor is ratio. Acrylic powder and liquid are engineered to work together not to be mixed and matched across brands. A system built for a 2:1 powder-to-liquid ratio allows you to use less liquid while maintaining workability. That balance gives you tighter, controlled beads, faster set times, and less risk of flooding the nail plate. It also minimizes product waste, making your services more efficient and profitable.

Great acrylic isn’t about having the most expensive brush or the flashiest brand name, it’s about understanding the chemistry and using a system that’s built for professionals. When your powder has embedded BPO for true clarity, when your liquid is EMA-based, HEMA-free, and balanced for fast setting, and when the two are engineered to perform together at a 2:1 ratio, everything changes. Beads become easier to control, your confidence in your product grows, and your results are consistent and strong!

The science is simple, but the difference it makes at the table is huge: more confidence for you, better nails for your clients, and a system you can rely on every single time!! 

Shop the CNS Acrylic HERE