For building acrylic nails with liquid monomer and acrylic powder, use an acrylic application brush. Look for a brush with a pointed or oval tip and a belly that can hold enough monomer to pick up and shape a bead. A size 8 or 10 is a manageable starting point if you are learning to control the bead; a larger brush can cover more area once you are comfortable working quickly.
Natural-hair acrylic brushes, often made with Kolinsky hair, are valued for holding liquid and releasing it smoothly. Synthetic brushes are another option, but choose one specifically made for acrylic application rather than assuming any nail-art brush will work with monomer. Whatever material you choose, the tip should come to a neat point, and the bristles should spring back without splaying.
If you mean painting designs on top of finished acrylic nails, use a nail-art brush instead. A thin liner helps you paint straight lines and fine details, while a small detail brush gives you control over dots, petals, and short strokes. For more on selecting tools for those designs, see our nail-art brush guide for clean lines and smooth curves.
Before the first use, gently loosen any protective starch in a new acrylic brush, then wet the bristles with monomer and shape the tip. During application, wipe the brush on a lint-free pad as you work. Keep the bristles out of the brush ferrule’s metal edge when pressing a bead into place; working with the belly and point helps preserve the brush’s shape.
After your set, clean remaining acrylic from the brush promptly with fresh monomer and reshape the bristles. Avoid soaking a natural-hair brush in acetone unless its maker specifically allows it, since harsh cleaning can dry out or damage the hairs. Store the brush clean and dry with its tip protected. We recommend keeping your acrylic application brush separate from brushes you use for gel polish or painted details, so each tool stays suited to its task.
We recommend an acrylic application brush instead. Its shape and bristles are designed to hold monomer, pick up an acrylic bead, and guide the product into place with more control than a general craft paintbrush.
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