Nail Primer Tutorial
Primers are used in many ways. Wood requires a primer to keep paint from peeling. Nail polish base coats are also primers to help the nail polish adhere to the nail.
Natural nail primers are frequently used to promote adhesion of nail enhancement services. There are three main types of primers:
1. Acid-based
2. Non-acid
3. Acid-free
ACID-BASED
Acid-based were the original primers used in the nail industry. They contain between 30 – 100% methacrylic acid and are a safety net that nail technicians have used for many years to promote adhesion.
Some things to remember when using methacrylic (acid-based) primers:
• They can cause the enhancement to yellow if not used properly. If the primer touches the existing product during a fill in, back fill, refill or rebalance, it could cause yellowing. Applying product over wet primer will surely cause yellowing.
• It is corrosive to human skin. (In 2001, the Consumer Products Safety Commission began requiring that all products containing more than 5% methacrylic acid be packaged in a child proof container.)
It is very important to use extreme care with acid-based primers. When applying, it should be used sparingly. Just dot it on the natural nail, doing 5 nails at a time before putting brush back into bottle. Be cognizant of NOT touching any surrounding soft tissue with the primer. When it comes to acid-based primers, less is best.
NON-ACID
Non-acid primers actually do contain acid; just not methacrylic acid. They will not burn the skin; although prolonged, repeated contact with any chemical must be avoided to prevent an adverse skin reaction. This type of primer is used to make the natural nail more compatible with the enhancement product. It chemically bonds the same way as an acid- based primer.
ACID-FREE
Acid-free primer is the newest kid on the block and does not contain any acid components. When used properly, these primers are equal to that of a primer containing methacrylic acid and are superior to a non-acid primer. Acid-free primers will not discolor the enhancement nor will they burn the skin. Unlike acid-based primers, acid-free primers should be applied liberally to achieve excellent adhesion.
