Gather supplies: acrylic liquid, acrylic powder, nail tips or forms, nail glue, primer, dehydrator, nail file, buffer, brush, cuticle pusher, clippers, and top coat
Wash hands and sanitize nails and tools
Push back cuticles and remove dead skin from the nail plate
Trim and shape natural nails short
Lightly buff the nail surface to remove shine
Clean nails with dehydrator or alcohol
Apply nail primer to the natural nail
Apply nail tips with glue or place nail forms under the free edge
Trim and shape tips if used
Pour acrylic liquid into a dappen dish
Dip the brush into liquid, then into acrylic powder to form a bead
Place the bead near the cuticle without touching skin
Pat and smooth the acrylic over the nail surface
Repeat with additional beads until the nail is fully covered
Let the acrylic harden completely
File and shape the nails
Buff the surface until smooth
Apply top coat or polish
Seal the free edge
Clean up any residue around the nails
Moisturize cuticles after finishing