Gather supplies: acrylic powder, liquid monomer, nail tips or forms, nail glue, primer, dehydrator, nail file, buffer, brush, dappen dish, cuticle pusher, clippers, alcohol, top coat
Wash hands and sanitize tools
Push back cuticles and remove dead skin
Lightly buff the natural nail surface
Trim and shape natural nails
Dehydrate the nail plate
Apply nail primer
Apply nail tips with glue or fit nail forms
Trim and shape tips if used
Pour monomer into dappen dish
Dip brush into monomer, then into acrylic powder to form a bead
Place bead near the cuticle without touching skin
Pat and smooth acrylic over the nail
Repeat with additional beads until the nail is covered
Build the apex and desired thickness
Let acrylic fully harden
File and shape the nails
Buff the surface smooth
Clean off dust
Apply top coat or nail polish
Cure top coat if required
Moisturize cuticles after finishing