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Lesson 12: Acrylic Basics (Chemistry, Safety & Setup)

NT101-M05-L01

M05-L01

Beginner

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

[ ] Explain acrylic fundamentals (liquid + powder polymerization) in simple, student-friendly terms.
[ ] Set up an acrylic station safely (ventilation, PPE, sanitation, product layout).
[ ] Identify common acrylic safety risks (skin contact, overexposure, allergies) and prevention habits.
[ ] Demonstrate correct brush care, ratio basics, and bead control on a practice surface.

Acrylic is a system: chemistry + control + safety

Acrylic results come from consistent setup and technique—not rushing.

1) Acrylic in one sentence

Acrylic is created when monomer (liquid) and polymer (powder) combine and polymerize into a solid.

2) Safety first (non-negotiables)

Ventilation: use a table vent or well-ventilated space (comfort + professionalism).
Dust control: file dust is real—mask/filtration is a must during heavy filing.
Skin contact: avoid getting product on skin; repeated exposure can increase sensitivity risk.
Sanitation: never dip a contaminated brush into clean monomer; keep lids closed.

3) Product setup (what’s on your table)

Monomer in a clean dappen dish (fresh pour each client/service block)
Powder(s) (kept closed; avoid dust contamination)
Clean brush (proper size for your system)
Wipes, cleanser, files, buffers, dust brush
Labeled dirty bin for used tools/disposables

4) Ratio basics (beginner-friendly)

Too wet bead: runny, floods cuticle, takes long to set.
Too dry bead: grainy, won’t smooth, weak structure.
Correct bead: smooth, satiny look; holds shape and can be guided.

5) Brush care (protect your tools = protect your work)

Keep brush clean and shaped (no frayed hairs)
Wipe gently; don’t crush bristles
Don’t let acrylic harden in the brush—clean immediately after practice

6) Luxury standard

Luxury acrylic is:

clean station + low dust
calm pace + confident control
client comfort + clean edges

Instructor demonstrates:
<ol class="font_8">
<li>Station setup (ventilation + layout + sanitation).</li>
<li>Monomer pour and dappen dish control (fresh pour).</li>
<li>Ratio demo: wet vs. dry vs. correct bead.</li>
<li>Bead placement practice on a form/tip or practice mat.</li>
<li>Brush cleaning and reshaping.</li>
</ol>
What to watch for:
<ul class="font_8">
<li>Bead consistency (satiny, not runny or grainy).</li>
<li>Clean edges (no skin contact).</li>
<li>Calm, organized movement.</li>
</ul>

Instructor coaches students through the skill.

Guided practice flow (15–25 min)

Students set up the acrylic station (checklist).
Students practice picking up 10 beads (aim for consistent ratio).
Students place beads in a straight line on a practice surface.
Students clean brush properly and reset station.

Coach’s checklist:

[ ] Station set up safely (ventilation + PPE)
[ ] Fresh monomer poured
[ ] Beads show consistent ratio
[ ] No skin contact habits practiced
[ ] Brush cleaned and reshaped correctly

Ask AI to Explain

Explain acrylic ratio like I’m brand new.
Explain what causes lifting in acrylic at a high level.

Ask AI to Troubleshoot

My bead is runny—what should I change?
My bead is grainy—what should I change?

Students perform the skill independently with a clear challenge.
<ul class="font_8">
<li>Challenge prompt: Build a “ratio ladder” (10 beads from too-wet → correct → too-dry) and label each.</li>
<li>Success criteria:Student can identify correct ratio by look/feel 
Correct bead is consistent at least 5 times in a row 
Station cleanup completed properly 
</li>
<li>Time limit (optional): 20 minutes</li>
<li>Submission (photo/video/notes): Photo of ratio ladder + instructor sign-off</li>
</ul>

Workbook pages: 1 (Acrylic Setup Checklist) + 1 (Ratio Notes)
Homework:
<ul class="font_8">
<li>Write your acrylic station setup checklist (10 items).</li>
<li>Practice 20 beads and write what “correct ratio” looked like for you.</li>
</ul>
Reflection prompt: What is the #1 safety habit you will commit to before touching a real client?
</details>
<details><summary>🧪 MASTER — Knowledge Check</summary>
<ol class="font_8">
<li>What are monomer and polymer?</li>
<li>What does polymerization mean?</li>
<li>What does a “too wet” bead do during application?</li>
<li>Name 3 acrylic safety habits.</li>
<li>Why is ventilation important?</li>
</ol>

MASTER

Completion:

[ ] Theory Complete
[ ] Workbook Complete
[ ] Practical Complete
[ ] Assessment Passed
[ ] Instructor Approved