How to Clean Brushes for Acrylic Nails
Keeping your acrylic nail brushes in perfect condition is essential for maintaining smooth application, clean results and long lasting performance. Whether you're a salon professional or building your skills at home, knowing the best way to clean acrylic nail brushes will keep your tools in top condition and help you achieve flawless finishes every time.
Why Cleaning Your Acrylic Nail Brushes Matters
When working with acrylic products, residue can quickly build up in the brush bristles, leading to hardened acrylic, uneven application and damage to your brush. Over time, if you don’t clean your brushes properly, it could result in frayed or damaged bristles, especially if your brush is made from natural hairs.
What You'll Need
To clean acrylic nail brushes effectively, gather the following:
• A shallow glass dish
• Professional brush cleaner or monomer
• A lint free wipe or paper towel
• Patience (never rush brush cleaning)
Avoid using acetone, as it can dry out natural hairs and reduce the brush's lifespan.
Step by Step: How to Wash Acrylic Brushes Properly
1. Remove Excess Product
Start by gently wiping your brush on a lint free wipe to remove excess product. Don’t press too hard. Hold the bristles lightly to avoid bending or damaging them.
2. Soak in Monomer or Brush Cleaner
Pour a small amount of monomer or dedicated brush cleaner into your dish. Rinse the bristles by gently swirling the brush in the liquid. This softens any dried acrylic stuck deep in the brush.
3. Wipe and Repeat
After a short soak, rinse the brushes again and gently wipe them on a clean wipe. If any product remains, repeat the process until your brush is clean.
4. Reshape and Store
Once clean, leave your brush flat or hanging upside down to dry naturally. Never store a wet brush upright as product can run into the ferrule and ruin the shape.
Extra Acrylic Brush Cleaning Tips
Never use hot water to clean acrylic nail brushes UK as it can affect the glue inside the handle and lead to premature shedding of bristles. Always use lukewarm monomer or a professional brush cleaner for best results.
Avoid using your fingers or sharp tools to pick dried acrylic from your acrylic nail brushes, as this can not only damage the shape of the brush but also split the natural hairs, making the brush difficult to control during application.
After cleaning, reshape your brush gently with your fingers or a lint free wipe to maintain its original form. Proper reshaping ensures consistent performance and helps extend the life of your brush, whether you're using it for sculpting acrylics or applying fine nail art details.
What About Acrylic Paint?
If you're using acrylic paint for nail art, the cleaning process is similar but requires a bit more attention. Paint can dry quicker than monomer-based products and may cling to the bristles if left too long. To avoid staining or stiffening, rinse the brush more frequently during use and clean it thoroughly as soon as your design is complete. Always finish by reshaping the brush and letting it dry flat before storing it safely.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clean your acrylic nail brushes properly makes a big difference in both the longevity of your tools and the quality of your work. With the right products, a bit of care and a regular routine, your brushes will stay soft, effective and ready to go for every set.
Looking for high quality acrylic nail brushes or brush cleaner? Browse our Star Nails collection at United Beauty and keep your salon kit in tip top condition.
