With the right acrylic starter equipment, you can create strong, beautifully shaped acrylic nails right from your first attempts. Acrylic works differently from gel: powder and liquid are mixed into a mouldable bead that hardens in the air – you don't need a lamp for it. That makes good powder, the right liquid and, above all, a high-quality brush all the more important.

In this checklist, we show you which products belong in your basic kit. How the application works step by step is explained in Perfect nails with acrylic powder: a quick guide.

The checklist: basic acrylic equipment at a glance

1. Acrylic powder: three colours and you're ready to go

Three powders are enough to start with: clear for natural overlays, pink for the nail bed and white for French tips.

• Clear: BNC acrylic powder clear is transparent, HEMA- and HPMA-free and, according to its description, suitable for French, nail art, colour sets and the dip technique.
• Pink: BNC acrylic powder pink creates a natural-looking nail bed. For something softer, try Pastel Pink; for a warmer tone, Cover Peach, which conceals small imperfections.
• White: BNC acrylic powder white offers high coverage for crisp French lines. Natural White looks a little softer.

You'll find more colours under acrylic powders.

2. Acrylic liquid: start slow

The liquid (monomer) determines how much working time you have. As a beginner, you'll benefit from a slow-setting liquid:

• For beginners: According to its description, BNC Acrylic Liquid Easy sets slowly in about 4–5 minutes and is compatible with all BNC acrylic powders.
• For colour stability: BNC Acrylic Liquid violet contains UV stabilisers that help prevent yellowing.
• For adhesion problems: Acrylic Liquid Perfect Primerless has an integrated primer, so no additional bonding agent is needed.
• For advanced users: BNC Acrylic Liquid Clear air-dries quickly and contains a UV blocker.

You'll find all liquids under acrylic liquids. Ideally, combine powder and liquid from the same system.

3. The acrylic brush: quality pays off here

A good acrylic brush holds plenty of liquid, forms a clean tip and releases the bead in a controlled way. Brushes made from Kolinsky hair have proven their worth:

• All-rounder: The BNC Kolinsky acrylic brush size 12 with 100% Kolinsky hair is a good size to start with.
• Smaller or larger: The Kolinsky brush is also available in size 10 and as size 14 with protective cap.
• For fine work: According to its description, the BNC pro acrylic brush size 4 made from sable hair is acetone-resistant.

We compare which brushes are meant for acrylic, gel and nail art in Nail brushes compared.

4. Dappen dish, preparation and extensions

• Dappen dish: With the BNC glass dappen dish, you only have a small amount of liquid in front of you while you work. More accessories are under acrylic accessories.
• Nail prep and primer: BNC Nail Prep removes moisture and oils, then Primer Ultra Bond ensures adhesion for gel and acrylic. For stubborn lifting, the acid-based B5 Acid Primer is an option.
• Nail forms: The self-adhesive gold nail form roll and the horseshoe nail form roll are designed for gel and acrylic extensions without tips.
• Tips: If you prefer working with tips, start with BNC Glamour Tips or Optimal Tips and the brush-on tip glue. Read which suits you better in Nail extensions: tips or forms?

5. Files, buffers and small accessories

• Buffer: The BNC buffer white 100/100 roughens the natural nail before application.
• Files: The BNC straight zebra file 100/180 has two grits for shaping and smoothing. The BNC pro file white is designed for filing down acrylic. More under files & buffers.
• Cleanliness: Use the dust brush with bamboo handle to remove filing dust; the lint-free wipes and BNC Cleaner Clear leave a clean nail surface.
• Care: After the set, your cuticles will love some nail oil.

Acrylic or gel after all?

Acrylic is very strong and great for extensions, but getting the powder-to-liquid ratio right takes some practice. Gel has less odour and gives you more time, but needs a lamp. You'll find the detailed comparison in Acrylic or gel nails – which is better? And if you decide on gel, our checklist Gel nail starter kit will help.

FAQ: acrylic starter equipment

Do I need a UV lamp for acrylic?

No. Acrylic powder and liquid harden in the air. You only need a lamp if you finish with a top gel.

Which brush size is best for beginners?

A medium size such as 10 or 12 is a good start: it picks up enough product and is still easy to control.

How many acrylic powders do I need at first?

Three are enough: clear, pink and white. With these, you can create overlays, natural looks and French nails.

Can I combine acrylic and gel?

Yes, for example an acrylic build with colour gel and top gel. Just make sure the surface is properly filed and dust-free beforehand.

How do I remove acrylic nails?

Acrylic is filed off or soaked off in acetone – according to its description, BNC acetone is suitable for removing acrylic. Be patient to protect your natural nails.