An acrylic brush picks up a bead of acrylic powder with monomer and presses it into shape on the nail; the size number goes up as the brush gets bigger. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks acrylic brushes, most of them Kolinsky, from ONME, BW, Notpolish, MNBS and 999, in sizes #8 to #22.
Acrylic brush sizes
| Size | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Small, #8 to #12 | Short nails, detail work, smile lines and small beads near the cuticle. | BW Kolinsky #8, ONME 80% Level #8, BW Kolinsky #10, ONME 100% Level #10, ONME 80% Level #12, Notpolish Kolinsky #12 |
| Medium, #14 to #16 | Everyday full sets and overlays. | BW Kolinsky #14, ONME 100% Level #14, Notpolish Kolinsky #14, BW Kolinsky #16, Notpolish Kolinsky #16, Premium Kolinsky #10 to #18 |
| Large, #18 to #22 | Big beads for long extensions, pedicure overlays and fast application. | ONME 100% Level #18, 999 Kolinsky #18, ONME 100% Level #20, Germany Kolinsky #20, 999 Kolinsky #20, Heart Acrylic Brush #22 |
How to choose an acrylic brush
- Size to the work. A smaller brush gives control on short nails and fine detail; a larger one carries enough product to cover a long nail in fewer beads.
- Know the hair. BW lists its brown wooden-handle Kolinsky brushes as 70% Kolinsky hair; ONME sells two Kolinsky lines, marked 80% Level and 100% Level in the name.
- Keep a second brush for colour. Many techs use a separate brush for coloured or glitter powder so pigment does not tint their clear and pink work.
Related: Monomer / acrylic liquid, Acrylic powder, Nail forms, Nail art & gel brushes, All acrylic & dip
Acrylic brush FAQ
What size acrylic brush should I use?
Pick by nail length and how you work. Sizes around #8 to #12 suit short nails and detail, #14 to #16 cover most full sets, and #18 and up carry big beads for long extensions. New techs often find a mid size easier to control than a large one.
How do I prep a new Kolinsky acrylic brush?
New brushes are often shipped with the hair stiffened to protect the shape. Work the hair gently between your fingers, swirl it in clean monomer, wipe it on a lint-free towel and repeat until the hair moves freely. Reshape the point and let it dry before the first service.
How do I clean and store an acrylic brush?
Wipe the brush on a lint-free towel after every bead and rinse it in clean monomer at the end of the service. Reshape the tip and store it flat or with the hair pointing down, covered from dust. Do not soak a natural-hair brush in acetone, which dries the hair out.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.