What is the difference?

Galina Tischenko

KODI PROFESSIONAL International Instructor Trainer

What is the difference between acid primer and acid-free primer?

The main difference between acid-free primer and acid primer is the composition of these materials. The composition of the acid primer is methacrylic acid. The composition of the acidic primer opens the scales of the nail plate. Its surface becomes slightly rough, so that the plate is firmly fixed all the materials used for modeling.  Despite the fact that differs acid and acid-free primer composition, primer that does not contain methacryl, also makes the surface of the nail rough. It is most often used in gel extensions. Let's take a closer look at the features of both products and the specifics of working with them.

What is an acid-free primer?

Acid-free primer is an ultrabond that does not have methacrylic acid in its composition. It is based on the solvent ethyl acetate. It belongs to the category of safe chemicals that do not cause allergies and do not harm the nails.

Acid-free primer is considered a universal means, as it is suitable for weakened, brittle nails.

Features of acid-free primer:

• It is not able to change the acidity of the nail plate, does not cause nail delamination.
• Ultrabond does not change its color when in contact with the base coat.
• Acid-free primer is necessary to speed up the process of building up. It dries very quickly, so modeling is a little faster.
• There is no trace left on the nails after the Ultrabond dries. The nail plate becomes a little rough to the touch.

What is an acid primer?

This primer contains toxic methacrylic acid. Despite the fact that it belongs to toxic substances, in this product it does not pose a danger to nail health. The thing is that it is included in the primer not in concentrated, but in diluted form, due to which acid primer is a safe means for nail modeling.

Features of this product:

• Acid gently opens the scales of the nail plate, so acid primer is necessary for a strong connection between the acrylic material and the natural nail.
• The product is ideal for treating the nail plate on frequently sweating hands.
• After drying, the product leaves a white trace on the nail, signaling that the master can continueWhat is an acid primer? work.
• It is desirable to use this primer in a well-ventilated room.
• Work with primer should be careful. It softens the nail plate, so it should be applied in a thin layer.

Which primer is better: acidic or acid-free?

To understand what is better: acid primer or acid-free primer, let's compare the general qualities and differences of these products.

Characteristics	Acid primer	Acid-free primer
General	It is used for modeling with acrylic, gel, shellac application.	Suitable for shellac, acrylic and gel modeling.
	Suitable for working with damaged and problem nails.	It is used for brittle and damaged nails.
	Simple application, similar effect	Easy to apply and quick drying, it acts almost as well as its acidic counterpart.
Differences	There is methacrylic acid in the composition.	There are no acids in the composition, but there is ethyl acetate.
	May be slightly aggressive, applied in a thin layer.	It is considered to be gentle on the nails.
	It has a pronounced acrid odor. It is recommended to use masks, work in a ventilated room	It has no distinct odor.

Both products "extract" moisture from the nails and dissolve grease on the skin surface. The surface of the nails and the skin around them ceases to be a favorable environment for the development of bacteria, which eliminates the possibility of fungal infection under the material for modeling. Nail extensions without primers (acidic or acid-free) are not allowed.

How do you apply an acid primer?

Although the toxic acid content in this product is minimal and it is not capable of causing harm, it is still better to handle it with care and apply acid primer without exceeding the minimum amount required. Open the bottle, put a little of the product on the brush. Brush the excess off the edge of the bottle. Touch the middle of the nail with the brush so that the product spreads evenly over the surface. It is important that the substance on the nail was a little, but the whole nail was covered with it. Dry the coating and apply the base only after making sure that all nails are dry. Apply the modeling material, shape and design.

How do I apply an acid-free primer?

The technology of using this product is similar to the use of acid-based substance. The acid-free primer should be applied in the following way: Unscrew the cap of the bottle, put the required amount of product on the brush. If there is more product on the brush than needed, gently remove the excess by blowing it off the neck of the bottle. Apply the product to the center and allow it to spread. Make sure it covers the nail evenly. If there is excess, gently remove it with a lint-free cloth. Wait for the coating to dry and apply a base coat. Continue modeling your nails with the chosen material (acrylic or gel).

Nuances when working with acid and acid-free primer

Both products belong to toxic substances and if they are not able to harm the nail, inhalation of methacrylic vapors is far from safe, so masters are recommended to work with primers in masks or respirators. Even taking into account that acid-free primer is considered a gentle means, it should be applied in small quantities, so as not to damage the nails. All further actions on modeling nails are performed only after the primer is completely dry, otherwise you will not get a quality coating.

Which remedy to choose?

When it comes to nail extensions at home, the choice of product should be based on the quality of your nails (brittle or strong, oily or dry). A professional master should have both products, so that in the process of work, you can choose the one that is more suitable for the nails of the client. You can buy both types of primers in the catalog of products of Kodi Professional brand - a well-known manufacturer of professional nail modeling and nail design products.