acrylic nails are a very convenient way to beautify your natural nails. But when your acrylic nails begin chipping, splitting and lifting, it is a telltale sign that it is time to get them filled. But before you run to the nail salon, take a moment to consider doing your fills yourself. Not only will you save money, you can maintain your beautifully polished look without leaving the comfort of your home.

Remove the old nail polish by putting non-acetone polish remover onto a cotton ball. Rub the wet cotton ball over the nail until all the polish has been removed. Do this for all ten fingernails. Clip off excess lifted acrylic with a cuticle cutter. Buff all of your nails using the rougher side of the four sided buffer to remove excess polish or acrylic left after using the cuticle cutter. Do not buff the natural nail.

Dip the primer brush into the nail primer bottle. Use a tiny amount of nail primer to apply to the natural nail below the acrylic but above the cuticle. Refrain from getting nail primer on the cuticle. Apply a second coat of primer one minute after the first application has dried. Let the second application of primer dry for two minutes.

Pour a small amount of acrylic liquid into the small glass bowl that comes in the acrylic kit. Dip the acrylic brush into the acrylic liquid in order to dampen the brush. Wipe off excess acrylic liquid against the edge of the glass bowl. Dip the acrylic brush into the acrylic powder. Using a circular motion, rotate the brush to form a small ball. Gently apply that ball to the area of your nail where the primer was applied. Pat the ball gently so that it flattens against that area of your nail. Allow it to dry.

File your fingernails to the desired shape and length using the fingernail file. Gently file the top of the nail as well to level it out. Use the white side of the four-sided buffer on your nails to buff off any excess acrylic. Buff the tops and sides of the nails using the gray side of the four-sided buffer in order to shine and smooth them out. Wash your hands, allow them to dry and then apply two coats of the desired fingernail polish. Apply a top coat of clear polish to maintain shine and polish color longer.