Budget Beginner: Beads & Brush Basics

Master Bead Control Before You Buy a Full Kit

Start small, focus on skill includes the essentials to build solid acrylic foundation without wasting money.

Recommended:

Brush Fundamentals & Acrylic Ratio Zoom Class

  • Acrylic Ratio Practice Sheet (Double-Sided)
  • Acrylic Zones & Pressure Sheet (Double-Sided)

What you’ll learn in class:

  • How to form small, medium, and large beads
  • How to tell the difference between runny, wet, andperfect beads
  • The correct angle and motion for your brush in monomer and powder
  • Understanding the job of your brush and how to control pressure
  • Where and how to apply acrylic in Zones 1, 2, and 3
  • How to build structure step-by-step before you buy a full kit

Practice Sheets:

Acrylic Ratio Sheet

  • Front: Monomer/powder guides, brush angle visuals
  • Back: Full acrylic application breakdown + beginner-friendly product checklist

Acrylic Zones & Pressure Sheet

  • Front: Visual zones mapped out for bead placement
  • Back: Brush pressure training + how to recognize good vs. bad beads

Start here if you’re brand new. This is the most affordable, skill-focused way to begin without wasting money on tools you’re not ready to use yet.

Starter Supplies You’ll Need:

  • Nude or Pink Nude Acrylic
  • EMA Monomer
  • Dampen Dish
  • Size 12 Crimped Acrylic Brush
  • Paper Towels
  • Acrylic Ratio Practice Sheet*
  • Acrylic Zones & Pressure Sheet* 

* Not required, but highly recommended