Xtreme Long pH Sensing Nails

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

  1. Isopropyl Alcohol (99-99.8%)

  2. Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)

  3. Formlabs Form3L Printer

  4. Formlabs Clear Resin V4

  5. Sandpaper (213Q P800-grit)

  6. Aieenjor Water-Based Nail Polish

  7. Nail Filer

  8. X-acto Knife

  9. UV Lamp

  10. Nail Drill

CONSTRUCTION

Preparing the 3D Resin Print

  1. SLA print the file of the nail design.

  2. Carefully remove the 3D print from the build plate and soak in isopropyl alcohol (99-99.8%).

  3. Cut the supports from the 3D print. 

  4. Once supports are removed, give a rinse in IPA for any remaining support debris.

  5. Using super fine sandpaper (P800), sand all the 3D prints gently to remove any remnants of supports. If needed, you can take an X-acto knife and gently remove any little broken support pieces, but be careful not to cut the model itself.

Producing the pH Nail Polish

  1. Add 0.2 grams of red cabbage power to the water-based nail polish bottle.

  2. Using a nail drill, mix the red cabbage power with the water-based nail polish.

Coating and Curing the Nails

  1. Apply 8 layers of the pH nail polish to the nails. Wait for it to dry between each layer.

TESTING

To test the color change under different pH conditions, prepare testing solutions at different pH levels. We used pH 4, 7, and 10 for this testing. Other alternative testing solutions include vinegar, bleach, water, and milk.

XTreme Long Nail 3D Files

NAIL APPLICATION

Applying the Nails

  1. File the natural nails and the back of the nails with a nail filer.

  2. Clean both the natural nails and the back of the nails with isopropyl alcohol (70%) and isopropyl alcohol (99-99.8%), respectively.

  3. Apply a clear, double-sided adhesive nail sticker to the natural nail.

  4. Attach the nails at a 45º angle from the nail bed to the nail tip.