Blending tips - free edge

[ladybird]

I am in the middle of my OPI Absolute Acrylic course and am getting on OK - I can see that I am improving slowly.

My question is this:

I can get the tip blended fine (at the well/contact area) but when I file the edge of the free edge it tends to weaken the tip and the corner of the free edge often breaks off the tip - this also happens when I am filing the side walls of the tip - the side wall of the tip tends to split where it meets the natural free edge.

Am I filing too vigourously on the side wall and free edge? Should I leave the filing of free edge and side walls until I have applied the acrylic ie when its a bit stronger?

hope this makes sense.

thanks
Elaine

 

[ladybird]

I meant to say that I am only filing the free edge soften the square shape and the side walls only to fine tune/line up with natural nail side wall if tip isnt an EXACT match after it has been glued to natural nail

 

[pips]

It sounds to me like you may well be placing too much preasure when blending, also are you using the correct file? If you are using the wrong grit this may also be contributing to the tip splitting and breaking HTH