Les, I have not had a problem with the acrylic lifting in the back. I did have it lift away from the front end, though. I don't wear gloves when I do dishes, so I think that has something to do with it.

Les, have you ever seen the acrylic applied? They use a round paintbrush (looks like sable) and dip the brush into a liquid solution. Then the wet brush is dipped into a powder and applied to the nail. The powder soaks up the liquid quickly and becomes like a gel. They smooth it on with the brush. After drying, they buff it with the little dremel tool. I find that if it is applied in a thick enough coat, it lasts for three or four weeks.

The initial application of a fake nail was interesting to me. Having never had it done before, I didn't realize that they glue the fake nail to the very tip of your natural nail, closest to the fingertip. Then the acrylic (as I just described) is applied on top of that. The fake nail is for length. Once your own nail grows out to the length you want it, they can apply the acrylic without the fake nail.

I have never done it with a do it yourself kit because I've watched them use the paintbrush, and I don't think that would be very easy for me to manage and do a good job of it. And like I said before, I never make appointments. Most places will take walk-ins, and for one nail it doesn't take long. I hope you have good luck with what ever you try! Margo