Are you looking for a way to use up the leftover dip powder? Or just wondering how to use dip powder as acrylic? We’ll cover the differences and similarities first. Then, we’ll show you how to apply dip powder to create acrylic nails.
What’s the Difference Between Dip Powder and Acrylic Powder?
The powders are similar in formulation, but dip powder has a finer texture.
Unlike acrylic, dip powder is applied directly to the nail. It's easier for beginners to use. All you have to do is apply the activator to the nail, then dip the nail into the powder.
Acrylic powder, meanwhile, requires a liquid monomer. The manicurist dips the brush into the monomer and then puts it into the acrylic powder to form a bead to brush on the nail.
Is It Possible to Apply Dip Powder as an Acrylic?
Yes, dip powder works with liquid monomer. When you're doing acrylic nails, it's the same process of dipping the brush into the liquid then into the powder, and smoothing the bead on the nail.
Kiara Sky Ema Liquid Monomer
Kiara Sky EMA Monomer offers health benefits for those who experience skin sensitivities or allergies when using traditional acrylic liquids. It’s free of irritants like MMA and HEMA and gentler to the natural nail. What’s more, it’s self-leveling so it’s easier to get the perfect bead when doing acrylic nails. And yes, it can be used with dip powder.
Mia Secret Liquid Monomer
This ethyl methacrylate monomer is a solid choice for pros and beginners alike. It doesn’t have a strong odor plus it’s cruelty-free.
What’s interesting is that it works correctly even in low-temperature environments.
Choose from seven different sizes of bottles according to your needs.
What Are the Potential Problems of Using Dip Powder as Acrylic?
For one, pigmented dip powders may be more costly than acrylic powder. They come in small jars, too.
Furthermore, when using dipping powder for acrylic nails, you still have to prepare everything the same as you would for an acrylic manicure. This includes using a pH bonder/dehydrator and acrylic primer to prevent lifting.
If you are doing long nails, acrylic powder works better. It builds up layers faster.
Finally, don’t forget to have extra nail brushes on hand or else keep the one you’re using clean. You wouldn’t want to mix colors of dip powder by accident.
Here are the products you need to prepare the acrylic nails before using dip powder:
Mia Secret Nail Prep
When you do acrylics, you need to remove the natural oil from the nail so that the manicure adheres and doesn’t lift. This dehydrator works with both acrylic and gel systems.
Protein Bond - Young Nails
After the dehydrator, you need a bonder like this one. It’s a polymer that bonds directly with the keratin in the nails. It makes a tacky surface that anchors acrylics and gel polish.
No Lift Nail Primer
For minimum fuss, try this acrylic nail primer. It’s so easy to use that you only have to take the shine off the natural nail and then apply it. Afterward, the manicure should last up to three weeks without lifting.
Don’t worry, you’re not spending money on a specialty product. You can also use it for gels.
What Are the Advantages of Using Dip Powder for Acrylics?
Dip powder is inherently odorless. Most brands infuse the powder with vitamins to strengthen natural nails. And a dip powder manicure is very durable, lasting up to 4 weeks. That’s twice as long as acrylics.
Nugenesis Crystal Clear - Pink & White
French manicures require pink and white dip powder. It’s also compatible with filling acrylic nails. If you’ll be doing nail art, you might find that a white base boosts the rest of the colors you use.
This dip powder is odorless and non-toxic. It doesn’t require UV light to cure and it soaks off in minutes.
SNS Nude Collection Dipping Powder
When you stock up on powders, you may save money by purchasing a collection instead of individual jars. This one features 30 colors that are all nudes that match various skin tones.
Like all powders and adhesives from SNS, these are 10-free. They are hypoallergenic and non-toxic as they don’t have toxins like formaldehyde, parabens, or toluene. Moreover, they don’t require UV light to cure.
LDS Dipping Powder Color - Ombre Glitter Kit 2
Lavis Dip Systems offers this delightful collection of glitter powders for ombre nails. It includes fourteen jars of the most popular colors.
Remember to Have Extra Nail Brushes on Hand
Professionals doing acrylics daily replace brushes within weeks. Home manicurists might get a few months of use out of them. It never hurts to have extra brushes on hand especially if you’ll be using dip powder as acrylic.
Kolinsky Acrylic Brush
Kolinsky sable hair is the top choice for art brushes. It’s resistant to acrylic paint and acrylic monomer used for manicures. Furthermore, it’s soft and fine for a smooth finish.
The most common size of acrylic brush used by beginners is #8. However, there are many other sizes available. You might like to have a smaller brush for little nails and drawing fine lines and a larger one for quickly covering big nails.
Also, take a look at the tip. For acrylics, it's easiest to work with pointed or oval tips.
Lavis Nail System - Double Head Nail Art Brush
Instead of buying two brushes, here’s one handle with two brush tips. One end is a carving brush and the other is a liner for drawing nail art.
Remember to keep your brushes clean by soaking them in monomer or brush cleaner.
Final Thoughts
With the right tools and instructions, anyone can create long-lasting and beautiful acrylic nails using dip powder. Whether you are looking to use up leftover dip powder or switch from acrylics, dip powder is a great alternative. Give it a try today and see how nice your nails can look.