Are you looking to switch up your nails routine? Dip powder is becoming increasingly popular and has been said to be a healthier alternative to acrylic. But can dip powder replace acrylic in terms of durability and design?
This blog post will explore the pros and cons of using dip powder as an alternative to traditional acrylic systems and help you decide which one is best for you!
So, if you’re curious about whether or not dip powder will deliver long-lasting results – read on!
Is Dip Powder the Same as Acrylic Powder?
No, dip powder is not the same as acrylic powder.
Dip powder combines acrylic monomers and polymers to create a nail color applied to the nail bed in thin layers. The dip nail powder is then “dipped” into a particular solution which hardens it, making a protective layer.
The result is a nail that looks and feels like acrylic without the harsh chemicals used in acrylic treatments.
On the other hand, acrylic powder is created with a combination of polymer and liquid monomers.
The mixture is then applied to the nail bed in thin layers with a nail brush. Later, the acrylic powder is cured with a LED or UV light and sealed off with a top coat of nail polish for extra protection.
Consequently, you get rugged and durable nails that have the look and feel of acrylic but with much less damage to the natural nail.
The most notable difference between dip powder and acrylic is their composition and application process.
Dip powder is composed of finely ground polymers combined with a particular adhesive solution and then applied to the nails. On the other hand, acrylic powder is composed of polymers and liquid monomers, which are then mixed at a ratio of 1:1 and applied to the nails like gel polish.
Another difference between dip powder and acrylic is in the application process.
Dip powder manicures are much simpler and faster to apply than acrylic. All you need are the dip powder, a base coat, an activator solution, and a top coat. This combination allows the dip powder to harden quickly, so you don’t have to wait too long.
In contrast, acrylic powder requires more steps, such as filing and buffing the natural nails, applying the primer and base coat, and then curing them with a UV or LED light.
Can you Use Dip Powder as Acrylics?
No, dip powder is not the same as acrylic and cannot be used as a replacement for acrylic.
Dip powder is designed to be a healthier alternative to normal acrylic powder. However, while it can create beautiful manicures with less damage to the natural nail – it cannot replace the sturdiness and durability of acrylic.
You cannot use dip powder as acrylic because it lacks a polymer base, which is essential for an acrylic treatments. Although the dip powder does contain polymers, it is not enough to provide a long-lasting effect.
Dip powder offers a fantastic long-term solution for beautiful nails without the strength of acrylic. Nevertheless, your dip powder nails may not be as steadfast and could succumb to cracking or chipping more often than acrylic ones.
In contrast to dipping powder, acrylic powders lack the requisite parts for a successful bond with glue. Subsequently, you will require more dip coats—4-5 on average—to achieve substantial coverage when using acrylic powder.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a more durable and long-lasting nail system – stick to acrylic. However, consider dip powder if you want a healthier and gentler alternative.
Whatever your decision may be, make sure you are familiar with the pros and cons of both systems before making your decision. Then, weigh your options and see which one best suits you.
How to Use Dip Powder as Acrylic
For the most part, dip powder is not used as an acrylic substitute. Nevertheless, you can get a similar look and feel.
Follow these steps:
- Start by filling and buffing your nails to get the desired shape.
- Apply a base coat directly onto the nail and cure with a UV or LED light.
- Dip the nail directly into the dip powder and ensure it is completely covered.
- Brush off any excess powder, and then apply an activator solution to solidify the coating.
- Apply another layer of powder and activator only after curing the first layer with light.
- Repeat these steps until you achieve a thicker coating that resembles acrylic.
- Finish off with a top coat to seal and protect the nails.
It is important to note that dip powder is not a substitute for acrylic, so the results may be different and less durable.
Can you Use Acrylic Powder as Dip Powder?
Although it is not the most optimal selection, an acrylic powder may be used as a dip powder. Dip powders are typically composed of polymers and monomers formulated specifically for this purpose.
Acrylic powder is generated from a polymer dissolved in a liquid monomer. Subsequently, this combination is cured via ultraviolet light to generate an enduring product.
So, acrylic powder lacks similar properties to dip powder and may not adhere as strongly or last for an extended time.
If you’re in a rush and need the job done quickly, you can use acrylic powder as dip powder. However, the outcome may be different from those produced by products made exclusively for this purpose.
Can you Use Dip Powder to Fill Acrylic Nails?
Absolutely not! We highly discourage using dip powder instead of acrylic to fill your nails. Acrylic nails become harder and retain their shape better when combined with monomers.
At the same time, dip powder comprises smaller grains that need glue and an activator to hold your nails firmly.
If you’re seeking a long-lasting manicure, acrylic nails and dip powder alone won’t be your best option.
The area where the two products meet will easily become chipped or damaged, rendering your entire nail job ineffective. Investing in more durable methods for an enduring professional and more natural look would benefit you.
How to Fill in Acrylic Nails with Dip Powder?
If you’re looking to have your acrylic nails filled with dip powder, you can give it a try.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start filling and buffing your nails to get the desired shape.
- Apply a base coat to the nail and cure it with a UV or LED light for a few seconds.
- Dip the nail directly into the dip powder and ensure it is completely covered. Brush off any excess powder.
- Apply an activator solution to solidify the coating and cure it with a UV or LED light.
- Apply a second layer of dip powder and repeat Step 4.
- Apply the top coat to seal the look and cure it with light.
- To finish it off, apply cuticle oil and massage it into the surrounding skin.
Remember to follow all the instructions and have a beautiful set of dip powder nails.
Can you Use Monomer with Dip Powder?
Although you can use acrylic monomer with dip powder, it is not generally recommended. It is because monomers are typically used for dipping acrylic nails. Since the two products have different consistencies and ingredients, they cannot be completely substituted.
If you decide to mix them, remember that your nails may become brittle and only last for a short time, as with a pure dip powder manicure. Therefore, the monomer and dip powder proportions should also be carefully considered to get the desired result.
It is important to note that when using monomers with dip powder, you will still need an activator solution to solidify the coating. Therefore, if you’re looking for a longer-lasting nail look, it is best to stick with dip powder alone.
What Liquid do you Use for Dip Powder?
Most dip powder systems come with an activator solution. It is a liquid concoction composed of ethyl acetate and other compounds. The liquid solidifies the particles and makes them stick to the nail for longer.
Applying an activator before the final step of adding a top coat is essential for success. It hardens the powder quickly and prepares it to receive a topcoat, ensuring that it will properly dry without causing chemical reactions when used with your selected sealant.
Use the recommended activator solution with your bought kit for the best results. Follow the instructions and use only a small amount of liquid on each dip. Overdoing it may cause your manicure to wear off faster.
How to Make Dip Powder at Home
Making your dip powder at home is possible. However, it requires more time and effort, as making a dip powder from scratch will not produce results as good as those achieved with professional kits.
To make your dip powder application at home, you need the following items:
- Acrylic powder
- Resin
- Mica pigments or glitter
- Nail dehydrator
- Activator solution
- Topcoat
- Small pot
- Hand sanitizer
Once you have all the items, you can start concocting your own dip powder. Follow these few steps:
- Mix one part of acrylic powder with one part of the resin, and add a few mica pigments or glitter for extra sparkle.
- Apply a thin mixture layer onto each nail and cure it with a UV or LED light.
- Apply a nail dehydrator to help the dip powder stick to each nail and cure it with light again.
- Dip nails directly into the dip powder and ensure it is completely covered.
- Apply an activator solution to solidify the coating and cure it with light.
- Apply a second coat of dip powder and repeat Step 5.
- Finish it off by applying a top coat and curing it with light.
- Lastly, apply cuticle oil to massage the surrounding skin for nail enhancement and enjoy your dip powder nails.
Remember to follow all the instructions and use only a small amount of liquid on each dip to get the desired results. You can achieve beautiful dip powder nails with patience and practice in the best nail salon.
Conclusion
Dip powder is a great nail treatment for those who want to maintain long-lasting manicures. It can look and last as good, if not better, than acrylic nails depending on the user’s skill level.
Can you use dip powder as acrylic? Yes, you can use monomers with dip powder, but it is not recommended. The two products have different consistencies and ingredients, so the results may not be as long-lasting.
If you still want to try it, remember to use only a small amount of liquid on each dip and always follow the instructions.