What Is Nail Primer and How To Use It? (+ Tips)

A manicure has many steps, whether you get regular nail polish, gel polish, or nail enhancements.

Regardless, one of the very first steps is nail primer.

But what is this type of primer, and is it actually necessary?

If you’re preparing for an upcoming mani and want to know whether or not primer is really a must, keep reading.

Below, I’m pinpointing what primer actually is, how it’s beneficial for your nails, and how to correctly apply it - plus tons of more interesting (and essential) info.

What Is Nail Primer?

Nail primers are products applied to the natural nail surface before applying nail polish or enhancements.

The goal of nail primers is to remove any leftover grease or oils on the nail plate, which would otherwise compromise adhesion and longevity.

Yes, it’s true that cleansing wipes or cotton balls dipped in rubbing alcohol work to remove some of the oils and grease from the natural nail plate, but they can’t get it all.

That’s where primer comes into play. This full-proof product ensures nothing leftover on the nail, ensuring tip-top and reliable application.

As the name suggests, primer “primes” the natural nail plate.

While an acid primer was more common years ago, many people are trading in these potentially harmful products for an acid-free primer that works just as well.

With that said, acid-free primers are not the most commonly used primer products.

Benefits of Nail Primer

There are many benefits that go hand-in-hand with nail primers.

1. Better Adhesion

The nail plate is typically well-hydrated and contains many oils and greasy residue, which can hinder the ability of manicures to stick.

This can cause the nail polish to chip or break off prematurely, which is the last thing you want after getting your nails done.

Well, a primer will remove any undesirable oil and grease from the nail plate, ensuring top-notch adhesion that lasts an impressively long time.

2. Longer-Lasting Manicure

Primer is incredibly sticky. Applying a thin coat of this sticky substance allows for polish and enhancements to “stick” to your nail, ensuring long-lasting wear.

This is handy for all types of manicures, especially those considering acrylic nails.

The added bond will ensure the enhancements don’t fall off or lift easily, which is essential for problematic nail plates that don’t “hold onto” polish easily.

Is A Nail Primer Necessary? Can You Do Nails Without It?

Although using a primer is highly recommended, it’s not “necessary.” You can effectively do your nails without using primer.

The downside is that the manicure - whether gel nails, colored nail polish, or acrylics - won’t adhere as readily.

This can lead to your nails chipping, breaking, or lifting prematurely.

If you do not want to use an acid primer, you can opt for an acid-free primer.

If that still doesn’t pique your interest, you can use a mix of Isopropyl alcohol and acetone to try to dehydrate the nail. It works, but not as well as an acid primer or acid-free primer.

How To Apply Primer to the Nail

Applying a primer to the nail plate is a cinch, but the steps are different for acid primer and acid-free primer.

1. Acid-Free Primer Application

To apply acid-free primer, you will want to use a nearly dry brush and apply it like any other type of polish. Allow it to try for about 60 seconds.

Remember that acid-free primer does not need to evaporate before moving forward with the rest of the manicure fully.

Acid-free nail primer is ideal as it won’t thin the nail plate or cause other issues such as chemical burns.

2. Acid Primer Application

Acid primer works a bit differently than non-acid primers. Proper preparation is key when using acid-based primers.

You will want to place one or two dots on the nail plates and let them spread out.

You must wait for the acid primer to evaporate before moving forward.

Are You Supposed to Let Nail Primer Dry?

It’s best to let your nail primer dry before moving on to the next step.

This is less important when using the acid-free version. However, most professionals will wait until it’s dry as it’s easier to work with.

Is Nail Primer The Same as Base Coat?

Although primers and base coats have the same goals (longer-lasting manicures), they are not the same.

Primers are more commonly used for acrylic manicures. That’s because the nail dehydrator acts somewhat like a double-sided sticky tape to allow nail tips to secure to the nail plate.

A base coat, on the other hand, are commonly found in gel polish for gel manicures and regular polish manicures.

That’s because the base coat will remove undesirable oils and grease but will not create too much stickiness.

The base coat also has the advantage of fending off potential stains and promoting healthier overall nails.

Do You Use Nail Primer Before Base Coat?

If you use primer and a base coat (a type of clear polish) on the nail plates, you will want to apply the primer first.

Keep in mind that it’s not essential to use both, though.

Primer tends to work best for acrylic or other nail enhancements involving tips.

A base coat is best for regular and gel nails designed with gel polish.

That’s because base coats protect the natural nails and work well with gel manicures.

What Can You Use Instead of Nail Primer?

If you are adamant against applying primer, you have other options before creating your manicure.

The best option is to use isopropyl alcohol and acetone.

These ingredients will work wonders at removing unwanted oil and grease from natural nails.

To use this concoction, do the following:

• Brush a layer of Isopropyl alcohol onto the nails.
• Allow it to dry completely.
• Apply a thin layer of acetone to the nails.
• Once thoroughly dried, continue with the next steps in your manicure.

FAQ

What’s the difference between nail prep and primer?

Nail prep refers to prepping of the nail plate, finishing with a layer of primer.