Can You Use Acrylic Powder as Dip Powder?

When you don’t want to spend time or money at the local nail salon, dip powder is the best option for an at-home manicure.

Dip nails are known for being super easy yet rendering fabulous results.

But if you’re trying to put together some Insta-worthy dip nails, only to realize you’re all out of dip powder, you might start to panic.

Well, I’m here to tell you that acrylic powder can be used in place of dip powder in a pinch.

Keep reading to find out can you can use acrylic powder as dip powder and how to apply it to your own nails correctly.

Can You Use Acrylic Powder as a Dip Powder?

Acrylic powder and dip powder are essentially the same things. However, their formulas are slightly different.

You see, dipping powder consists of a resin, otherwise known as cosmetic-grade glue. The acrylic powder does not contain glue.

That said, the application will vary slightly - but don’t worry; it’s still a breeze to create fashionable fingernails on top of your natural nails using acrylic powder.

How to Apply Dip Nails With Acrylic Powder

Creating flawless dip nails with acrylic powder is a cinch and can be done using these simple steps.

1. Prep the Natural Nail

Regardless of what kind of manicure or nail enhancement you’re creating from home, you should always, always, always start by prepping your natural nails.

• Trim. The first step is to trip the nail to your desired length and shape.
• Buff. Buff the nails to ensure the products have a slightly rough surface to adhere to.
• Push the cuticles. You can soak your fingernails in warm water or apply cuticle oil before this process. Use a cuticle pusher or orange stick.
• Wipe with rubbing alcohol. You will want to make sure there is zero moisture or oils on your nails before applying dip nails.

2. Apply Nail Glue as a Base Coat

Nail glue is essential when applying dip nails without the dip powder. Remember - acrylic powder does not include any glue in the formula, so you will need to add it yourself.

Be careful, though. Nail glue dries relatively quickly, so you will need to apply the acrylic powder soon after using the glue.

Apply the glue to the entire nail, but try to keep it away from the cuticle area.

3. Apply the Acrylic Powder

You have two options here: you can use the acrylic powder like you would any other dip powders and simply stick your fingertip into the product.

You can also use a soft brush to apply the acrylic dipping powder.

If you have long nails and want to ensure they won’t break off, you will want to create an extra layer or two.

Continue to apply the acrylic dip powder until you’re satisfied with the thickness of your nails, then shake off any excess powder on the nail bed.

4. Apply Activator

If you get acrylic nails done by a professional nail technician, you will notice that the nail tech applies an acrylic monomer (acrylic liquid) to the normal acrylic powder to create the nails.

That’s because normal acrylic powder can’t work alone, and needs a “helping hand” to make it harden up and become the strong and beautiful nails you love.

Well, if you’re using acrylic dip powder rather than standard dip powder, you will need to help your _acrylic nails _out with some activator.

Think of the activator as your base coat that will mix with the glue to make your nails nice and strong.

5. Shape the Nail

Your dip powder nails are almost done.

However, you will likely notice that when you use dip powder, you end up with rougher or thicker spots than others.

Use a nail file to buff down the areas you’re unhappy with. You can also shape your nails for a lovely acrylic nail application.

6. Apply Nail Polish (Optional)

If you use clear acrylic dip powders, then you will want to cover it with some color.

You can use regular nail polish if desired.

If you want to add a layer of strength, you can opt for gel polish over your acrylic powders instead.

Keep in mind that gel polish will require a UV light to harden. You should also consider using a thin layer so that it doesn’t take too long for the gel to set on the anil surface.

7. Apply a Top Coat

Last but not least, apply a top coat over your dip powder acrylic nails - just as they would do in a professional nail salon.

The top coat will not only act as a “seal” for your dip nail to last longer, but it will also make your nail surface appear shinier, glossier, and overall more desirable.

FAQs

Can You Use Dip Powder to Fill Acrylic Nails?

While you can successfully create dip powder nails without the “actual” powder for dipping nails, you should avoid trying to fill your acrylics with dip powder.

These nail products are different and you will run into two significant issues.

For one, the combination might not look the same. So, you will end up with mismatched nails you’re unhappy with.

Secondly, the durability can be affected. You will likely end up with chipping and breakage.

That said, forget about using dip powder to fill acrylic nails. Head to your nail techs for a fill when you’re ready.

What can I use instead of dip powder activator?

If you’re trying to create dipping nails over your healthy nails (whether they’re longer or shorter nails) and you don’t have an activator, you can still be successful.

You have two options: 99% isopropyl alcohol or acetone. They will dry out the dipping nails enough to create the necessary seal for longevity.

Can I use dip powder with a monomer?

You can successfully make dipping nails using a monomer. However, the consistency is not the same.

So, you may have a more difficult time using dip powder with monomer compared to making regular acrylics.