Can I Paint Over Dip Powder Nails?
Dip powder nails can last anywhere from three weeks to over a month. This long-lasting wear is great because you generally don’t have to worry about booking frequent nail appointments.
However, there can be a downside to its longevity. Although dipped nail designs may be fun to look at initially, you can eventually grow bored with the design and start looking for something new. You might start to think, “Can I paint over dip powder nails?”.
Fortunately, you can switch up your nail colors on your own and save yourself a trip to the nail salon. All you need are the following items:
- Nail buffer or e-file
- Non-acetone nail polish remover
- Base coat and top coat
- Your favorite regular nail polish
How Can I Paint Over Dip Powder Nails?
Applying regular nail polish over dip powder nails is a straightforward process. All you need to do is buff your nails and clean them up. Then, you can apply a base coat and nail polish and seal everything with a top coat.
Buff and Shape Your Nails
Take a nail buffer, file, or e-file and gently use it to scrape off the first layer of the dip powder nail. This step will help the nail polish adhere to the nail. You can also shape your nails if you need to in this step.
Clean Up Your Nails
After you’ve finished buffing and shaping your nails, wipe away any powder with a soft brush. Then, use a nail polish remover (non-acetone based) to eliminate any remaining bits of the first layer on your nails. If these bits are extra stubborn, go back to using a nail file to remove them.
Refrain from using acetone because they can make the dip powder sticky and ultimately ruin the nail.
Before moving on to the next step, make sure that your nails are completely clean and dry.
Apply Base Coat Layer
Apply the first layer of coat to your nails. This step will further smooth out the surface of your nails so that you get an even texture when you start to paint them.
You can apply an optional second layer of base coat if you feel like your nail surfaces are uneven.
Apply New Nail Polish
Now, you can paint your nails with regular nail polish. You may need to apply at least two layers to have a consistent color on your nails.
You can also add additional designs and other flat decorative statements in this step.
Finish with Applying a Top Coat
Once you’ve finished applying your last layer of nail polish, finish off the look by brushing on a layer of top coat. If you want to add rhinestones or other textured elements to your nails, wait for the top coat to dry completely before using nail glue to apply these accents.
There are also top coats and nail glues that are made specifically for rhinestones to adhere to nails. If you know that you want to add these to your nails, use this type of top coat to make the process easier.
Can I Put Gel Polish Over Dip Powder Nails?
You can also apply gel polish over dip powder nails. Keep in mind that it’s best to use an e-file to remove the first layer of the dip powder nail. An e-file does a better job of getting the gel nail polish to stick to the nail.
After you file the whole nail, apply a coat of gel polish with your desired color and cure the nail. You can brush on a second coat and cure it if you’d like.
Once you’ve achieved the desired color for your nails, use a top coat and cure the nails.
Final Thoughts
So, can you paint over dip powder nails? Yes, you absolutely can. Painting over dip powder nails can be an affordable alternative to switching up your nail colors. You can use both regular nail polish and gel polish.
Just remember that regular nail polish typically lasts up to two weeks before chipping. Therefore, it might be best to wait a couple of weeks to repaint your nails so that you can enjoy having hand-painted nails for an extended time.
Now that you know how to paint over your dip powder nails, get creative with your colors and designs, and see where the process leads you.
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