Can You Paint Over Dip Nails?
Dip nails have become a popular alternative to gel nails or acrylics. With their durability and long-lasting color, it’s no wonder many people opt for dip powder nails. But what happens when you want to change up the color?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Yes, you can paint over dip nails. Using a high quality nail polish and top coat will allow you to easily paint over dip powder nails.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about painting over your existing dip manicure. We discuss the best nail polish types to use, how long you should wait before painting over dips, techniques and tips from nail care experts, and risks and considerations before changing your dip color.
Can You Use Regular Nail Polish on Dip Nails?
Yes, but specialty polishes work better
Regular nail polish can be used on dip powder manicures, but specialty polishes formulated for artificial nails tend to work better. Standard polishes may not adhere as well or last as long on the hardened, acrylic surface of dip nails. Using a base coat first can help regular polish grip better.
For best results, look for polishes marketed as dip powder top coats or gel polishes. These are created to fully cure under UV lamps and bond to the artificial nail surface. Leading dip nail brands like Revel and DipWell often have matching polish collections to coordinate with their dip powders.
Be sure to prep nails properly first
Before painting dip nails with regular or specialty polished, properly prep nails by:
- Filing away any lifted edges or uneven areas on the artificial nail surface
- Rubbing nails with nail prep solution or gentle scrub to remove surface oils
- Applying a thin layer of high quality ridge filling base coat to smooth ridges and fill imperfections
This helps the polish adhere evenly across the nail. Avoid skipping prep steps, which can cause chipping, peeling or bubbles in the polish.
With the right polish and prep work, you can use regular nail lacquers or long-wearing gel polishes to change up the look of your dip manicure. Just be mindful that regular polish may not wear quite as long without chipping or fading.
How Long Should You Wait to Paint Over Dip Powder Nails?
When it comes to painting over your beautiful dip powder manicure, patience is key. While you may be eager to change up the color or finish, allowing enough time for the dip nails to properly cure first is crucial.
24-48 Hours Allows Proper Curing
Ideally, you should wait at least 24-48 hours before painting over dip powder nails. This allows the layers of powder, activator liquid, and sealant to fully harden and bond together. Rushing the curing process risks possible chipping, peeling, and even lifting of your new manicure.
Most nail artists recommend waiting a full two days if possible. This extra time ensures the nails have completely cooled and set from any residual heat or air exposure during the application and setting process.
The general rule is that the longer you wait, the better and more durable the end result.
Painting Too Soon Risks Chipping and Peeling
So what happens if you get impatient and decide to paint your dip nails after just few hours or half a day? Unfortunately, disaster often strikes. Painting too soon essentially interferes with the curing timeline and can actually pull away pieces of uncured layers as it dries.
This leads to chips, cracks, uneven textures, and peeling both under and over top the new polish. No one wants to spend time and money getting their nails beautifully done only to have them start falling apart after a single day.
Avoid this frustration by patiently allowing each layer of product full drying time first.
Additionally, most regular nail polishes also require up to 12 hours drying time on their own. Skipping this step often leads to messy, dented polish that just doesn’t look smooth or professional. Simply put – good things come to those who wait when prepping for a new manicure.
| Proper Curing Time | Risks of Painting Too Soon |
| Allows full hardening and bonding of product layers | Chipping, cracking, peeling of layers |
| Nails completely cool and set after application | New polish doesn’t adhere or dry properly |
| At least 24 hours, 48 recommended | Ruined design that needs redone after 1 day |
The takeaway? Hold off on adding polish until you’ve given your latest dip powder nails at least two full days to cure and harden. This helps the longevity of both applications for a smooth, lasting manicure you can show off! For more nail care tips, visit sites like Nailsmag.com.
Tips for Painting Over Dip Nails
Use thin coats of polish
When painting over dip nails, it’s important to use thin, even coats of nail polish. Thick globs of polish may not adhere properly and can peel off (😬). Apply polish in smooth, light strokes from the base to the tip of the nail. Let each thin layer dry completely before adding another.
This helps the polish last longer without chipping or peeling. Going slowly with multiple shear layers creates a polished look that will turn heads (👀).
Let each layer dry thoroughly
Have you ever put a coat of nail polish on too soon, only to drag the still wet polish with the new brush? We’ve all been there (🙋♀️). To avoid bubbling, smearing, or leaving track marks in the underlying layer, let each application of polish dry thoroughly before starting the next.
We recommend at least 5 minutes between coats. Shake or wave hands to speed up drying time. Be patient though – nothing ruins a manicure quicker than not letting polish dry properly. Rush the process and you’ll likely end up starting over. Ain’t nobody got time for that! (😉)
Finish with a top coat
A shiny top coat is the finishing touch that can take your DIY dip manicure from dull to dazzling. After letting the colored polish dry completely, apply a smooth top coat to seal and protect your manicure while adding an appealing glossy shine.
Top coats help prevent chipping and extend the life of your manicure. When topping glitter polishes, make sure to apply thicker, globbed-on coats of top coat to fully cover the textured glitter particles and create a smooth finish. Applying one coat often isn’t enough.
Let the top coat dry thoroughly as well before doing tasks with your hands. Voila, by following these simple tips you can easily paint new vibrant colors over your existing dip powder manicure!
Risks and Considerations When Painting Over Dips
Dark polishes show imperfections
When painting darker nail polish colors over a light dip powder manicure, any little imperfections in the application can start to show through. The opaque dip powder can help hide any uneven spots or cuticle flooding, but dark polish will not cover as well.
Going for a deep wine red or black shade may reveal gaps near the nails’ sidewalls or uneven lumps under the surface. Choosing a lighter color for your next manicure helps minimize this issue.
Glitters and shimmers don’t adhere as well
The smooth surface of dip powder makes it difficult for chunky glitters or shimmer particles to stick and grasp on. As a result, you may experience excessive glitter fallout or find the shimmer polish applies patchy and inconsistent.
A quality glitter or shimmer topcoat formulated for dip nails can help, but you may still have some frustrations getting an even look. Save these special polishes for when you remove the dip and go back to your natural nails.
Can’t paint under the nails
One of the perks of regular nail polish is being able to paint the underside of your nails so they look finished from all angles. But with dip powder covering your entire nail, you lose the ability to polish underneath.
The bottom edges will remain white or clear and be visible if you hold your hands up. Going with a sheer polish can help downplay the contrast. You may also consider buying an inexpensive clear dip powder to apply underneath next time for a more complete look.
How to Remove Polish from Dip Nails
Use Acetone Nail Polish Remover
The most effective method for removing polish from dip nails is using pure acetone-based nail polish remover. Ensure the remover does not contain additives like fragrance, vitamins, or oils, as these can leave behind residue.
Apply a generous amount of remover to a cotton ball and hold it against the nail for 10-15 seconds before wiping off. The acetone breaks down the layers of polish. You may need to repeat this process several times to fully remove dark or glittery polishes.
May Need Foil Method for Dark Colors
For pigmented dip powder colors, the foil method may work best. After applying acetone-soaked cotton balls to the nails, wrap each finger with a small piece of aluminum foil. This helps the acetone penetrate deeper to break the polish bonds. Leave the foil on for 5-10 minutes before removing.
Check if all traces of color have lifted – if not, repeat with fresh remover and foil.
Be Gentle Around Cuticles
When wiping off polish, be very gentle around the cuticles and nail folds. These areas are delicate and using too much pressure can cause lifting or irritation. Use a cuticle pusher to gently guide and wipe product towards the nail center and tip.
Moisturize after removing gels with a nourishing cuticle oil. This helps rehydrate the skin and nails after repeated exposure to drying acetone.
With pure acetone remover and a little patience, you can safely remove polish from your durable dip powder manicure. Being gentle prevents damage so your nails remain strong and healthy underneath for the next application.
Conclusion
Now you know the ins and outs of painting over your beautiful dip powder nails. Following the tips above will help the manicure last. And when you’re ready to change it up again, removing the polish is simple with some acetone and patience.
So try out a new neon, pastel, or even black nail polish over your next dip manicure!
With the right polish and techniques, you can easily paint over your dip powder nails for a fresh, new look.
