Skip to Content

Can You Paint Over Dip Powder Nails?

Can You Paint Over Dip Powder Nails?

Dip powder nails are a long-lasting manicure solution that will make you forget about chipping nails for at least 3 weeks. But what if you get tired of the dip powder nail color you have chosen?

Can you paint over dip powder nails? Luckily, you can paint over dip powder nails with regular nail polish. You can easily change the color of your nails without damaging the dip powder nail color underneath.

There is one thing you should keep in mind. You should use a non-acetone nail polish remover to remove nail polish from dip powder nails. Continue reading if you want to learn more about using regular polish on these long-lasting nails and how to do it right. 

Also Read: How to Get Longer Nails Naturally?

What Are Dip Powder Nails?

If you don’t like regular nail polish because it chips easily and acrylic nails are too much for you, then dip powder is something you should give a try to. 

Dip powder nails have been trending in the last few years. While they have existed for quite some time, the Internet has just become fascinated by this manicure technique. 

Dip powder is a finely-milled powder which makes it possible to get an even layer of color on the nails.

Nails are filed and shaped to create a nice canvas to work on. After this, a special clear base polish is applied and nails are either dipped into a pot of colored powder or the specialist brushes the powder onto the nails for sanitary reasons. This process is repeated several times until you get a nicely saturated color. 

To seal the color in, a layer of clear powder is applied followed by the sealer. The latter seals and protects the color. Once it dries, the nails are ready for the final touches. Some filing may be done to perfect the nail shape. A layer of topcoat is applied to finish off the job. 

Dip powder nails are one of the long-lasting manicure options. They normally last around 21 days/ But if you take good care of your nails, dip powder may last up to 4 weeks. 

Benefits of Dip Powder Nails

Dip nails have a range of benefits that may make you think of getting them next time you go to a nail salon to renew your manicure. Here is what makes dip powder nails a good manicure option.

  • It’s long-lasting. Dip nails may last over 3 weeks as they are stronger than gel nails. 
  • No light is needed to cure dip powder nails. This is why it takes shorter to get your nails done with dip powder rather than gel manicure that needs a UV light to be sealed on your nails.  A good nail master can give you a full dip powder manicure under 45 minutes. 
  • It’s easy. As no UV light is needed, you can purchase a dip powder kit and do your nails at home. The process is easy if you follow a step-by-step guide. 
  • Dip powder is not bad for your nails. While there are many opinions on whether dip powder harms your nails or not, there are many brands on the market offering healthy options. You can get dip powder enriched with vitamins and calcium which can contribute to nail growth and strength. 
  • Dip powder works on both natural and artificial nails. Dip powder is a great alternative to acrylic and gel nails if you are looking for another long-lasting manicure option. However, the good thing about dip powder is that it can be used on natural nails to make them stronger as well as on artificial nails, such as acrylics or press-on nails. 

Can You Paint Over Dip Powder Nails?

For some people sticking to one nail color for up to a month is boring. Additionally, there may be cases or events when a certain nail color simply doesn’t work.

For example, you may have red dip powder nails and you get invited to a job interview. In such cases, you might want to have something more subdued, such as a nude or off-white color.

Luckily, you can put regular nail polish on dip powder nails and change the color depending on the occasion or on your mood. Dip powder nails are finished off with a layer of topcoat that is not that easy to remove. Thus, painting over it won’t mess up your dip powder nails.

Also Read: How to Remove Acrylic Nails Without Acetone?

What You Should Know Before Painting Over Your Dip Powder Nails?

There is one thing you should know before painting your dip powder nails with regular nail polish. Never use an acetone nail polish remover to remover regular polish from your dip powder nails. 

Acetone polish removers will damage the outer layer of your dipped nails and make them sticky whereas non-acetone ones will work perfectly. You will remove the layer of regular polish leaving your dip powder nails perfectly intact.

The difference between acetone and non-acetone nail polish removers lies in their ingredient list. The active ingredient in acetone polish removers is isopropyl alcohol, while non-acetone removers are made with less harsh ingredients, such as ethyl acetate. 

Non-acetone polish removers don’t work as quickly as acetone removers do. However, they do remove the polish and what’s important, they don’t damage your dip powder nails. Additionally, non-acetone removers won’t dry out your cuticles which is an added benefit of using them instead of acetone nail polish removers. 

How Do You Apply Nail Polish Over Dip Powder?

There is nothing complicated about applying nail polish over dip powder nails. If you are doing your dip powder nails and want to add a nail polish detail on them, such as a French tip, here is what you should do. 

  1. Buff and shape your nails. 
  2. Clean your nails with a special solution do get rid of any oils that may be left on the nails. It is key to dehydrate your nails before you dip them into the powder. 
  3. Put on the base coat and dip your nails into the powder tapping off the excess product with a brush. 
  4. Repeat the second step for 2 more times for an even dip powder application. Three layers of dip powder are ideal to give you thin yet strong nails. 
  5. Apply a layer of sealant and buff your nails. Further, shape your nails if there is something you want to improve. 
  6. Here is when you should apply nail polish to your dip powder nails. The key is applying them before the final topcoat layer. Your nails should be matt and buffed when you apply the regular polish to your dip powder nails. 
  7. Apply one or two coats of regular polish and do whatever design you desire. 
  8. Apply the topcoat. 

If you want to change the color of your dip powder nails a few days or weeks after wearing them, simply paint over them with regular polish as you would on your bare nails. 

Remove the nail polish with a non-acetone solution and you will have your dip powder nail color back without any damage. 

Can You Put Gel Polish Over Dip Powder?

You can apply gel polish on dip powder nails. Here is how to do it.

  1. Apply a layer of base and dip the nails into the powder. 
  2. Repeat this twice for a nice dip powder coverage on the nails. 
  3. Apply a coat of sealer. 
  4. File the nails to shape them. Use an e-file instead of a buffer on the entire nail. This will ensure that the gel sticks to your nails and doesn’t peel off. 
  5. Apply a layer of gel polish and cure. 
  6. Apply the second layer of gel polish for an opaque result and cure. 
  7. Use a top coat and cure the nails for a minute to seal everything in. 

Mary Messina

Friday 18th of February 2022

Where do you get the non acetone remover??

Irina Tracy

Monday 7th of March 2022

Hello! You can find it at most cosmetic stores and even online but you will have to insist on each nail more in order to make it efficient. Thank you for reaching out!

Callie

Saturday 1st of May 2021

Hi! I just got my nails done and I don't like the dip color. I'm considering painting a regular color over them, but I'm going on vacation and want to make sure the regular polish won't chip. How long does the regular polish last over dip nails?

Thanks so much

Irina Tracy

Thursday 27th of May 2021

Hello, Callie! Unfortunately, regular polish will not last near as much as a dip color. So, you can expect it to last between one and two weeks. But if you want to do that, adding a top coat on your nails once you are done coloring them might increase the resistance of your nail polish. The type of nail polish you choose to use is also important in terms of resistance: the better the nail polish, the longer it will last! Hope this helped!