Kayla Young
The pandemic changed everything. When salons were closed, we had to learn to do our own nails. Some just went back to the 80s and embraced the lacquer. Others worked magic with press-on nails and gel. And some of us learned to do acrylics.
Acrylic nails are great because you can do a lot with them, plus they are ultra-durable, too. But what do you do when you run out of acrylic liquid?
Can you use acrylic powder without acrylic liquid?
Yes, you can. You have options!
In this article, we’ll go over how to use acrylic powder without acrylic liquid.
Contents
Acrylic Liquid 101
To figure out what potential substitutes to use when you run out of acrylic liquid , we first need to know what it is. The acrylic liquid is also known as the monomer.
It is the liquid part that reacts to the powder part of your acrylic nails.
Once the two mix, it starts a reaction that results in the hardening of the mixture. This is what creates your acrylic nails.
Once the two mix, it starts a reaction that results in the hardening of the mixture. This is what creates your acrylic nails.
At first, when the monomer is mixed with the acrylic powder, it creates a putty-like consistency. This is when you can shape it into whatever you like.
As the mixture is exposed to air, it starts to harden and your acrylic nails are formed. You can place the acrylic mixture over your natural nails or extend them with the help of nail tips or nail forms.
How To Use Acrylic Powder Without Acrylic Liquid
Creating acrylic nails is easy when you have both parts available. However, sometimes you can run out of acrylic liquid. There are some acrylic liquid substitutes and alternate methods. If you can get the acrylic liquid, it is best to go and get it so that you can create the proper mixture. It’s easiest to use what you’re supposed to use!
However, if you don’t have access to it and can’t get it right away, you can try these few methods so that you can use your acrylic powder even without the acrylic liquid.
Even if there are alternative uses to the acrylic powder, do remember that it is always best used with the acrylic liquid that it is meant to partner with.
1. Activator For Dip Powder
One of the best substitutes for the acrylic liquid monomer is the activator for the dip powder. A dipping system is a form of acrylic nails.
One of the best substitutes for the acrylic liquid monomer is the activator for the dip powder.
The activator is usually another form of acrylic liquid and is meant to be used with the acrylic dip powder. The downside to this substitute is the price of the activator.
The downside to this is that usually, the activator is much pricier than acrylic liquid.
The downside to this is that usually, the activator is much pricier than acrylic liquid.
Additionally, the activator comes in a small bottle. The brush that you typically use for mixing the acrylic monomer with the acrylic powder may be too large to fit in it.
If you have a nail dipping system and are planning to use the activator as a substitute, it would be best to use dipping system instead. It’s an easier procedure and is pretty much straightforward.
Just save your acrylic powder for later when you already have the acrylic liquid available.
2. Rubbing Alcohol
If you don’t have the dipping system and still want to rock your acrylic nails, you can use rubbing alcohol. Although you can use it, it won’t last as long if you were to use the acrylic monomer.
Additionally, it is more challenging to use the mixture because it ends up being lumpier. Your manicure is not going to look as fabulous as it might be if you weren’t using rubbing alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol is a bit of last resort, and is only gonna work for a short while.
3. Nail Glue
Another alternative you can try is nail glue . If you happen to have this at home, then you could try using it.
Usually, the nail glue has similar ingredients that you can find on the base coat of the dip nails. This will help make sure that the acrylic powder adheres to your nails.
However, it is not meant for this purpose. The consistency is going to be a bit runny, and you’re going to get frustrated working with it.
4. Polyester Resin
Another alternative you can try is a polyester resin. Do you know what it is? The problem with this is that not all people readily have it or even know about it. You probably don’t have it in your house, unless you’re an artist.
Another downside to using this substitute is that it could turn slightly greenish when it is completely dry. It can negatively affect the appearance of your acrylic nails.
Not recommended unless you’re in a pinch.
Other Alternatives To Acrylic Nails
It’s not surprising that you love your acrylic nails because they look great and last forever! However, if you run out of acrylic liquid, it could be difficult to use the acrylic powder properly.
Instead of doing that, it would be better to use other artificial nails until you can get hold of the acrylic liquid.
Here are a few good alternatives to acrylic nails.
1. Dip Powder System
If you are thinking about using the activator or base coat of your ”dip just to use the acrylic powder you have, it would be better to skip that and just stick to using the dipping system.
The consistency and appearance would be better. Although it could be a substitute, it isn’t a perfect substitute and could make the process difficult and frustrating to do.
2. Use Press On Nails
We here at LuxeLuminous love press-ons! You may be an acrylic aficionado, but don’t forget the press-on nails. No, they don’t last as long, but they are pretty great. And with the new techniques like using polygel with press-ons, you can make them last for weeks!
