If you’re looking for long-lasting and beautiful nails, acrylic powder is a necessary step in your manicure routine. 

This blog will walk you through the different types of powders and when you can use each one.

Types of Acrylic Powder

There are two main types: core and cover. 

Core

This type lays the foundation for applying an acrylic nail to your natural nail bed. It has a very thick consistency and is clear in color. This helps it create a strong base for your nails, which in turn makes your color choice stand out once the top layer is applied.

The material is a mix of liquid monomer and polymer. The two substances work in tandem to create a solid base for your nails. 

What’s more, the thickness of core acrylic powder makes it easy to apply and control and also increases its durability. As a bonus, it looks like a natural nail thanks to its clear color.

Cover

So what is cover acrylic powder? This is a type of powder that’s added to the final layer of your acrylic nail. 

Core powders form the base layer while cover forms the final layer. They’re both made of very similar materials, but cover acrylic powder is thinner.

If you’re wondering about the difference between core and acrylic powder in terms of consistency, cover is less heavy, finer, and lighter in color. This makes it ideal for creating a smooth and natural-looking finish to your manicure.

Which Should You Choose?

Deciding between core and cover can be a tricky choice to make. It all depends on the level of durability you require and the final look you want to achieve. You might also consider which you find most comfortable to work with in terms of consistency.

If you’re aiming for a strong base for your nails, then core acrylic powder will be best for you. On the other hand, this type of powder will not help you achieve a natural-looking end result. 

If the end looks matters more to you than the durability of your nails, then opt for cover acrylic powder which will give you an all-natural finish but not last as long.

Benefits of Using Core Acrylic Powder

There are plenty of benefits to using acrylic powder, ranging from its natural appearance to its impressive durability.

1. It Looks Natural

Cover acrylic powder is sometimes called natural acrylic nail powder. This is due to how natural it looks!

In order to blend in, cover powder colors come in a variety of skin tone colors to match your fingers and nail beds. In fact, when you apply cover powder, it looks as though your nail is extended naturally.

2. It Enhances Your Nails

One of the main points of getting a manicure is so that you have beautiful nails. A real benefit to using acrylic powder is that you can achieve the length and shape that you’d like according to your taste and preferences. 

What’s more, the powders are compatible with decorations, sparkles, and sequins – dress up your nails however you like!

3. It’s Very Durable

Nails with cover powders are very durable and last a long time. Powders can also prevent the cracking of natural nails. If you have brittle nails that break easily, you can’t go wrong with adding an extra layer.

Another bonus is that while the process itself doesn’t take very long, you can have stylish and lovely nails for up to eight weeks if you keep them well maintained.

Drawbacks 

Acrylic nails are ultra stylish, and they have the price tag to match. You can pick a nail artist who is cheaper if you’re on a budget; however, experience and reputation is usually worth the extra cash. 

Make sure to have your nails removed properly by a professional to avoid long term damage to your nails.

The Process: How Do I Apply Core Acrylic Powder?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply your acrylic powder correctly.

1. Before you think about applying any kind of core acrylic powder, you’ll need to prep your nails accordingly. This might mean trimming the cuticles, using nail polish remover to remove excess oil from your nails, and wiping them down with acetone.
2. Buff the shine off your nail plate. Apply bond and primer over the whole nail so it won’t lift after the application.
3. Once you’ve chosen your core acrylic powder, you should roll the jar so the powder disperses evenly
4. Dip your nail brush into the jar of monomer. Sweep the brush to get rid of all spare and excess monomer so the liquid sits only at the brush’s tip. 
5. Gently dab the brush tip on the powder’s surface and gather up enough powder to cover the whole nail in one application. It should look totally shiny before you put it on the nail. 
6. When applying the powder, start a short distance from your cuticle and sweep towards the edge of the nail. When it’s time to apply the acrylic, spread it and gently tap it into your nail using the brush.
7. Remember, you can always dip the brush into the monomer during the application to make it more flexible. Tap lightly to create a smooth finish and reduce filing time. 
8. Let the acrylic dry. You’ll know the drying is complete when you can tap it with the end of your brush and hear a light tapping noise. 
9. Once your nails are dry, use a file to shape the walls at the side and then use a buffer or an e-file to smooth the top of your nail. 
10. Once filed, apply a clear polish over your acrylic color.

Are There Different Types of Acrylic Powder?

There are two types of acrylic powder: cover and core. The core acts as a first layer while cover acts as a final layer. 

When deciding whether to use one or both, you should consider factors such as the look you want to achieve and how durable you need your nails to be.

Why Is Monomer Used?

The acrylic powder is formed using the reaction of the monomer liquid alongside the polymer powder. 

Can You Use Core and Cover Acrylics Together?

Absolutely! Using core and cover acrylics together is a common practice. You can use core acrylic powder as the base layer and then cover acrylic powder as the final layer. 

In short: using both these powders together can ensure that you achieve strong durable nails with a natural look. You don’t have to choose between the two.

Save this article in case you need a refresher on what is cover acrylic powder!

Can Acrylic Powder Only Be Used on Natural Nails?

Both powders can be used on both natural and artificial nails. Make your decision based on whether you want to focus on the look of your nails, their durability, or both.

What Is Cover Acrylic Powder? Final Thoughts

Mastering the different types of nail care products helps you create and maintain the beautiful, natural-looking nails of your dreams.

When you’re shopping for nail products, remember these two key factors: what type of look you’re after, and how long you want them to last. 

Bear in mind that the best products are always worth splashing the cash for.