Dipping liquids are the numbered bottles of a dip powder system: a prep or bond, a base the powder sticks to, an activator that hardens the layers, and a glossy top coat. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks each step from NuGenesis, Notpolish, LaPalm and ANC, in 0.5 oz or 15 ml brush bottles and 2 oz or 8 oz refills.
The four dip liquids
| Step | What it does | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: prep / bond | Takes oil off the nail plate so the base grips. | Notpolish Bond 15 ml, NuGenesis Prep #1, NuGenesis Prep #1 2 oz |
| Step 2: base | The layer the powder sticks to, brushed on before each dip. | Notpolish Base 15 ml, NuGenesis Base Gel #2, La Palm Base Coat, ANC #2 Gel Base |
| Step 3: activator | Hardens the dipped layers so the nail can be filed. | Notpolish Activator 15 ml, NuGenesis Activator #3, La Palm Activator, ANC #3 Activator 2 oz |
| Step 4: top / finish | The glossy seal over the filed nail. | Notpolish Mirror Shine 15 ml, NuGenesis Finish Gel #4, La Palm Top Coat, ANC #4 Finish Gel |
How to choose dip liquids
- Stay in one system. Each brand makes its activator for its own base, and the names differ: Notpolish calls step 1 Bond, NuGenesis and ANC call it Prep.
- Bottle at the table, refill in the back. Work from the brush bottle and top it up from a 2 oz or 8 oz refill.
- Look after the brushes. Wipe each brush before it goes back in the bottle; NuGenesis Brush Clean softens brushes that have gone hard.
Related: Dipping powder, Dipping accessories, Acetone, Nail files, All acrylic & dip
Guides
Dip liquid FAQ
Why is my dip base or top coat getting thick?
Usually something got into the bottle. ANC notes that its #2 base and #4 finish thicken when loose powder or #3 activator is carried in on the brush. Tap off the powder, wipe the brush before it goes back, close the cap after each use, and start a fresh bottle once the liquid turns stringy.
Do dip powder liquids need a UV/LED lamp?
No. Dip systems such as NuGenesis and ANC air dry: the activator hardens the base and powder layers, and the finish coat dries on its own. Let each coat dry fully and follow the dry times on the label.
How do I remove dip powder nails?
Buff off the shiny top coat so acetone can get in. ANC says to hold acetone-soaked cotton on the nail, wrap it in foil, and that the product soaks off in 10 to 15 minutes. Push the softened powder off gently, then buff and oil the nail.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.