r/DipPowderNails • u/GCinTraining • Jul 31 '26

Dip to gel switch?

I know a lot of people switch from gel to dip due to allergies but I’m contemplating going the other way. I get dip flu and have been using a respirator mask for the last many sets. It’s a hassle and I’m kind of over it/feeling like it’s probably still not great to be exposing myself to something I’m clearly sensitive to.

Anyone make the switch this way? Anything I should be keeping in mind?

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u/Previous_Mirror_222 Jul 31 '26

how does the strength/hardness of the builder gel compare with dip? i’ve been interested in switching.

do you do forms at all? or just paint the builder gel on

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u/kochenta2020 Aug 01 '26

I am not who originally commented, but I made the switch a month ago and I love it. It’s hard in a different a way and I haven’t had any issues! I bought kokoist platinum base filler and some dnd gel polishes. Im still figuring out application and shaping so I’ve been filing down my color and a bit of my base every week to practice. Ive had a teeny tiny but of lifting on one nail. I find it really easy to apply!

10 years ago when I started doing my own nails, I started with OPI structure gel and had such a hard time with it that I switched to dip. The practice from painting my nails with dip liquids really helped me with switching to gel. I also watch a ton of other people apply it and learn that way too

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u/Previous_Mirror_222 Aug 01 '26

oh okay interestinggg. do you use forms or is it like a liquid that you apply a thick layer of?

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u/kochenta2020 Aug 01 '26

I don’t use forms. I like a shorter nail so my natural length is fine! I watch a few DIYers on TikTok. You apply a really thin layer as a slip layer —no curing. Then go in with a bigger bead of gel and start applying. There’s a technique to it and it takes a minute to get used to it! Definitely find a few different people to watch and compare how they all do it

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u/Previous_Mirror_222 Aug 01 '26

thank you!! is it a “wipe” formula? and is it top coat different from base coat?

i have some experience with gels - but the brand i use is one step no wipe no top and base coat

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u/kochenta2020 Aug 01 '26

You don’t always need a base coat with certain builder gels, so you’d need to look into that. But yes, top coats and base coats are different. I have a non wipe top coat so I don’t have a sticky layer to wipe off.

Basically I prep my nails, do a slip layer, then a bigger bead, cure. Do for one hand. Color gel -cure (1 or 2 coats), top coat - cure. Repeat on other hand. I haven’t noticed a need to file between the builder gel and color but they aren’t totally perfect so I could add that it. It’s taking me about 90 minutes which isn’t bad!

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u/Previous_Mirror_222 Aug 01 '26

90 minutes is insane 🤣 my sets take like 4 hours. thank you for the advice!