13 Best Primers For Acrylic Nails
For well-manicured nails that last long and stay chip-resistant without damage.
Simone de Vlaming is a beauty expert and founder of Beautymone.com. She specializes in makeup, skin care, fragrances, and nails. Simone decided to start a beauty blog during her graduation to find an outlet for her passion. She also worked as a beauty advisor in a beauty store/perfumery.
Read full bio of Simone de Vlaming
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
A nail primer is the base used underneath the acrylic nails that preps them, improves adhesion, and prevents them from chipping. It helps you get salon-like nails. The best primer for acrylic nails improves the looks of your hands. The primer also helps to remove excess oil from the nails and prevent air bubbles. This primer helps to maintain your nails well. If you want a nail primer for your nails, you are in the right place. In this article, we have mentioned a carefully crafted list of the 13 best nail primers with positive reviews online that make your acrylic nails last long. Scroll down and check them out!
In This Article
Why Should You Use A Nail Primer?
Nail primer is a kind of chemical used with gel or acrylic nails to let them adhere better to your nail plate. It helps with the proper preparation of nails and makes the gel nail paint or acrylic nails stick better while preventing them from lifting or wearing off easily. Simone de Vlaming, a beauty expert, says, “If you decide to apply tips or any other press-on nail design, make sure to use the nail primer first. Let it dry properly, then apply specific nail glue and place the tip.”
Are All Primers Safe For Nails?
No, not all primers are safe for your nails or your sensitive skin. A low-quality primer or when a primer is used in excessive quantity can damage the nails by thinning the nail plate.
13 Best Primers For Acrylic Nails
1. Best Adhesion – Morovan Nail Prep Dehydrator and Nail Acid-Free Primer Set
The Morovan Nail Prep Dehydrator and Nail Acid-Free Primer Set prepare your nail plate for acrylic nails or gel nail polish. It works by eliminating oil and drying out the cuticle to let the acrylic stick better to your nails. When this dehydrator and acid-free primer is used in a combination, it offers exceptional results and double protection to prevent lifting while increasing the adhesion for more than 30 days. This dehydrator and primer set works with all types of fake nails such as acrylic nails and gel nail paints. It dries in no time without a UV/LED lamp and offers a salon-like finish after which you can apply nail glue and the type of nails that you want.
Pros
- Acid-free primer
- Quick-drying
- Double protection against lifting
- Long-lasting adhesion
- Less corrosive
Cons
- Strong smell
- Sticky
2. Best Protection – Azure Beauty Nail Prep Dehydrator & Nail Primer
Azure Beauty’s Nail Prep Dehydrator & Nail Primer has a quick-drying and long-staying formula to prevent your acrylic nails from lifting while increasing the stay beyond 14 days. This dehydrator works with a lot of nail enhancement treatments such as gel nail paints, a liquid system, and acrylic powder to offer salon-like results and removes excess oil from the nail plate to provide a clean canvas. The dehydrator prevents warping and extends the nail polish stay. Use it before applying your nail art glue to protect your nails while increasing adhesiveness. The nail primer increases the color life and brightens its tone; it additionally prevents lifting or falling while making it easy to apply nail polish.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Quick-drying
- Easy to apply
- Reduces bacteria
- Improves color saturation
Cons
- Strong odor
3. Manicure Enhancer – Born Pretty Nail Prep Dehydrator & Nail Primer
This Nail Prep Dehydrator & Nail Primer from Born Pretty is crafted for gel nail paints and acrylic nails. Its strong adhesion formula offers salon-like results by preparing your nail paint in an optimum way. This high-quality set of a dehydrator and primer increases acrylics life while preventing the lifting of nails. The bond works by removing oil to create a strong acid-free foundation. This nail bond primer is compatible with artificial nail and liquid systems as well. Besides, both the products come with an easy-to-apply applicator and dry quickly without any need for LED or UV lamps.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Safe formula
- Acid-free
- Quick-drying
- Corrosion-free
Cons
- None
Pro Tip4. Professional Quality – Cacee Acid Free Primer
Prepare your nail plate with this acid-free primer from Cacee! With strong adhesive properties, this primer is expertly crafted to prevent lifting by adhering to your nail bed’s surface. Compatible with a dehydrator or bonder, it balances the nail’s pH and enhances the life of acrylic nails. This professional quality primer is suitable to be used with gel nail polish, acrylic nails, artificial nails, and liquid systems to get professional quality outcomes. If you are a professional nail technician, this would be a great tool for your collection.
Pros
- Highly adhesive
- Professional quality
- Vegan
- No animal testing
- Mild odor
- Acid-free
- No burning
Cons
- Small bottle
Pro Tip5. Gentle & Safe – Mia Secret No-Burn Acid-Free Primer Xtra Bond
The Mia Secret No-Burn Acid-Free Primer Xtra Bond is specially crafted to improve the adhesiveness of acrylic nails and gel nail paints. This no-burn formula dehydrates the nail plate to eliminate extra oil and offers a clean surface for acrylic nails, gel systems, and other nail paints. Click here to check out a tester’s experience with the product and a detailed personal review of it.
Pros
- No burns
- Acid-free
- Easy application
Cons
- Strong smell
6. Best Overall – Morovan Nail Prep Dehydrator and X-Strength Primer Set
Designed for acrylic nails, gel nail paints, poly gel nails, and builder gel, this Morovan Nail Prep Dehydrator and X-Strength Primer Set prepare your nail plate for professional-quality outcomes. The dehydrator eliminates excess oil and dries up the nail/cuticle to prevent lifting or falling. At the same time, the less corrosive, acid-free primer offers lasting adhesion, just like double-sided tape to keep your acrylic nails intact for more than 30 days.
Pros
- Less corrosive
- Quick air dry
- Acid-free
- Safe or non-harming
Cons
- Sticky
Pro Tip7. Long-wearing – Ejiubas Nail Primer And Dehydrator
The Ejiubas Nail Primer And Dehydrator dry quickly and provide a long-lasting finish and bold and healthy-looking nails. This travel-friendly and refillable nail primer and dehydrator kit increases the longevity of gel nail paint and acrylic nails while offering a professional finish. Its superior adhesion prevents lifting by thoroughly adhering to the nail bed surface to provide more than 30 days of carefree stay. This fine quality set is compatible with natural nails, gel nail paints, false nails, poly nails, and acrylic nails, including acrylic powder and liquid systems.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Quick-drying
- Travel-friendly
- Refillable
- Sterilizing
- Acid-free
- No burning
- pH balancing
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- None
8. Best Effects – Morovan Nail Prep Dehydrator and X-strength Primer
The Nail Prep Dehydrator and X-strength Primer from Morovan offer strong adhesion to keep your gel nail paint and acrylic nails from lifting. Ideal for gel nail paint, poly nails, acrylic powder, and liquid systems, this professional quality dehydrator removes excess oil from the nails bed. It creates a perfect base for gel application. In addition, the acid-free primer is less corrosive and works like double-sided tape to stick nails thoroughly while offering a long-lasting stay of beyond 30 days.
Pros
- No burning
- Non-acidic adhesion
- Long-lasting
- Sterilization formula
- Less corrosive
Cons
- None
9. Best Care – BURANO Nail Prep Dehydrator And Nail Primer
Made from skin-friendly ingredients, this Burano Nail Prep Dehydrator And Nail Primer set prevents lifting of nails due to maximum adhesion. Suitable for all nail systems like liquid, acrylic nails, artificial nails, gel nail paints, etc., this no-burn and acid-free dehydrator and primer offers a long-lasting stay to your gel nail polish or acrylic nails for more than 30 days. In addition, their natural formula dries quickly without UV or LED lamps and prevents any damage to nails. Besides, this kit comes with a cuticle oil pen to protect and moisturize your nails.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Long-lasting effects
- Easy application
- Acid-free
- No burning
- Powerful cleaning
Cons
- Too sticky
10. For All Nail Types – Saviland Nail Prep Dehydrator And Acid-Free Primer
Saviland’s Nail Prep Dehydrator And Acid-Free Primer are crafted for all nail applications like acrylic nails, gel nail paints, false nails, gel nails, liquid systems, etc. its professional formula maximizes adhesion to prevent lifting and enhance longevity of your nail art. Its dehydrator works by removing excess oil from the nails and drying up the area for desired results. The acid-free primer acts like dual-sided tape to keep the nail paint intact. Both products work in a combination to deliver strong protection and a lasting stay for over 3 weeks and also provide enhanced nail strength. Plus, you don’t need any UV or LED for curing the nails; just air drying is enough.
Pros
- Acid-free
- Less corrosive
- Air drying
- Long-lasting
- No harm to nails
- No lifting
- Sterilization
- Improves color saturation
- Animal test-free
Cons
- None
11. Best Nails Protected:Modelones Nail Prep Dehydrator & Nail Primer
The Modelones Nail Prep Dehydrator & Nail Primer forms a strong foundation for acrylic nails and gel nail paints by eliminating excess oil and drying the surface. This kit works by maximizing the adhesion and staying without harming your nail bed surface. Crafted for different nail systems such as acrylic nails, false nails, gel nail paint, etc., this nail primer can also be used as a base coat for acrylic nails or your nail paint. The effects of this dehydrator and primer stay for 2 to 3 weeks while keeping the nails healthy and protected.
Pros
- Quick air dry
- Easy application
- Sterilization formula
- Long-lasting
- No lifting
Cons
- Too sticky
12. Best For Nail Longevity:Kiss Acrylic Primer
For superior durability of acrylic overlays, the Kiss acrylic primer makes the ideal-most choice. Specially designed for bonding, it offers ultimate adhesion to prevent lifting and is great for enhanced nail longevity. Its effective formula works by eliminating excess oil and moisture to prepare a clean and dry base for the gel nail paint or acrylic nails.
Pros
- Maximum adhesion
- Easy application
Cons
- Sticky
13. Best Durability:Modelones Nail Prep Dehydrator
This Nail Prep Dehydrator from Modelones is a professional quality dehydrator that provides strong adhesion to create a foundation for gel nail paint or acrylic nails. This nail dehydrator gives better durability and reduces nail oil and moisture to prevent lifting when applied before using nail polish. Compatible with a wide range of nail systems, it works with artificial nails, gel nail paint, acrylic nails, etc.
Pros
- Acid-free
- Prevents bubbles
- Long-lasting
- Enhances color
- Adjusts pH
- Quick-drying
- Easy application
Cons
- None
Infographic: Common Ingredients In Primers For Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nail primers are essential components in the process of achieving flawless acrylic nails. They are packed with ingredients that improve the adhesion potency of the acrylic polishes and strengthen the nails. If you want to know more about these ingredients, scroll down and take a look at the infographic below.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Acrylic nail primers can help remove excess oiliness from your nails and prevent air bubbles from accumulating. You should use nail primers to prevent your nail paints from chipping off easily. The Morovan Nail Prep Dehydrator and Nail Acid-Free Primer Set are ideal for those looking for a quick-drying formulation, while the Born Pretty Nail Prep Dehydrator & Nail Primer comes with an alcohol-free formulation. The Mia Secret No-Burn Acid-Free Primer Xtra Bond is easy to use and can be used by professionals and beginners. These primers are nail technician essentials. They provide added protection against lifting as well. You should purchase acrylic nail primers that can successfully protect your nails and offer enhanced nail adhesion while reducing nail bacteria. Moreover, while choosing the best primer for your nails, you can avoid the ones that do not cater to improving the color saturation of your nails or are not quick-drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of primer do you use for acrylic nails?
Apply an acid primer to your nails before putting the acrylic nails on them to improve the adhesion and hydrate your natural nails. It is important to check the compatibility of the products you are using with acrylic nails. The acid primer dries and assumes a chalky, matte look suitable for acrylic adhesion. When it comes to acrylic nails, proper nail preparation is important for long-lasting results.
(Note: Choosing the right primer is essential when dealing with problematic nails and they also help in lifting prevention)
Do you need a primer for acrylic nails?
Yes. A primer removes the excess oils from the nails to improve their adhesive power. In addition, it hydrates the nail bed and prevents the creation of air bubbles.
Is nail bonder and primer the same thing?
No. A nail bonder effectively balances the nails’ pH level and improves the adhesiveness of gel nails. In contrast, a primer (acts as an adhesion promoter) binds the keratin to the nail bed and enhances the adhesion of acrylic nails. Also, it can enhance adhesion to the nail extensions.
What goes first, primer or bonder?
Apply a bond enhancer first to balance the ph level of your natural nails and increase their adhesive potency. Then, apply the primer.
Is acrylic primer and nail primer the same?
No. An acrylic primer is usually acidic that dries into a chalky finish suitable for an acrylic nail look. On the other hand, regular nail primers or nail bond enhancers are usually non-acidic and they offer a glossy finish to the nails.
Why are my acrylic nails lifting after one day?
Multiple reasons can contribute to lifting your acrylic nails after one day. Using an excessive amount of primer or a significantly less amount of primer can decrease the adhesive power of the nails. Sticking acrylic too close to the cuticle may also wear off the nail quickly.
How long should acrylic nails last?
Acrylic nails last for two to three weeks with proper maintenance.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup techniques and writes well-researched product reviews. For this article, she has gone through a wide range of brands offering primers for acrylic nails and screened hundreds of reviews to narrow down on the top-rated products listed above. These primers enhance the adhesion of acrylic nails and prevent them from chipping. They also dry quickly and are easy to apply.
Read full bio of Simone de Vlaming
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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