Understanding the Tip and Dip Acrylic Sculpting Method

Question
Hello and good evening/morning to you!  First off, let me thank you for the amount of answers you have posted on this site, you have been very helpful to me and my girlfriends many times.

I have been doing acrylic sculpting for a long time, and have recently come across a "tip and dip" process which I swear I had never heard of.  Anyways, I love my sculpting and since acrylic is slowly being replaced by gel, I am not looking to invest in the "resine activator" spray that you seem to need for the very last step.  Are you aware if this step can be skiped, or replaced by another product? Monomer? I have everything else already on hand from the sculpting and thought it would be fun to try, but wont bother going out to buy this spray just to try this so called "beginner" process.  It apparently doesnt last as long so I figured the girls might like it for "weekend nails".

It's okay if you dont know, but I would greatly appreciate any information you have.

Thanks!
Katie

Answer
Hi Katie,

Thanks for the question about acrylic dip systems,what you call a tip and dip these systems have been around for about 10years. Acrylic nails will never be replaced by gel systems(acrylic's are chemically the same as gels they start out the same and then after processing changes the application and curing method. This type of system combines acrylic polymer powder with resin glues(used in silk or fiberglass wraps.I do not use this type of system at all. The only professional company that I am aware of is Backscratchers. Your question was can you skip the step of the activator, the activator is an imperative step, this spray completely sets up the resin glue that gives the durability to the nail. Just some info, polymers are the acrylic powder and monomers are the liquid if you choose the use the liquid instead of the activator the integrity of the nail could be compromised which means break down that could cause cracking or lifting, then moisture could enter and bacteria growth could occur. I can not tell you what to do, you may choose to do as you like, although as a licensed professional for over 16yrs and before that a client for 7yrs I never choose to do my own nails I left it to the professionals they are trained properly. Which ever direction you choose to go remember you are working with chemicals and even the best trained person not always knows how a person can react to mixing these chemical's this is why professionals have liability insurance. If you want a weekend nail I would suggest gluing on pre manufactured tip that can easily be removed. Prep the nail apply a small bead of glue in the well and apply the tips, these are easily removed with acetone.
Thank you for your question.
Karen