Getting your nails can be therapeutic. Many of us love some form of self-care and good manicures are something we can’t deny. And getting stunning nail extensions is a cherry on the cake! Acrylic nails, being the most famous among all sorts of manicures, give such a professional look. But it isn’t just the charm of manicures and fake nails that makes us happy. Then what else?
When we visit nail salons, there are some cute elements that are both useful and aesthetic. Of course, there are pretty colors and designs but there’s more. Today we are talking about one such tool that’s both cute and essential – a dappen dish.
What is a Dappen Dish? How to Use and DIY
From fluffy kabuki brushes to teeny tiny stickers, there are many things in a nail vanity that’s make you go ‘awww!’ But have you ever seen a cute little, aesthetically pleasing, crystal glass lying on a manicure station? That Pinteresty little crockery is nothing but a dappen dish and no, it’s not a decor element but a manicure tool!
Let’s take a deep dive into what a dappen dish is and how to use it in your DIY acrylic manicures.
What is a Dappen Dish?
To define, a dappen dish is a small glass vessel with a hollow base used for pouring liquid monomer during acrylic manicures. Also known as a dapping dish, it is a small cup that allows dipping brushes and pointed tools for mixing products. It is a bowl that holds the liquid and you can mix powder products by dipping your brush and picking the required amount of liquid.
A glass dappen dish is a crucial element in an acrylic nail extension process as it holds the monomer without reacting with it or letting it evaporate quickly. It is an easily available nail tool that can be used both personally and professionally. The crystal bowl is small and lightweight but is sturdy enough to prevent the liquid from spilling over.
The clear glassware cup lets you accurately measure acrylic liquid before you mix it with polymer powder to ensure a perfect consistency of the ‘bead’. You can also pour pure acetone into this dapping dish to clean up around your nails and remove excess gel or polish. Besides, it also helps you pour liquid brush cleaner and restorer to remove product residue from your brushes so they become as clean as new.
How to Use and DIY?
Doing acrylic manicures involves many big and small steps and using a dappen dish is an often ignored one. Here’s how you can use the glassware tool during your acrylic extensions:
1) Always start with well-prepped natural nails. Remove your cuticles, cut, file, and shape your nails, buff the nail bed, and apply a dehydrator and a primer. This will yield the best results for any manicure.
2) Stick the fake nail tips or wrap a nail form if required.
3) Rinse the dappen dish with pure acetone to clean and sanitize before use.
4) Pour in the monomer to fill up to 3/4th of the dappen dish. The liquid should be enough for the brush to dip in completely but there should be space at the brim for removing the surplus product from the brush.
5) Dip your acrylic brush into the dish as many times as needed during the manicure. Refill the liquid when the quantity gets used up or when the brush doesn’t dip completely.
6) Once done with your acrylic extensions, put the remaining liquid back into the original packaging unless dirty or mixed with excessive acrylic powder.
7) Clean the dappen dish with a lint-free wipe and let it dry before storing it for next use. This increases the lifespan of the dish.
Wrapping Up Dappen Dishes
In the world of nail care, small tools like the dappen dish often go unnoticed, but their role in achieving flawless nails is undeniable. Now that you know what is a dappen dish and how to use it, you’re ready to add this practical and versatile tool to your manicure vanity. From mixing powders to holding liquids, a dappen dish can make your nail routines easier, cleaner, and more professional.
So, next time you sit down for an acrylic manicure session, remember to appreciate the simple tool that helps bring your nail designs to life. With a dapping dish by your side, your acrylic nail game is sure to level up.
