If you’re someone who does their nails regularly, you’ve probably come across a nail polish primer.

It’s a coat you “prime” your nails with to prep them for the actual polish.

Use nail polish primer sparingly

You only need nail primers for acrylic nails.

Green acrylic nails

A base coat will do for these kinds ofmanicures, and many have primer-based properties already.

For acrylic nails, however, a nail primer can really enhance and extend the life of a manicure.

However, the caution involved in utility and chemical ingredients that can thin nail plates may deter some.

Person getting a manicure

One quick fix is to use the acid-free nail primer.

Barnes also advises not to apply it on tips, as they could crack the plastic.