comments:
Practical_String9898 posted on r/dippowdernails2w
I personally feel like it’s optional based on personal experience. I do make sure to apply a primer since that can help the gel stick. You also would need to make sure there is some texture on your dip mani to help the gel as well. So no need to buff super smooth like you do with a dip top coat. I use a buffer like this to file after applying the activator.