How to Paint Designs on Fingernails and Toenails

You don't have to go to a nail salon to get professional-looking designs on your fingernails and toenails. Painting designs on nails is easy to do with a little practice and time. Learn to paint simple designs on your nails to show your creativity and style. Add tiny rhinestones from beauty supply stores for extra sparkle. This would be a great idea for an activity for a tween girl's birthday party.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nail polish in assorted colors
• Clear nail polish
• Bobbie pins
• Extremely fine, long-bristled paint brush
• Small rhinestones and glue made for gluing jewels on nails (optional)

1. Think of a design to paint. A flower is easy to start off with. Other ideas are a palm tree, heart, or just thin sweeping lines. Practice on paper a few times until it is perfected.

2. Paint the design on a dry, painted nail. Straighten out a bobbie pin and use the rounded ends to make dots. Use the paint brush to make thin, sweeping strokes. For a flower, make a center dot of one color and then make petals with surrounding dots of a contrasting color. Use the paint brush to make leaves.

3. Add nail rhinestones if desired. Only use glue made for rhinestone application to nails. Put a dot of the glue on the nail. Working quickly, use the end of a bobbie pin dipped in clear nail polish to pick up the rhinestone on its right side. Press the stone into the dot of glue with the bobbie pin.

4. Paint over the design with clear nail polish. Use two coats, allowing the first to dry before adding the second.

Tips & Warnings

• Designs are easier to do and will turn out better if left simple.
• Use a clear nail polish with glitter for extra sparkle.
• Nail salons often have pictures of nail designs on display. Browse through those for ideas.