How to Apply French Manicure Paint to Acrylic Nails

French manicured nails look good on almost anyone. The clean, natural look of French manicured nails compliments any outfit and is appropriate for any occasion. Learn to give yourself a French manicure even if you wear acrylic nails.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White nail polish
• Sheer pink nail polish

1. Apply the white nail polish to the tips of your nails. Locate the smile line on your acrylic finger nails. The smile line is the upper tip of the nail that looks like an upside down smile. Brush on the polish slowly, beginning with the outer edges. Cover the complete tip with a thin layer of white polish.

2. Brush around the upper edges of the nails. This is unique to French manicures when applied to acrylic nails. To find the upper edges, hold your hand up as if to give someone a "high-five." The edges of the nail pointing toward the ceiling are the upper edges. Apply polish to the upper edge of each nail.

3. Apply a second coat to help the French manicure last longer. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.

4. Apply the sheer pink nail polish. Coat the rest of the nail in a sheer, pink nail polish to complete the French manicure. You can paint the base of the nail, below the smile line, or cover the surface of the entire nail, depending on your preference.

5. Let your nails dry for 30 minutes to one hour. Rest your hands while you wait. Ensure that your nails are completely dry before you resume your regular activities.

Tips & Warnings

• Acrylic nails are more expensive to maintain but have their benefits. French manicures last much longer on acrylic fingernails. Apply a base coat and top coat of clear nail polish to make your French manicure last even longer.
• Use French manicure guides to get the white tips straight. Apply them to the base of your nails and paint above them.