How to Smooth Nails for Nail Art

Before you get started on your nail art, make sure the nails are smooth. Smoothing out the surface of the nails is an important part of the process. If you don't do it correctly, your nail art looks bumpy and flawed. Learn the correct process for smoothing your nails so your nail art will look its best.

Things You'll Need

• Acetone
• Cotton ball
• Cuticle oil

Instructions

1. Pour acetone onto a cotton ball. Rub the cotton ball against the surface of each nail to remove old nail polish. Scrub each nail vigorously with the cotton ball, using an up-and-down motion until all the polish is gone.

2. Check the nails. Even tiny fragments of old polish will make your nail art look uneven. Roll your fingers from side to side to look them over. Carefully scan the entire surface of each nail. Make sure that no polish remains. Feel each nail for bumps to double-check.

3. Apply cuticle oil. Removing nail polish with acetone dries out the nails. Add moisture back into the nails and cuticles with cuticle oil. Squeeze one drop of oil onto the base of each fingernail. Gently rub the cuticle oil into the nail, cuticles and underneath the nail. This leaves your finished nail art looking more smooth.

Tips & Warnings

• Cuticle oil improves the look of your nail art along with your overall nail health. If your cuticles are severely cracked, use cuticle oil once a week as part of your weekly nail regimen.

• Cuticle oils can be applied several times a day to enhance moisture.