How to Make Nail Polish Last Longer

Keep your nails looking fresh and pretty with these simple, easy ways to make nail polish last longer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nail Polish
• Clear Coat
• Nail File
• Clippers
• Soap
• Water
• Nail Polish Remover (if applicable)

1. 
    
   Make Nail Polish Last Longer

   A CLEAN START. To make nail polish last longer, you must make sure the polish has a clean, dry surface to attach to. First, remove all old nail polish from your nails, if applicable. Make sure it is completely removed or your new nail polish will not last. Next, soak your hands in warm, soapy water, then scrub gently with a cloth to remove chemical and moisture residue. Allow your hands to dry completely.

2. 
    
   Make Nail Polish Last Longer

   REMOVE SNAGS AND CRACKS. Make sure the nails, themselves, are in tip top condition. Clip your nails down as far as is comfortable and necessary to achieve a uniform length and strong nail base. Next, file away any potential snags. Even a tiny ridge at the tip of a fingernail can compromise a manicure, and result in chipping.

3. 
    
   Make Nail Polish Last Longer

   APPLY BASE COAT. A Base Coat provides an ideal surface for nail polish to adhere to. This step is optional, but recommended. Applying a thin base coat to your nails will make you nail polish last longer and look smoother. Dry for 15 minutes, or according to instructions.

4. 
    
   Make Nail Polish Last Longer

   APPLY POLISH. Applying polish can be tricky. Applying too little at once will result in excessive coats that will leave the nail polish weak and flaky. Too much nail polish at once will interfere with proper drying, which can lead to ripples and peeling. Try to apply just enough to cover the nail without showing brush strokes. If you do not achieve the desired color, move on to the next step.

5. DRY AFTER EACH COAT. Each coat of nail polish should be given at least 15 minutes to air dry before another is applied, or a top coat is applied. It is absolutely essential your nails dry completely at ever step of the process. Do not cheat yourself of drying time if you want to make nail polish last longer. If nails aren't dry within 20 minutes, you have likely applied too much polish at once or you have applied too many coats too quickly.

6. CLEAR COAT. Apply a top coat, or clear coat, when your nails are completely dry. To help make sure your nails have dried completely, try applying the final coat of polish half an hour before bed time, and then apply the top coat in the morning.

Tips & Warnings

• Quick Dry nail polish should be given at least 15 minutes to dry for each coat regardless of what the instructions say.

[Mocha]

on 2/12/2009 Great detailed tips, thanks for the informative article.

[LettyMaldonado]

on 12/4/2008 Great tips! I can never get the right amount of polish on my nails. It's always too little or too much. I'll definitely be taking some of your tips to try to give myself a better manicure :)

[AprilThomas]

on 12/3/2008 Great tips. Love the clear top coat idea too.

[leanan]

on 12/3/2008 Love these tips! Thanks, gonna go paint my nails now ;)

[Wordart]

on 12/2/2008 Good tips! Good article.