How to Apply Paint to Turtle Shells

Turtle shells can be painted with many different designs.

For most turtles, their only form of protection is their shell. Turtles hide in their shells to avoid predators. For individuals who have turtles as pets, these hard shells can be painted and designed for different purposes. Turtle shells are part of the animals' body and they do have tissue. Since these shells grow with the turtle, you must take extreme precaution when painting a turtle shell. With the proper supplies, you can paint any design on a turtle shell in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish
• Water
• Rag

Instructions

1. Rinse the turtle shell thoroughly with water and clean rags. Run a clean rag under water and gently rub it over the turtle shell to remove any grime, dirt and slime that may be on the shell.

2. Dry off the shell of the turtle with a clean dry rag. Push gently on the shell to absorb any water that may be in the cracks on the shell.

3. Inspect the shell to determine the color of nail polish that will be used and the exact area where it will be located. Dab the brush into the nail polish and begin painting the shell.

4. Cover the desired area of the shell using smooth strokes. Dip the nail polish brush back into the nail polish when necessary and continue until the space has been covered. Allow it 45 minutes to dry and add a second coat if necessary, in the exact same manner.

5. Wait for the second coat to dry before exposing the turtle to any elements.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use regular paint when painting a turtle shell. The paint can be harmful to the turtle and even cause death in some situations.

References

• boxturtlefacts.org: A Perspective on Box Turtle Derbies