How to Design Fake Nails

Nail designs can be created to match with outfits.

The art of nail design is the same whether applied to natural or fake nails. Creating designs on fake nails is more desirable, however, because the monomers and polymers that make up acrylic and gel overlays allow nail polish and acrylic paint to adhere faster and last longer. Fast drying is essential when you need to apply different colors. Durability ensures that the paint, once applied, will not chip easily. Finally, nail tip extensions that are normally added with fake nail overlays, create more area space for intricate designs.

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish
• Different-sized nail brushes
• Acrylic paint
• Clear top coat
• Air-brush kit
• Toothpick (optional)
• Rhinestone nail appliques

Instructions

Hand Painting, Air Brushing and Accessories

1. Get creative or seek out some nail art designs that you would like to wear. Practice painting the designs by hand. Pick a nail brush the size of the standard brush that is normally equipped with the handle on a bottle of store-bought nail polish. Use it to paint your base color from the nail polish. If you need two or three base colors, clean the brush or use other brushes of the same size to add additional colors. Wait for the base colors to dry. Use acrylic paint for designs. Use a fine, thin brush or a toothpick to create geometric shapes in the form of lines, swirls, semi-circles, dots or flowers. Try to pick colors that stand out dramatically from your base colors for an optimum, eye-catching effect. Wait for the designs to dry. Top coat with clear polish.

2. Pick a pattern, picture or design from the stencil in your air brush kit. This will alleviate the need to invent and create an identical look on 10 different nails. Set the stencil aside once you choose your look. Apply a base coat of nail polish to your nails. Wait for it to dry. If using additional colors, apply those or re-apply the initial base coat. Wait for the re-application to dry. Follow manufacturer recommendations to use your air brush machine. Add acrylic paint to it using the color you want your design in. The color should contrast with the base coat to be distinguishable. Hold the stencil steady about 1/4 inch away from the nail. Press the air brush button to spray the acrylic paint through the stencil pattern. Allow to dry. Cover with a top coat.

3. Apply nail rhinestones -- do not wait for your top coat to dry completely. Shiny rhinestones accentuate designs by adding glitz and glamour to nail art. Balance the tiny appliques on the tip of your nail or a toothpick. Place them strategically along the borders of your design. Apply another top coat. The rhinestones will dry in place.

References

• The Nail Directory: Nail Art Designs
• Nails Guide: Different Types of Fake Nails