Painting press-on false nails is a great way to express your style without needing to treat or grow your real nails. You can paint press-on nails with nail polish before attaching them with tape and cotton balls or paint them after applying them to your nails.
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Method 1 of 2: Color False Nails Before Applying
Step 1. Try wearing false nails of different sizes to find out which one fits each of your fingers
Before painting press-on nails, you should try wearing false nails of various shapes and sizes to find the best fit. Make sure you find a nail that is similar in shape and curve to your real nail so that it will adhere tightly once installed.
- After finding the size that fits best, place the nails in a row in the order they were installed so they don't get mixed up.
- Most press-on nails are sold in sets of different sizes and shapes. You may be able to find the right size for each finger.
- Some press-on nails come with a sizing guide so you can record the measurements used on each finger to save time in the future.
Step 2. Stick a small piece of tape behind each nail
Use a pair of scissors to cut a piece of tape that is small enough to fit on the back of the press-on nail. Then fold the ends of the tape inward with the adhesive side facing out so the edges can stack and stick together. Turn each press-on nail so the bottom is facing up, then press the roll of tape against the back of each nail.
- This will form a small roll of adhesive so you can attach your nails to the cotton swab.
- Instead of using masking tape, you can squeeze the adhesive paper into small balls and then stick it to the back of each nail.
Step 3. Glue the end of the cotton swab to the tape that sticks to the nail
Press the tape to make sure the cotton balls and nails stick together perfectly. After that, flip each nail over so you can start painting.
If you're using a ball of adhesive paper instead of masking tape, use a toothpick instead of a cotton ball by sticking the end of the toothpick into the ball
Step 4. Color each nail as desired with nail polish
Hold one of the cotton balls with your non-dominant hand so that the top of the press-on nail is facing up. After that, use your dominant hand to color your nails with the nail polish of your choice.
Painting the center of the nail from back to front and coloring the sides from back to front will help you apply the polish more evenly while preventing clumping
Step 5. Allow the painted false nails to dry
When you're done painting one nail with nail polish, place it on a flat surface and let it dry. Repeat this process on each nail until all of them are successfully colored with nail polish.
- If you want to get creative with nail polish, you can learn the art of decorating your nails to create interesting and cool designs.
- Spread a paper towel on a flat surface to protect the area from dripping nail polish on the press-on nail.
Step 6. Apply a second coat of nail polish if you want a more solid color
Nail polish tends to look more concentrated on fake nails than real nails, so you may not need to apply a second coat. However, if you want a more solid color, you can apply a second coat of polish to each nail after the first coat is dry enough, but not too dry (about 5 to 10 minutes).
After creating a second coat of polish, place each nail on a safe, protected area to dry
Step 7. Use a liquid nail polish (top coat) to protect the color on the press-on nails
If you want to provide an extra layer of protection, apply some liquid nail polish after the paint has dried a bit. After that, place each nail in a safe place to dry completely before you attach the press-on nail to your natural nail.
Allow the nail polish to dry for 20 to 60 minutes. If you've applied multiple coats of nail polish, you'll need to let it sit for 60 minutes for it to dry completely
Method 2 of 2: Paint Pre-Installed Press-On Nails
Step 1. Choose a press-on nail of the right size for each finger
Take a look at the contents on the press-on nail pack and try a few different sizes to find the one that fits best. Make sure the size you choose is similar to the shape and curve of your natural nail so that it doesn't come off easily after installation. After that, place the nails in order as needed for installation.
If the press-on nail pack comes with a sizing guide, write down the size you use for each finger to save time the next day
Step 2. Place the press-on nail on top of your natural nail
Apply a small amount of nail glue, then press each false nail against your natural nail while holding it for 10 seconds to make sure it is firmly attached to the natural nail. After that, file the nails according to the length and shape you want.
Step 3. Press-on nail polish as usual
Once the press-on nails are in place on each finger, use the nail polish of your choice to color each nail. First, press your fingertips onto a flat surface so you don't move too much. After that, color each nail from back to front by rubbing the brush starting from the center first, then coloring the sides with the remaining paint on the brush.
Make sure the first layer is thin enough so that it doesn't clump, but also thick enough to cover the entire surface of the nail
Step 4. Apply a second coat if you want the color to appear more solid
Even if the nail polish color is usually more solid when applied to press-on nails than natural nails, you may still need to apply a second coat to make the color more solid. When applying a second coat, allow the first coat to dry for 5 to 10 minutes so that the nail polish hardens, but is not too dry. After that, color each nail lightly with nail polish.
- Apply a second coat of polish to each nail after the first coat has slightly hardened, but hasn't completely dried.
- To make press-on nails look more festive, apply glitter paint on a second coat.
Step 5. Protect the nail polish with a protective layer of nail polish
If you want to give your press-on nails an extra layer of protection, apply some liquid nail polish after the paint has dried a bit. After that, allow your nails to dry completely for 20 to 60 minutes before returning to using your fingers.
