Q&A for How to Do Gradient Nails

It depends on whether you want nail polish all over your fingers. It's mainly a cleanliness thing, but it's optional, really.

Yes, you can do it with a regular crafting sponge. It will work fine. But the other option is better.

Dark colors look better on the tip. It's nice to have the glitter or the darker color fading from the end of your nail towards your cuticle.

A hot pink and a bright green would complement each other well. But if it's a light pink and a dark green, or a super dark pink and a sea foam green, choose another colour combination.

Similar -- but ombre is just one color, while gradient is more than one.

Is the sponge soaking up the polish too fast, or is it drying too fast? It may be soaking up the polish too fast, giving it a dry look and texture, in which case you can add more polish. If it actually dries up, try to use a polish that is not quick-drying, or just work faster. Most polishes won't dry in a few seconds, so just apply the polish on the sponge and work quickly.

Try using a piece of fabric that you don't like anymore and see how it turns out.

Yes, but depending on the opacity, some polishes will need more coats than others.

if you put a base coat on, it will last longer. It will often last to at least the end of the season when you do this.