Q&A for How to Paint Press‐On Fingernails

Press-on nails are pretty gentle on your real nails, but removing them can sometimes cause damage. If you need to soak your nails in acetone to dissolve the glue, moisturize your hands and nails afterwards to prevent drying. The glue itself can also cause damage over time, so try to limit how often you use it. Save fake nails for special occasions so your real nails have time to breathe and recover between manicures.

It’s possible that the nails don’t fit right and are pressing uncomfortably on your cuticles or nail beds. Or, if you’re experiencing an itching or burning sensation, you may be having a bad reaction to the nail glue. If you’re having a lot of pain or other worrisome symptoms, see your doctor and get advice about how to safely remove the nails.

If you’re using press-on nails, you can avoid this by painting the nails before putting them on your fingers. If you’d rather paint the nails on your fingers, rub some petroleum jelly on your cuticles before you start painting. The jelly will keep the polish from sticking to your skin. Simply wipe it away with a cloth or paper towel once you’re done painting your nails.

Yes, but it may be harder. You should probably try to paint the fake nails before you place them on your real nails.

Yes, you can. It helps if you file down the top surface of the nail a little so that the polish sticks.

Yes, you can.

Once the glue dries, you can take the toothpick out of the sponge, and gently take it off the nail. Pick off the excess glue.

It depends on the brand, but usually an hour or two before it's completely dry.

You really should only use nail glue because other glues can damage your nails. Unless it's a press on nail, always use nail glue.

Yes, it would be okay because it is caring for your nails underneath the nail glue so your nails aren't being ruined.

It may not look right but if you have a thick enough nail polish you may get it to work. if you can, try it and see if it looks right. If it doesn't, you can just take the nails off.

Yes, you could.

No it will destroy the nail. That was the purpose of buying the nails pre-colored.

It's optional. Sometimes a base coat helps to add extra shine or make the color more opaque, but some polishes don’t need the extra boost.

Yes, just make sure that the base coat dries thoroughly before applying the glue.

That would have happened because there was nothing for the top coat to grip onto. You might want to buff down the nail a little bit so the top coat can grip onto the nail next time.

You can try buffing down the nail to get a better grip. You can buy buffers from any store cheaply.