Q&A for How to Paint Nails Like a Pro in Minutes

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Question

How do I paint my nails quickly?

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.

Marta Nagorska

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Work in thin coats of polish. Try doing 3 really thin coats instead of 2 thick coats for a smoother appearance.

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Question

Is one coat of nail polish enough?

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.

Marta Nagorska

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

One coat of polish can be enough, but you still want to apply a base coat and top coat.

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Question

What are some ways I can decorate my nails besides glitter polish?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

You can use so many more finishes of polish than just glitter! Creme, matte, shimmer, metallic, holographic, pearl, and jelly. You can also use studs, charms, and rhinestones.

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Question

How can I paint my nails without getting nail polish on the skin around the nail?

Community Answer

Before painting your nails, put tape around your finger (not the nail though), and then paint and leave the tape on until the polish dries. Then you can take off the tape and have a great manicure.

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Question

What is the best type of nail polish to get that stays on nails longer?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

The secret is to get a good base coat, and you don't have to shell out a pretty penny to do so. I use a SinfulColors base coat that cost $3 and my manis last 2 weeks and it still looks good (I paint my nails every week). A good top coat is also key. Mine is Sally Hanson Hard As Nails, which cost something like $4. The polish colors I use are from SinfulColors because the polishes cost $3 max, they have a large shade range, and they stay on for a long time.

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Question

I don't have any clear nail polish. What can I use instead?

Community Answer

If you don't have any clear nail polish, you can add an extra coat of normal polish. You can also try clear nail strengthener for a shiny look!

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Question

Is a topcoat the same as a base coat?

Community Answer

No, basecoat is made for protecting the nail and helps polish adhere to it properly. Topcoat is for sealing the polish and adding shine.

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Question

What if I can't paint my nails with one hand and I don't have anyone to help me?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

You just have to practice like crazy! Paint your nails every weekend and you'll get better. You could also see if there's a nail salon nearby that can paint your nails for you.

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Question

If I don't have any top coat or base coat what should I do?

RileyAnn

Community Answer

Put on two extra coats of paint. Make sure each coat dries before you add the next.

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Question

How can I do your my hand with the left?

Community Answer

If you are a righty, it might be a bit more difficult, so ask a friend to paint the hand you are dependent on.

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Question

What is a nail file?

Community Answer

Something to file your nails with -- you can find them near the nail polish at any store.

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Question

How do you paint your nails without shaking?

TheCreativeLime

Community Answer

You can make it slightly easier by putting your hand flat on the table, and painting it that way so your hands won't shake too much.

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Question

If I don't have tape for any reason, can I use glue so my nails can't go on my skin?

TheCreativeLime

Community Answer

Yes. You can use Elmer's glue, Liquid Latex, or Vaseline to prevent nail polish stains on your skin.

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Question

If I want to apply a glitter coat to the top of a solid color, would I still have to add a second coat to the solid color?

Ellefashion

Community Answer

Yes. Just one coat of solid colour can be opaque and uneven. By adding two coats, it perfects the final colour. Then you can add a glitter top coat.

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Question

I can’t do it near enough even though I have been practicing for ages. The tape doesn’t work. What do I do?

Aya Michael

Community Answer

Try putting a bit of petroleum jelly on the sides of your nails. That should work.

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