Q&A for How to Paint Press‐On Fingernails

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How do you wear fake nails without damaging your real nails?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

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.

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Question

Why do my press-on nails hurt?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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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.

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How do you paint your fingernails without getting it on your skin?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

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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.

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Question

Can I paint fake nails that are already on my nails?

Jenna

Community Answer

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

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Question

Can I repaint press-on nails that are already painted?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Can I use gel polish on my press-on fingernails?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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Question

How do I get it off the toothpick?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

How long will it take for the nail polish to dry?

Community Answer

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

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Question

What can I use instead of nail glue to apply fake nails?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

I was wondering if it would be okay to put a base coat like nail hardener on before using Kiss press on?

Community Answer

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

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Question

I have the Kiss Press-On nails and was wondering if I can paint over the soft matte finish? I don't want to file them.

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Can I use shellac on my press-on nails?

Community Answer

Yes, you could.

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Question

Can I remove the polish from press-on nails and repaint? What will it do to the nail?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Do I need to add a base coat first before applying gel polish on fake press-on nails?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Will the nail glue still be effective if I put base coat on the natural nail?

Janka W

Community Answer

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

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Question

I put Sally shiny top coat on Kiss Press on matte nails. It peeled right off, why?

Jessica T

Community Answer

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.

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Question

I noticed there was no prepping before applying paint. When I tried this, the paint just peeled off. Did I miss something? Shouldn't you score the nail or something, so the paint can adhere?

Jessica T

Community Answer

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

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