Make Newspaper Nails

Nail art might seem difficult but it's not and you can create some incredible effects yourself at home. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make newspaper nails, which gives new meaning to having the latest information at your fingertips!!

Steps

  1. Assemble all the items needed for preparing your nails. These are listed below under "Things You'll Need."
  2. Wash your hands with mild soap before painting your nails. This will wash off any germs or bacteria on your hands and nails while also cleaning off any dirt.
  3. Apply a solid Give Yourself a Manicure at Your House to protect your nails. This is optional, but it makes the color show up better and protects it. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly.
  4. Paint your nails in a light grey, nude, or light pink nail polish color. Let it dry thoroughly before doing the next step.
  5. Pour a bit of rubbing alcohol or water into the cap or into a small jar.
  6. Dip each nail into the rubbing alcohol for about 5 seconds each.
  7. Take a small piece of newspaper. Press it firmly on your nail for a few seconds.
    • Peel it off carefully. You'll find that the Shade With Ink Pens from the newspaper will be left behind.
  8. Get a cotton bud and some nail polish remover to remove any excess nail polish that has gotten onto your fingers. Do not touch your nails with the nail polish remover, or your work will come off.
  9. Apply a topcoat to your nails. This is needed because without it, the newspaper will rub off. It also gives your nail some extra shine. Enjoy!



Tips

  • You can also use sheet music instead of newspaper.
  • Do not use the same piece of newspaper for every nail....use different ones.
  • You can use a map as well. For example, the NYC train map looks really quirky and hot on nails!
  • You could use mouthwash as an alternative to rubbing alcohol.
  • Sometimes you can use words that go together, such as "hope" and "dream". You can use random words ones you've thought of beforehand.
  • If you don't have rubbing alcohol, vodka or vinegar works great.
  • You can also try dipping the newspaper in the alcohol instead of your fingers; sometimes this works better.
  • Press the newspaper firmly on to your nail. Otherwise, the transferring ink will be incomplete on your nails.
  • Try to use the comics section, or even the horoscope symbols, anything printed on newsprint will work the same.
  • Instead of painting your nails with light grey nail polish, you can also use a white color.
  • Try any small parts of picture as well as words.
  • Don't use dark colors, as the print won't show up and it will be a waste of time and you won't be able to use the same piece of newspaper again.
  • Treat your nails nicely or the decorations will just start to rub off.
  • You can also use pics on newspaper to add color to it.
  • Almond extract is another alternative if you want something less harsh on your nails, and it makes your nails smell nice too!
  • Make sure you don't dip your nails in the alcohol while they are still wet wet the polish.
  • Make sure you wait until your nails are dry before dipping them into the rubbing alcohol.
  • You can find rubbing alcohol in drugstores, most supermarkets, and medicine cabinets.
  • Instead of wasting the rubbing alcohol use alcohol pads and use the newspaper like a tattoo. It's a lot cleaner that way!
  • To make your nails shiny, buff your nails and then put cuticle oil on them. Do this once a month.
  • Use a cotton bud to clean around your nail.
  • You can also use classic books.
  • Trim your nails so they don't look gross.

Warnings

  • Be careful, and consider doing your nails over a newspaper, sink, or even towel.
  • Press the newspaper firmly on to your nail; otherwise, the transferring ink will be incomplete on your nails.
  • Fingernail Polish remover will not work in place of alcohol, but it has been used in a different version for newspaper nails.

Things You'll Need

  • Pieces of newspapers
  • Base coat (pale or clear)
  • A light color of nail polish
  • Rubbing alcohol, vodka or water
  • Cotton swabs
  • Top coat(usually clear)
  • Nail polish remover

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  • Article inspired by the Cute Polish video on YouTube