
Sharpie nail art is a fun and creative way to decorate your nails. It's an easy DIY manicure that can be done at home with just a few simple steps. Sharpies come in a variety of colours, including metallic, 80s glam, electropop, neon, and pastel, allowing you to create unique designs. From marbling to galaxy nails, vintage newsprint, and intricate floral designs, the possibilities are endless. This method is also better than nail polish as it provides a more stable grip for sketching detailed designs. With Sharpie nail art, you can get out of your comfort zone and wow your friends with colourful and classy nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Wash hands with warm water, push back cuticles, trim nails, and remove any existing nail polish. |
| Step 2 | Apply a base coat to protect nails from staining. |
| Step 3 | Start colouring your non-dominant hand with your dominant hand. |
| Step 4 | Apply a thin coat of gel polish top coat, making sure to cap the free edge. |
| Step 5 | Cure for the top coat's recommended curing time. |
| Step 6 | Remove the sticky layer by wiping over the nail with a cleanser and a lint-free wipe. |
| Step 7 | Starting with the lightest colour, draw scribbles on the shiny surface. |
| Step 8 | Dip your nail art brush into some isopropyl alcohol and tap it onto the scribble marks. |
| Step 9 | Repeat Step 8 until you achieve the desired design, wiping the brush before dipping it back into the alcohol. |
| Step 10 | Make sure the nails are fully dry before applying another thin layer of the top coat. |
| Step 11 | Cure for the top coat's recommended curing time. |
| Step 12 | Remove the tacky layer using a cleanser and a lint-free wipe. |
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What You'll Learn

Prepare nails by pushing back cuticles, removing old polish, and trimming, cutting, or filing
To prepare your nails for a Sharpie manicure, start by washing your hands in warm water. Then, gently push back your cuticles. This will help ensure that your cuticles don't interfere with the Sharpie design. Next, remove any old nail polish. You can use nail polish remover for this step, but be sure to do it in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling the fumes. Once your nails are free of polish, you can trim, cut, or file them to your desired length and shape. Filing your nails will help create a smooth surface for the Sharpie to glide on, resulting in a neater and more precise application.
Trimming, cutting, or filing your nails before a Sharpie manicure is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps create a neat and tidy canvas for your nail art. Secondly, it allows you to shape your nails into your preferred style, such as square, round, or almond. Additionally, trimming your nails can prevent them from becoming too long and cumbersome, which may hinder your ability to create intricate designs with the Sharpie.
You can also use this preparation step to decide on the colour of Sharpie you want to use. A wide range of Sharpie colours are available, including metallic, 80s glam, electropop, neon, and pastel shades. Choosing the right colour can enhance your nail art design and ensure it complements your overall style or outfit.
After you've pushed back your cuticles, removed old polish, and trimmed and shaped your nails, you can move on to the next step of applying a base coat. This step is optional but recommended, as it can protect your natural nails from staining and make it easier to remove the Sharpie design later on. Once your base coat is dry, you can start colouring your nails with Sharpies, following the design of your choice.
Remember, it's important to work in a well-ventilated area when using Sharpies and nail polish remover to avoid inhaling any strong fumes. Additionally, try to avoid getting Sharpie ink on your skin, as it may be more difficult to remove compared to your nails. With proper preparation and care, you can create beautiful and unique Sharpie nail art that expresses your creativity and personal style.
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Apply a base coat to protect nails from staining
Before you begin your Sharpie nail art, it's important to apply a base coat to protect your nails from staining. This will create a barrier between your nails and the Sharpie ink, making it easier to remove the design later with nail polish remover. It's important to note that Sharpies can stain your nails, so don't skip this step!
Start by washing your hands in warm water and gently pushing back your cuticles. Remove any existing nail polish and trim, cut, or file your nails as needed. You want to create a clean, smooth surface for your base coat to adhere to.
Choose a base coat that is designed to protect nails from staining. There are many options available on the market, so you can select one that suits your preferences and budget. Apply a thin, even layer of the base coat to all of your nails, making sure to cover the entire nail surface. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
It's important to work in a well-ventilated area when applying the base coat and to avoid inhaling any fumes. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, you may want to choose a base coat that is free of harsh chemicals or opt for a natural, organic option.
Once the base coat is dry, you can start creating your Sharpie nail art. Keep in mind that Sharpies come in various colors and tip sizes, so you can choose the ones that best suit your desired design. Remember, it's easier to draw designs with Sharpies compared to traditional nail polish, so get creative and have fun with it!
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Colour nails with Sharpie
Colouring your nails with Sharpies is a fun and easy way to create unique nail art. It can be easier to draw intricate designs with Sharpies than with a brush, and they won't tint your nails yellow.
To create Sharpie gel nails, first, wash your hands in warm water and gently push back your cuticles. Remove any old nail polish and trim, cut, or file your nails as needed. You can apply a base coat of nail polish to protect your nails from staining, but this step is optional as the Sharpie will come off with nail polish remover.
Next, start colouring your non-dominant hand with your dominant hand. Choose the colour of Sharpie you want and start colouring! If you're creating a design with multiple colours, always work from light to dark. You can also dilute the Sharpie ink with alcohol to create a watercolour effect.
Once you're happy with your design, let your nails dry completely. This is important because if the alcohol is not dry, it will cause the colours to run when you apply the top coat. Apply a thin layer of gel polish top coat, making sure to cap the free edge. Cure for the recommended curing time.
Finally, remove the sticky layer by wiping over your nails with a cleanser and a lint-free wipe. Admire your beautiful Sharpie gel nails!
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Apply a layer of PVA glue to prevent smudging
To apply a layer of PVA glue to prevent smudging, follow these steps:
Firstly, make sure your nails are completely dry. This is important because if the alcohol used to disperse the Sharpie ink hasn't dried properly, applying a top coat will cause the colours to run and smudge. Once your nails are dry, you can move on to the next step.
The next step is to apply the PVA glue. Cover your entire nail design with a thin layer of PVA glue, making sure that it doesn't shrink and expose any areas of the design. The solvent in PVA glue is water, and as you may know from experience, water doesn't dissolve permanent marker. Therefore, placing a layer of PVA glue between the marker and the top coat will prevent smearing.
After applying the PVA glue, let it dry completely. Once it's dry, you can proceed to the next step of applying a thin coat of gel polish top coat. Make sure to cap the free edge of your nails.
Finally, cure your nails for the top coat's recommended curing time. After curing, you can remove the sticky layer by wiping over your nails with a cleanser and a lint-free wipe. And that's it! Your Sharpie gel nail art is now protected from smudging thanks to the layer of PVA glue you applied.
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Seal with a top coat
Sealing your Sharpie nail art with a top coat is an essential step in ensuring your design's longevity and shine. Without a top coat, your hard work may smudge or rub off within hours.
Before applying the top coat, it is crucial to ensure your Sharpie design is completely dry. This step is vital, as applying the top coat too soon can cause the colours to run and smudge, ruining your design. Allow your Sharpie art to dry for a reasonable amount of time, and if necessary, use a hairdryer on a cool setting to speed up the process.
To prevent smearing, you can apply a layer of PVA glue over your Sharpie design. The solvent in PVA glue is water, which, unlike your top coat, will not dissolve the Sharpie ink. This protective layer will act as a barrier between your design and the top coat, ensuring your colours stay vibrant and intact. Once your PVA layer is dry, you can proceed with the top coat.
When applying the top coat, use thin, careful strokes to cover the entire nail, including the free edge. Allow the top coat to cure for the recommended amount of time. After curing, remove any sticky residue by wiping your nails with a cleanser and a lint-free wipe.
Your Sharpie gel nails are now complete! Enjoy your unique and creative manicure, and feel free to show off your artistic skills to your friends!
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash your hands in warm water and gently push your cuticles back. Remove any existing nail polish and trim, cut, or file your nails as needed. Then, apply a base coat to protect your nails from staining. Next, start colouring your non-dominant hand with your dominant hand. Once finished, ask someone to do your other hand for you. Finally, apply a top coat for a shiny, long-lasting finish.
You can create intricate nail art designs using Sharpies by scribbling words, creating a watercolour effect with diluted ink, or drawing flowers. For a vintage look, try the newsprint Sharpie hack. You can also use the half-and-half nail trend to create a unique, stylish print.
There are several ways to prevent smearing. One method is to use hairspray after applying a neon marker. Alternatively, you can use PVA glue, which contains water, a solvent that does not dissolve permanent marker. Apply a layer of PVA over your Sharpie design and let it dry before adding a top coat.










































