Noah Sinclair
A nail file is a handy tool to have around, but what do you do when you can't find one? You can always make a makeshift nail file at home using sandpaper. Cut out your desired shape from a sheet of sandpaper, such as a flat oval, and refine the edges. You can even design your own nail file by drawing on the sandpaper before assembling the layers. To create a more stable structure, attach the sandpaper to a sheet of construction paper, ensuring the rough side remains exposed. If you don't have sandpaper, you can file your nails on the grout in your bathroom or the abrasive panel on a book of matches in a pinch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Sandpaper |
| Sandpaper grit strength | 100 grit or more |
| Shape | Flat oval |
| Size | 23 cm x 9.5 cm |
| Design | Printed or hand-drawn on one side |
| Layers | Sandpaper-construction paper-sandpaper |
| Alternatives | Grout, matchbook striker |
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What You'll Learn
Using sandpaper
Sandpaper can be used as a makeshift nail file. Sandpapers have different "grit strengths", which determine how fine the sandpaper is. The grit number commonly increases by 20s, with the lowest grit being around 20 and the highest possibly being in the thousands. For natural nails, it is recommended to use a grit of 100 or above, as anything below this range may be too harsh and cause damage.
To create your own nail file, cut out your desired shape from a sheet of sandpaper. You can cut out multiple sandpaper shapes and stick them together for added stability. If you want to add a design to your nail file, it is recommended to do so before sticking the layers together. When layering the pieces of sandpaper, ensure that the rough sides of the sandpaper are visible.
For a more durable option, you can attach the sandpaper to a thin piece of wood. First, sand the wood smooth and glue the sandpaper onto it. You can use wood glue and wipe off any excess, then place a weight on top to ensure a flat surface as it dries. Finally, sand the sides so that the paper is flush with the edge of the wood.
Sandpaper can be an effective substitute for a nail file, and with the right grit, it can help shape and smooth your fingernails.
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Cutting out the desired shape
To cut out the desired shape for your makeshift nail file, start by gathering your materials. You will need sandpaper, a pencil or pen, scissors, and construction paper. The sandpaper is the key component of your nail file, as it provides the grit or abrasive surface necessary for shaping and smoothing your nails.
When selecting sandpaper, consider the grit strength, which determines its fineness. The lower the grit number, the coarser the sandpaper. For a makeshift nail file, it is recommended to use sandpaper with a grit of 100 or higher to achieve a smoother surface on your nails. Ultra-fine sandpaper can go up to 1000 grit.
Now, decide on the shape you want for your nail file. A flat, elongated oval is a common choice, but you can also experiment with other shapes, such as rectangles or unique curved designs. Using your pencil or pen, carefully trace or sketch out the chosen shape on the sandpaper. If you want a simple oval shape, you can draw around a large cookie cutter or a small plate to create a smooth curve.
Once you are satisfied with the shape and size of your outline, carefully cut it out with scissors. Take your time and try to cut as close to the line as possible to ensure a neat edge. After cutting out the first shape, use it as a template to cut out additional sandpaper shapes. You will only need one or two sandpaper cutouts, as having too many may make your nail file bulky and less effective.
If you want to add stability and a decorative touch to your nail file, cut out the same shape from construction paper. Layering several pieces of construction paper together can help reduce bendiness. You can choose any colour of construction paper to personalise your nail file. Just make sure that all your layers of sandpaper and construction paper line up neatly.
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Layering with construction paper
To make a makeshift nail file with construction paper, you will also need sandpaper. Start by cutting out the shape you want your nail file to be from a sheet of sandpaper. You can cut out any shape you like, such as a flat oval, but a size of around 23 cm by 9.5 cm is recommended.
Next, use your first cut-out as a template to cut the same shape out of construction paper. You can choose any colour of construction paper you prefer. To create a sturdy nail file, cut out multiple layers of construction paper—the more layers, the less bendy your nail file will be.
Once you have cut out all your shapes, it's time to stick them together. Layer the pieces in the following order: sandpaper, construction paper, and then another sheet of sandpaper. Ensure that the rough sides of both sandpaper pieces are visible. Check that all your layers are aligned, and make adjustments if necessary.
For a more durable nail file, you can also use thin pieces of wood instead of construction paper. Sand the wood smooth, and glue the sandpaper onto it. You can use wood glue and place a weight on top to ensure a flat surface as it dries.
When selecting sandpaper for your nail file, consider the grit strength. The grit number indicates the fineness of the sandpaper, with lower numbers indicating coarser grit. For nail files, it is recommended to use sandpaper with a grit of 100 or higher to achieve a smoother surface.
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Adding a design
If you want to add a design to your makeshift nail file, it's best to do so before sticking all the layers together. Cut out your chosen shape from a sheet of sandpaper, then add your design to one side of this. You can then stick the layers of your nail file together, with the sandpaper on the outside, and your design visible.
It's recommended that you only add a design to one side of the sandpaper, as the other side will be filing your nails and creating dust. This will ensure your design stays clear and isn't ruined by dust. You can choose any design you like, and print it onto the sandpaper, or draw it by hand.
The sandpaper you use for your design should be of a suitable grit strength. This is the number that determines how fine your sandpaper is. The lower the number, the coarser the sandpaper. For a nail file, you want something that will shape and smooth your nails, so a finer sandpaper is better. Aim for sandpaper with a grit of 100 or more, to ensure a smoother surface for your nails.
When cutting out your sandpaper, you can use the first shape you cut out as a template for the rest. This will ensure you have a consistent shape for your nail file. You can cut out a sheet of construction paper in the same shape and stick this between two layers of sandpaper. This will add stability and ensure your nail file is not too bendy.
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Filing on grout or an emery board
If you're looking for a makeshift nail file, you can make one yourself using sandpaper. Sandpapers have different "grit strengths", with the lowest grit being around 20 and the highest being in the 1000s. For a makeshift nail file, a grit of 100 or more is recommended for a smoother nail surface.
To make your own nail file, cut out your desired shape from a sheet of sandpaper. A flat oval shape, around 23 cm long and 9.5 cm wide, is a good option. You can then use this as a reference to cut out additional shapes from construction paper for added stability. Layer the sandpaper and construction paper, with the rough sides of the sandpaper facing outwards, and stick them together. If you want to add a design to your nail file, it's best to do so on the sandpaper before assembling the layers.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a substitute for an emery board, you can try using micromesh, which comes in grits up to 8000 and 12000, leaving your nails extremely smooth. You can also use diamond files, glass nail files, or fine-grit sandpaper (400-600 grade) for polishing.
Before filing your nails, it's important to wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to remove any oil or debris. When filing, hold the file perpendicular to the edge of your nail and use smooth strokes in a single direction, filing down the length of the nail. For rounded or pointed shapes, start by filing the outside edges and work your way towards the centre. Remember not to file past the tip of your finger to avoid injury or damage to the nail.
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