Noah Sinclair
Newspaper nails are a fun, budget-friendly way to add some personality to your look. All you need is some newspaper, rubbing alcohol, clear nail polish, and a base coat to create this trendy look. You can use nail polish remover to clean up the edges as the text can get messy. You can also use nail polish remover to remove the newspaper print from your nails. However, do not use nail polish remover to remove the ink from your nails, as this will also remove the nail polish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail Polish Colour | Light grey, nude, light pink, light/pastel, white, beige |
| Newspaper | Any newspaper, foreign-language paper, magazine, comics, maps |
| Other Materials | Rubbing alcohol, water, nail polish remover, cotton buds, clear nail polish, base coat, top coat |
| Process | Wash hands, apply base coat, paint nails, apply rubbing alcohol, overlay newspaper strip, apply light pressure, peel off newspaper, apply top coat |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails
To prepare your nails for a newspaper design, start by washing your hands with mild soap and water. This will get rid of any germs, bacteria, and dirt. Next, trim and file your nails to your desired length and shape. Then, apply a solid base coat to protect your nails and make the colour show up better. You can skip this step if you prefer the newspaper design on its own, but make sure your nails are completely dry if you choose to apply a base coat.
For the base colour, paint your nails with a light-coloured nail polish in shades such as white, beige, grey, nude, or light pink. This light base colour will ensure that the newspaper print shows up clearly. Allow your nails to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step. While your nails are drying, you can prepare the other materials you will need, such as cutting the newspaper into strips that will fit your nails.
It is important to note that you should not use nail polish remover on your nails during the preparation process, as this will remove the nail polish and ruin your work. However, you can use nail polish remover with a cotton bud to clean up any mess around your nails once you have finished the design.
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Apply a base coat
Applying a base coat is an important step in achieving the trendy and unique look of DIY newspaper nails. Not only does it protect your nails, but it also makes the colour show up better. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying a base coat for newspaper nails:
Start by washing your hands with mild soap to ensure your hands and nails are clean and free of any dirt, germs, or bacteria. This step creates a clean base for your nail art and helps the base coat adhere better.
Once your hands are clean and dry, it's time to apply the base coat. Choose a solid base coat in a light colour, such as white, beige, light grey, nude, or light pink. Apply the base coat in broad, even strokes, ensuring a thin and consistent layer across your nails. Allow the base coat to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step. It is crucial to be patient at this stage, as applying the newspaper technique on wet nails can ruin your manicure.
Some people prefer to use a plain white base coat, as it makes the newspaper print stand out more clearly. However, feel free to experiment with other light or pastel colours. Just avoid using dark colours, as the words from the newspaper might not show up well against a dark background.
After applying the base coat, you will move on to the next steps of creating DIY newspaper nails, such as applying the light-coloured nail polish and transferring the ink from the newspaper onto your nails using rubbing alcohol. Remember to work with one nail at a time and always ensure your nails are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
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Paint your nails
To start creating your newspaper nails, you'll need to paint your nails with a light-coloured nail polish. Light grey, nude, light pink, white, and beige are all good options. This base colour will allow the newspaper print to show up clearly. You can apply one or two coats of nail polish, but make sure to let it dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
It's important to note that the nail polish should be a light to medium shade with a creamy, non-shimmery texture. This will ensure that the newspaper print stands out and looks clear. While your nails are drying, you can prepare the other materials you'll need, such as the newspaper and rubbing alcohol.
Once your nails are completely dry, you can begin the process of transferring the newspaper print. Cut or rip the newspaper into strips that are slightly larger than your nails. You'll need ten strips, one for each nail. Make sure the newspaper is double-sided, with text or images on both sides, so that the print transfers properly.
Now, you'll need to dampen the newspaper strips with rubbing alcohol. You can do this by dipping the strips into a small bowl of rubbing alcohol or by using an alcohol-dampened paper towel. The alcohol will help transfer the ink from the newspaper onto your nails.
After dampening a strip, overlay it directly onto your nail bed, making sure the ink side is facing down. Gently press and hold the newspaper strip onto your nail for about 10 seconds. Then, slowly peel off the strip to reveal the ink imprint on your nail. Repeat this process for each nail.
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Apply rubbing alcohol
To create newspaper nails, you will need rubbing alcohol, a container, a light nail polish, and a clear coat. You can use any light or pastel colour, but avoid dark colours as the words from the newspaper won't show up.
Before you begin, make sure your nails are completely dry. Fill your container with enough rubbing alcohol to be able to soak your nail in it. You can use 91% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol, but 70% works just as well.
Now, dip your nail into the rubbing alcohol and let it soak for about 10 seconds. Quickly place a newspaper piece onto your nail before the alcohol dries. Squeeze your finger with the newspaper on it. To ensure the words are transferred to both sides of the nail and not just the middle, rock your thumb and pointer finger back and forth.
Another tip is to dip your thumb that you will be using to squeeze into the rubbing alcohol to prevent the paper from tearing when you hold and rock it.
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Apply the newspaper
Now that your nails are dry, it's time to apply the newspaper. Cut ten strips of newspaper, each measuring 2" by 1". Make sure the strips are big enough to cover your nails. You can also just rip the newspaper into pieces—the shape doesn't have to fit your nails exactly. Ensure that the strips are ink-side down.
Next, dip one of your nails into the rubbing alcohol or use a cotton bud to apply it to your nail. Alternatively, dip the newspaper strip into the alcohol and shake it out. Then, overlay the strip directly onto your nail bed. If you're using your finger, squeeze your thumb onto the nail with the newspaper on it. Dip your thumb into the rubbing alcohol first to prevent the paper from tearing. Rock your thumb and pointer finger back and forth to transfer the words onto both sides of the nail.
After 10 seconds, slowly peel off the newspaper. You'll see the ink imprint on your nail. Repeat this process for each nail.
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