Newspaper Nail Art Instruction

Newspaper Nail Art Instruction Who knew that rubbing alcohol and newspapers could give your tips and toes a typographic edge? This is the complete how-to.

What You’ll require:

Base and Top Coat (Duri and Seche Vite are our choices)
‘Khaki Vert’ Chanel Vernis Polish (from the Les Khakis De Chanel-Fall 2010 Collection)
Any newspaper will do—for an even more abstract design, try using one in another language!
Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 70% or 91%

Step 1:

COLOR AND BASE COAT

Apply a thin coating of your preferred base coat using wide, smooth strokes. Next, use two coats of light to medium-colored polish of your choice. For optimal effects, go for a creamy, non-shimmery texture.

Step 2:

Get the newspaper ready

Find any newspaper you have lying around (or achieve an abstract, cooler design by using a foreign-language paper!) and use it while your nails are curing. Ten 2″ x 1″ strips should be cut, one for each nail, and put aside.

Step 3:

USE THE NEWSPAPER APP

Once your nails are totally dried, only then should you start applying the newspaper. Use your finger to dab rubbing alcohol over the nail bed, or submerge the entire nail in a tiny dish of rubbing alcohol. Although we use 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, 70% will do the trick as well. After that, brush off one newspaper strip that has been dipped in your tiny bowl of alcohol. Don’t move as you immediately place that newspaper strip over the nail bed! As most newspapers are double-sided in any case, make sure the strip is oriented with the ink side facing down. Using a paper towel soaked in alcohol, lightly press the nail, creating the impression of a temporary tattoo. You may see the ink imprint when you carefully peel off the strip after 10 complete seconds. For every nail, repeat this procedure.

Step 4:

TOP COAT

After letting nails dry for a full five minutes, apply your preferred top coat to finish the look. The letters will be enhanced and intensified by the clear lacquer’s glossiness, creating a totally unique typographic look!

Supplies Needed

Light-colored nail polish (white, light grey, or pastel shades work best)
Clear top coat
Newspaper pieces (cut into small squares slightly larger than your nails)
Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol works well)
Small dish or bowl
Cotton swabs
Tweezers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Nails: Start by cleaning your nails to remove any old polish, dirt, and oils. Shape your nails and push back your cuticles for a clean look.
Apply Base Color: Paint your nails with a light-colored nail polish. This will serve as the background for the newspaper print. Apply two coats for an opaque finish, and let it dry completely.
Cut Newspaper Pieces: While your base color is drying, cut small squares of newspaper. Ensure the text on the newspaper is readable and fits well on your nails.
Dip in Alcohol: Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into a dish or bowl. Once your nails are completely dry, dip one of your nails into the alcohol for about 10 seconds. This step is crucial as it helps transfer the ink from the newspaper to your nail.
Apply Newspaper: Using tweezers, pick up a piece of the pre-cut newspaper and press it onto your alcohol-soaked nail. Hold it firmly in place for about 10-15 seconds, making sure not to move it to avoid smudging.
Remove Newspaper: Gently peel off the newspaper. You should see the text transferred onto your nail. If some of the text didn’t transfer completely, you can repeat the process on the same nail.
Seal the Design: Once all your nails have the newspaper print, let them dry for a few minutes. Then, apply a clear top coat to seal the design and add a glossy finish. This also helps protect the print from chipping.
Clean Up: Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any excess polish or ink around your nails.

Tips for Best Results Newspaper Nail Art Instruction

Ensure your base coat is completely dry before applying the newspaper.
Use small text pieces for a more detailed look.
Avoid using glossy newspaper sections as the ink may not transfer well.

Newspaper nail art is a creative and eye-catching way to decorate your nails. With a bit of practice, you can perfect this technique and show off your stylish, printed nails.