DIY Professional Looking Manicures and Fingernail Art

Step 5 Paint The Nails

[[br]]
After letting the base coat dry a few minutes, apply the desired nail color, mixed well, with the five-stroke method. You may choose to use a nude or natural color as flaws will not show.

An important tip - use your less dominant hand to brush your dominant hand first. Your dominant hand will be steadier longer for a neat job for the second hand. Apply a 2nd or even 3rd coat as required to get a smooth consistent coat. Do each finger sequentially and then each nail will be dry by the time you apply the next coat.

Once finished applying the color coats, use a small paintbrush dipped in the nail polish remover to stroke remove any "ooops" color on the skin. This makes for a very neat and professional effect. If you are not intending nail art this time, skip ahead to Step 7.
[[br]]

Comments

[mponceloz]

can you explain a little further what is the five strokes method, I apply my nail polish with 3

[arcticpenguin]

If your brush is wide enough or nails are narrow enough 3 strokes may work well. I call the strokes in order center; left edge; right edge; left of center; right of center. The last two strokes help blend the center and edge stoke. Using 5 strokes lets you concentrate on the outer edge knowing the 4th and 5th stroke will blend evenly. Time should be kept short as possible so each full stroke does not dry much between strokes. I've just posted the thumbs of latest ones. Teal blue with offset orange/red flower and 3 red burst stripes.