[Thumb]nail portraits - (laser etch your fingernails)

Step 7 Etch Press on Nails

Now that we've done fingernails, I like making things that other people would consider doing. So to make this instructable more accessible, I've also done it with press on nails:

Materials:
Press on nail kit
Double sided padded sticky tape.
and material list from step 1

You first need to paint the nails, this is slightly more difficult because these fingernails are not attached to a body. You can use the applicator from the kit to stick to the bottom of the nail and hold it temporarily as you fill out the nail. Apply two coats and let them dry fully.

Once you're ready to etch, the same instructions apply as in step 6 except this time instead of placing your hand into the laser engraver you should place a pad of double sided padded sticky tape on top of the temporary tape engraving, this helps the nail stay in place while the machine vibrates. When you send the file over the settings to use are 35% speed and 100% power. Two passes are necessary to get a nice clean etch.

Comments

[PearlZenith]

I agree with shushujoon. You could make mint selling nails like those.

Really neat instructable, too.

[shushujooon]

You should figure out how to capitalize on this. Do you have any idea how much women pay to have their nails painted? Now triple it for any kind of detailed drawing that doesn't even compare to what you're doing. You could probably get away with $50 for doing a set of press-on nails with the same image on all of them...plus the cost of the nail set. Think about it!