Application of Nail Polish

For a smooth polish application, hold the brush with the thumb and index finger and steady your hand with your little finger. Apply the polish quickly with long, light, even strokes. Make sure there is enough enamel on the brush so that it will flow freely from the base to the tip of each nail, but be careful not to overload the brush.

Procedure

Always apply nail polish lightly and quickly using long sweeping strokes. Follow the given procedure:

  1. First brush the centre of the nail from the base to the tip.

  2. Stroke around the base of the nail, close to it but not touching the skin, and down one side of the nail.

  3. Stroke down the other side of the nail.

  4. Wipe across the tip of the polished nail with your thumb or with a tissue wrapped around your index finger to create a hairline unpolished area. This helps to prevent chipping of the enamel.

  5. When the first coat of polish is dry to the touch, apply a second coat.

  6. Apply a top-coat sealer over the nail plate and under the tip of the free edge. The top coat must be applied quickly and lightly because it dries rapidly.

Precautions to be observed in nail polish application

There are certain precautions that you should always keep in mind while applying nail polish for a neat look.

  1. Be sure the consistency of the polish is thin enough to flow evenly and smoothly. If the polish is too thick, add 2 or 3 drops of polish solvent several hours before using it, to ensure even thinning.

  2. Apply polish quickly in long even strokes for a smooth application.

  3. Avoid dabbing. This thickens the application and will cause the surface of the nails to be bumpy rather than smooth.

  4. Remove all traces of polish from the skin with a cotton-tipped orange wood stick dipped in polish remover rather than smoothening it with the finger or thumb.

  5. Be sure each coat of polish is dry to touch before applying another coat. If polish is not completely dry, it will partially dissolve the earlier coat, leaving irregular bumpy areas.

  6. Dry the polish naturally. Heat causes bubbles to appear, and thus the polish will be uneven.

  7. Avoid thick applications of polish, because thick coats peel easily.