This article was co-authored by Marta Nagorska. Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.
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Painting your nails can prove messy if you don't prepare the skin around the nails to adequately protect it from the polish. If you're in a hurry or just not that coordinated when adding nail polish, one of the following methods may help in preventing the nail polish from ending up on your skin.
Steps
Using Elmer's glue
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1Find some liquid Elmers glue.[1]
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2Smear it around your nail. Place it directly on your skin, using a Q-tip.[2]Advertisement
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3Start painting your nails as usual. Use appropriate care, knowing however that small brush strokes onto the skin will be easy to remove.[3]
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4Peel off the glue after use. It will lift up any nail polish that went onto it. Dispose of appropriately.[4]
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5Get rid of any leftover glue as follows: Dip a napkin in water, and spread where the glue is still stuck to your skin. Doing this will make it easier to get rid of.[5]
Using Vaseline or petroleum jelly
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I cut my nails neatly, and without creating pointy bits?
Community AnswerOne way is to make short cuts and go around your whole nail. Another is to do one cut on the left, then the right, and then in the middle. Then, if there are still any points left, cut them until the nail is well rounded. Also, using a nail file to rub down the edges to finish it off neatly. -
QuestionHow can I take off nail polish when I don't have a remover?
Community AnswerIf you have clear nail polish, brush a thin coat on each nail and wipe it off before it dries. It should remove the nail polish underneath. -
QuestionWill any lip balm work instead of Vaseline?
Community AnswerYes, although lip balms with color will not work so well.
Things You'll Need
- Liquid Elmer's glue
- Napkin
- Water
- Vaseline or petroleum jelly
References
- ↑ https://www.today.com/video/how-elmer-s-glue-is-the-secret-to-a-perfect-manicure-770033731669
- ↑ https://www.today.com/video/how-elmer-s-glue-is-the-secret-to-a-perfect-manicure-770033731669
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a6317/nail-art-hacks/
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a6317/nail-art-hacks/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC8P7sb6XvQ
- ↑ https://stylecaster.com/beauty/nail-hacks/
- ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/beauty/a30544/vaseline-beauty-hacks/
- ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/beauty/a30544/vaseline-beauty-hacks/
About This Article
Nail polish can be messy, but you can use Elmer’s glue to keep the skin on your hands clean. Start by using a Q-tip to smear Elmer’s glue on the skin directly around your nails. Paint your nails as normal, then once they’re dry, peel off the glue from your fingers. Alternatively, you can use petroleum jelly to keep your hands clean. Simply spread it on the skin around your fingernails before painting. Once your nail polish is dry, wash your hands with soap and water to remove the petroleum jelly. To learn how to remove leftover dried glue from your skin with water, read on!
