Create Newspaper Nail Art Without Alcohol: Easy Steps

Newspaper nail art is a fun, inexpensive, and easy way to create incredible-looking nails at home. While most nail art enthusiasts use alcohol to achieve this look, it is possible to create the same effect with plain water. This method involves painting your nails with a light shade of nail polish, such as white, light grey, nude, or light pink, and then using water to transfer the ink from a strip of newspaper onto your nails. The process is simple and can make your nails look terrific without the need for alcohol or vodka.

Prepare your nails by washing your hands and applying a base coat

Preparing your nails is an important first step in any manicure and will help to ensure that your nail art looks its best. Start by washing your hands with soap and warm water to remove any dirt, oil, or residue from your nails and skin. Dry your hands thoroughly—you don't want any moisture on your nails or cuticles, as this can affect the adhesion of the nail polish.

Once your hands are clean and dry, it's time to apply a base coat to your nails. A base coat is essential, as it helps to strengthen your nails, fill in any ridges or imperfections, and create a smooth surface for your nail polish to adhere to. It also helps to prevent staining and discolouration of your nails, which is especially important if you plan on using darker nail polishes or products that could leave stains, like newspaper ink. Choose a good-quality base coat that is designed to nourish and protect your nails, and apply a thin, even layer to each nail, waiting for it to dry completely before proceeding.

If you want to shape your nails, now is the time to do it. Use a nail clipper to trim your nails to your desired length, being careful not to cut them too short. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails, gently filing in one direction only to avoid weakening or damaging your nails. Smooth out any sharp edges and corners, and ensure that your nails are all relatively uniform in shape and length.

After shaping your nails, you may wish to apply a cuticle oil or cream to your cuticles and the surrounding skin. This will help to keep your cuticles healthy and hydrated, and it will also make your manicure look neater and more professional. Massage the product into your cuticles and nails, and then use a soft cloth or tissue to wipe away any excess, ensuring that your nails are completely free of oil or residue before proceeding.

With your nails prepared, you're now ready to start the nail art process. Remember to work carefully and patiently, and always allow each layer of polish to dry completely before adding another, to ensure that your design lasts as long as possible.

Paint your nails with a light-coloured nail polish

Painting your nails with light-coloured nail polish is an important step in creating newspaper nail art without alcohol. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this unique and trendy look:

Start by washing your hands with mild soap to remove any dirt, germs, or bacteria. Clean nails are essential for any nail art as it helps the polish adhere better and prevents contamination. Once your hands are clean, grab your favourite light-coloured nail polish. Shades like light grey, nude, light pink, or white are perfect for this purpose. You can also experiment with cream colours, which work exceptionally well with newspaper nail art.

Apply a thin base coat to your nails to protect them and enhance the colour. Let this base coat dry thoroughly. You can use a nail dryer or simply let it air-dry. Once the base coat is dry, it's time to apply the light-coloured nail polish. Paint your nails with smooth, even strokes, ensuring a creamy and non-shimmery finish. Apply two coats of the light-coloured polish, allowing each coat to dry before proceeding.

While your nails are drying, you can prepare the other materials needed for the next steps of the newspaper nail art. Cut small strips of newspaper, about 2" x 1" in size, ensuring they are slightly larger than your nails. Find a font or style in the newspaper that appeals to you, and make sure the strips are ink-side down. You can also experiment with other thin papers, such as sheet music or maps, for a unique twist on this nail art!

After your nails are completely dry, you are ready to apply the newspaper strips. If you want to achieve the look without alcohol, you can use water or mouthwash as an alternative. Simply dip a cotton swab or Q-tip in water and gently moisten your nails, or soak the newspaper strips in water before placing them on your nails. Place the design you want facing downwards directly on your nail and press firmly for about 10-30 seconds.

Slowly and carefully peel off the newspaper strip, and you'll be left with a trendy typographic design imprinted on your nails! Repeat this process for each nail, allowing them to dry for a few minutes before sealing the design with a top coat. The top coat is crucial, as it not only adds shine but also prevents the newspaper design from rubbing off.

Soak a newspaper strip in water

To create nail art with newspaper without alcohol, you will need to soak a strip of newspaper in water. The process is simple and can be done with just a few easy-to-find materials. Firstly, cut or rip the newspaper into strips that are slightly larger than your nails. The number of strips you will need depends on how many nails you plan to decorate. It is recommended to cut ten 2" x 1" strips, one for each nail.

Next, pour some water into a small bowl or jar. You will want to soak the newspaper strip in this water for a few seconds. Different sources recommend different soaking times, ranging from a few seconds to 30 seconds. Experiment to see what works best for you. While the strip of newspaper is soaking, you can prepare your nails. Paint your nails with a light-coloured nail polish, such as white, light grey, nude, or light pink. Allow the nail polish to dry until it is around 90% dry.

Once the newspaper strip is finished soaking, remove it from the water and gently place it on your nail, ink-side down. Press the strip onto your nail firmly for around 10-12 seconds. You can use a cotton bud or Q-tip to gently pat over the paper and ensure it is adhering to your nail. Make sure you do not move the paper once you have placed it on your nail.

Place the strip on your nail, ink-side down, and press firmly

To create nail art with newspaper without alcohol, you can use water. Start by painting your nails with a light shade of nail polish, such as light grey, nude, light pink, or white. Let the polish dry about 90% or leave it to air dry thoroughly. While your nails are drying, cut ten 2" x 1" strips of newspaper, one for each nail. If you want a cooler, more abstract design, you can use a foreign-language newspaper.

Now, here is the crucial step: place the strip on your nail, ink-side down, and press firmly. Make sure the strip is positioned correctly, as you don't want the transferring ink to be incomplete. Hold the strip in place for about 10 to 15 seconds. You can use a Q-tip or your finger to gently pat over the strip and ensure it stays damp.

After holding the strip in place for the recommended time, slowly peel off the strip to reveal the ink imprint. Repeat this process for each nail, allowing them to dry for about a minute or five minutes in total. Finally, seal your design with a top coat. The glossiness of the clear lacquer will enhance and intensify the lettering, creating a unique typographic effect.

Apply a top coat to seal the design and add shine

Applying a top coat is the final step in achieving the perfect newspaper nail art look. It is a crucial step in the process as it seals the design, ensuring that the ink does not smudge or rub off. Additionally, it adds shine and gloss to your nails, enhancing the overall appearance of your nail art.

When applying a top coat, it is essential to follow the correct procedure. Firstly, allow your nail polish colour to dry before applying the top coat. It is recommended to wait for at least two minutes after applying the final colour coat. This waiting period ensures that your varnish does not smudge when you apply the top coat.

The top coat itself should be applied in a single layer. It serves as a protective layer, safeguarding your nail colour against damage and prolonging its longevity. The top coat also enhances the shine of your nail polish, giving it a salon-like finish.

It is worth noting that the drying time for the top coat may vary depending on the product used. Quick-drying top coats, such as those containing Toluene, can dry faster and provide a thick and glossy finish. However, these types of top coats may require the occasional use of a nail polish thinner due to their faster drying properties.

By following these steps and applying a top coat correctly, you can seal in your creative newspaper nail art design while adding a touch of shine and gloss to your manicure.

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