Step by Step Nail Foils Tutorial

You will need a nail foil; I've chosen one with a pretty flower pattern.

Nail Foil Glue or Adhesive; this particular one was purchased cheaply on EBay.

A cotton bud or orange stick to rub the foil and transfer the image to the nail after the nail foil glue has been applied and is dry.

This is the base colour I am using on my nails today. It is Sinful Colors "Exotic Green".

Apply the Nail Foil Glue to the nail in a single layer. It applies white and turns clear when it is dry. When dry it will be very tacky so make sure to keep items away from the nail or they will stick to it.

It is best to apply foils one nail at a time from start to finish.

Once the Nail Foil Glue turns clear, place the nail foil on top of the nail. It will stick to the nail at one spot.

Using either a cotton bud or orange stick, rub on the foil from that spot outwards and all over the nail so that the foil sticks to all areas of the nail.

As you continue rubbing the foil onto the nail, you will notice the plastic lifting from the nail and the pattern transferring to the nail.

A good nail foil will transfer completely and the plastic sheet should come away from the nail cleanly and completely.

This is the result.

Here the nail foils on the nails aren't sealed with top coat yet. You will notice that some nail foil goes beyond the nail or there are some residual bits of foil. This can be tidied up by using the pointy end of an orange stick. You can also use a cotton bud dipped in a little nail polish remover to clean the foil from around the nail.

The nail foil is very delicate and is easily dissolved by nail polish remover.

If you order a Nail Foil Kit from EBay, it will come with Nail Foils, Nail Foil Glue and a bottle of Clear Top Coat. This top coat is specifically designed for nail foils especially the metallic shiny ones because it causes minimal change to the foil.

Note : If using a nail foil that is completely metallic, top coats usually make the surface of the foil crinkle. A water soluble top coat is advised but the drying time of such a top coat is very long too.

I apply the supplied top coat that comes with the kit and when it is dry, I add a second layer of clear top coat of a brand of my choosing.

Some nails with nail foils.

After clear top coat has been applied to the nail foil.

Note: Don't expect a mani with nail foils to last a long time. The nature of the nail foil means that it can be easily scratched off despite a layer of top coat. So with such a mani, I would avoid rummaging in my cluttered handbag for car keys. LOL !!!

Despite this, nail foils give a pretty and unique nail look which will attract many compliments. It is good for a special occasion or just for a change :).

Completed Nail Foil Mani for today