How-to // Graffiti Nails
As seen on the runway of Cascata Blu's 2013 Resort Collection fashion show
For this look, you will definitely need one white and one black nail polish. The coloured accents can be of your choice. For the Cascata Blu show, I went with colours of the rainbow in both neon and pastel. Also, It should go without saying: base and top coat. You want it to last right?
For the spray paint effect, you will need a craft sponge. They're available at all art stores, as well as most dollar stores. Any sponge will do so long as it's soft and full of air bubbles; those are what make nail polish look like paint splatter.
For this demo, I am going to show you the look on three fingers because no two tips should look alike. First, like any good manicure, you must prep the nail plate: file the tips, clean your cuticles, wipe with nail polish remover to eradicate any surface oils and finish with a thin layer of base coat. Follow this with two coats of white nail polish.
On a piece on tin foil (to prevent the polish from sinking through), pour your nail polishes into neat puddles. This will be the palette to dip your sponge in.
Softly dab your sponge into the first colour and, in random placement, press it lightly onto your nails. You may have to blot your sponge on the foil before the nail to remove some product.
When you have completed both hands with one colour, move onto the next and repeat this step. When you have completed both hands with all colours, toss your foil and grab your black nail polish.
This is one step that you may over-think. Try not to. As I mentioned before, it is supposed to look absentminded and uneven. When applying the black brush strokes, use very little polish. When you remove the brush from the mouth of the polish bottle, wipe most of it off on the side. Polishes are meant to be applied smoothly, but if you remove most of the polish from the brush, you get those great streaky lines that are both artistic and edgy. With a light hand, brush the polish onto the nail in all directions.
When the black brushes are complete, it's time to clean up the side walls. Using a sponge and a messy technique makes it impossible to avoid your skin. To remedy this, dip an angled make-up brush in nail polish remover and gently wipe to erase. Use this method for all of your manicure mistakes. It's my favourite "no-sweat" tip.
To finish it off, apply an even layer of top coat and don't forget the most important step: Patience! After all of that work and artistry DO NOT tend to your garden, or cook a meal. Relax. Let your nails dry for 25 min or the length of one episode of "Modern Family". You do have the time and your nails are worth it. Enjoy!
Would you give graffiti nails a try?