How to Make Newspaper Nails

Co-authored by Lindsay Yoshitomi

Last Updated: February 15, 2024 Approved

Nail art might seem difficult but it's not and you can create some incredible effects yourself at home. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make newspaper nails, which gives new meaning to having the latest information at your fingertips!

Steps

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These are listed below under "Things You'll Need."
This will wash off any germs or bacteria on your hands and nails while also cleaning off any dirt.

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This is optional, but it makes the color show up better and protects it. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly.^{[1]
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Paint your nails in a light grey, nude, or light pink nail polish color. Let it dry thoroughly before doing the next step.^{[2]
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Take a small piece of newspaper. Press it firmly on your nail for a few seconds.^{[4]
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You'll find that the ink from the newspaper will be left behind.
Get a cotton bud and some nail polish remover to remove any excess nail polish that has gotten onto your fingers. Do not touch your nails with the nail polish remover, or your work will come off.^{[5]
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Apply a topcoat to your nails. This is needed because without it, the newspaper will rub off. It also gives your nail some extra shine. Enjoy!^{[6]
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- If you want your nails to be long and healthy, avoid putting stress on your nails. It can lead to breakage.
- Do not damage your nails by picking off gel polish instead of properly soaking it.
- Invest in nail care products. For example, Sally Hansen's Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil helps hydrate cuticles and nails. It helps to strengthen them and repair any damage.

Community Q&A

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Question

Can I do this without alcohol?

Community Answer

Yes. You can use water instead, but it leaves a lighter lettering on the nail. For a more intense lettering, use alcohol.

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Question

Are they hard to remove?

Community Answer

No, they are not hard to remove. You can remove them with regular nail polish remover.

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Question

Should I cut the newspaper into ten (10) parts?

Community Answer

That can be easier to work with, yes. You don't have to cut it though, you can just rip it into pieces if you like. The shape doesn't have to fit your nails.

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Tips

You can also use sheet music instead of newspaper.

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You can use a map as well. For example, the NYC train map looks really quirky and hot on nails!

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You could use mouthwash as an alternative to rubbing alcohol.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you get a large picture and cut it into small pieces that are the size of your nail or bigger, and use that instead of newspaper, it turns out really cool because when you put your finger nails together it will look like a picture!
You can also print out words on a piece of printer paper, so you can choose which ones are on your nails. If you print them backwards, they will come out forwards in your nails.
If you want a cool, kind of messy look, you can repeat this multiple times, changing the angle of the newspaper each time.

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Warnings

Be careful, and consider doing your nails over a newspaper, sink, or even a towel.

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Press the newspaper firmly onto your nail; otherwise, the transferring ink will be incomplete on your nails.

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Fingernail polish remover will not work in place of alcohol, but it has been used in a different version for newspaper nails.

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