There are some really amazing things happening in the world of nail art these days, including stamping, embellishments, and more. One of the hottest trends for nails right now is marbling, something that looks much harder to accomplish than it actually is. Want to get that swirly, multi-colored, must-have design for your own fingers and toes? It’s easy if you know how to get started!
What is Marbling?
Nail marble art is a technique that involves blending many colors together for a unique swirl pattern design. Instead of painting a solid color and then altering it, marbling requires you to mix up some colors into a pattern without actually mixing them together and then applying your swirl pattern to your nails. Think of it as tie-dye for your nails, just without the overnight soak and a whole bunch of rubber bands.
What You Need
It’s important to have all your supplies and tools ready before you start the marbling process. The last thing you want to do is realize halfway through that you don’t have something you need. Use this checklist to gather everything together before you start.
- Base coat
- Top coat
- Several colors of nail polish you’d like to blend (keep them the same consistency and formula if possible)
- nail clippers, nail file, other nail-preparing tools
- a cup or small bowl about 90% full of water (don’t use a favorite bowl, as the process will probably stain and ruin it!)
- a toothpick
- nail polish remover
- cotton swabs
- a paper towel or cloth to place beneath your mixing project
To get started, first prep your nails as usual. Remove any nail color, trim and file nails to the desired length, and apply a base coat. Once it’s dry, you’re ready to begin! Make sure all the nail polish bottles are open and ready to go before you begin mixing!
Mixing Your Marble Design
In your bowl of water, add drops of the nail colors you’d like to use. Only add a couple of drops of each and space them out. The polish should float on top of the water and begin to spread. Use your toothpick to slowly blend them together. Don’t shake or mix them completely. Rather, drag the tip through the water creating a swirl pattern where each color remains distinct. You can swirl it in circles, create a zig-zag pattern or anything you want. Make it unique!
Creating Marble Nails
Now that you’ve got your mixture ready, you’ve got to dip your nails into it. There’s no painting here, since that would ruin the design. Instead, you’ll have to put your nails gently into the top of the bowl and let the color touch each one. You can do just the tips of the nails if you choose or submerge your entire nail. This technique works with false or press-on nails too! Just color them and let them dry before you apply them to your hands.
As the polish dries, use your cotton swabs and nail polish remover to clean up the excess from around your fingernails. It’s a messy process, but well worth it! Once finished, apply your top coat to seal in the polish and complete your new look.
References:
Oceasia. Focus on Marble Nail Art
WikiHow. Create a Marble Nail Effect Using Water
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