I love false nails. As a special treat I’ll get acrylics done once or twice a year, but I find them expensive and they tend to wreck my nails. This is why I like to apply false nails at home.
I used to give myself a false nail manicure the hard way. I didn’t know how to paint false nails before applying them, because back when I was really into nails, you couldn’t easily get your hands on those little stands. That’s why this guide talk about nail stands but also offers up a way to do it without using a nail stand, so I guess it’s a bit more budget friendly (or handy if you can’t wait an extra day to Prime one to your door).
As a parent, and a writer, I find having long nails slows me down, so doing a DIY job of false nails seems like the easiest option. I don’t need them to stay on for more than a weekend so I like to go for adhesive tabs, but even if you use nail glue, you can soak them off.
I’ve found home painted false nails don’t really have much of a negative effect on my natural nail, but they look really glam when I go to any social events.
Pre-painted false nails are all well and good, but you can’t always buy the perfect shade for your outfit. That’s where painting your own false nails before applying comes in handy. I don’t think I’ll ever go back now I’ve figured out how to paint false nails before applying them, and even finding a way to reuse them!
The good news is, you can use transfers, foil, all kinds of nail art and your nails will be exactly how you want them,
Another bonus of painting false nails before sticking them on is you don’t have to deal with the age-old problem of one good hand. I’m right handed so my left hand looks professionally done, but my right always looks like it’s been painted by a friendly wolf. This isn’t usually the look I go for.
How to Paint False Nails Before Applying at Home
When it comes to painting false nails before applying them at home, you’re going to need a little tool kit.
You will need:
- False nails
- Chosen nail varnish colour(s)
- Cellotape
- Cotton buds
- Nail stand
Update: I wrote this post well before nail stands were so easy to get hold of. So if you don’t want to buy a nail stand, then the cotton bud and cellotape method still works. If you want the nails on a nice display stand like the one below, they’re actually really cheap. This one is £8.99 from Amazon. 
Choosing the right shape false nail
It’s much easier to paint a ready-shaped false nail, than to make any changes later. I chose a short stiletto nail, but there are loads out there. I bought mine on Amazon and got loads for only a small amount.
These are what I went with and found them to be pretty good.
You need to try the unpainted nails over your own to check you’ve got the right size. Once you’ve selected all ten, you can get to work.
The picture above shows what the package contains, it’s well worth it for £5.99!
Prepare the false nails ready to paint
This is where the cellotape and cotton buds come in. In order to paint false nails before applying them, you need to secure them to something!
Wrap the cellotape backwards around the top of the cotton bud so that the sticky side points outward.
From there, you should be able to press the false nail onto the sticky tape and it should hold well enough to be painted.
When you’ve secured the nail on the end of the cotton bud, your next step is to paint it.
Painting the false nails before applying them
Once you’ve given the nails a coat (or two) they should be ready to use. Just wait for them to dry fully.
If you’re creative and have a steady hand, you could also add nail art to a couple or all of the nails. I got some great nail art brushes from Poundland, so you don’t need to spend a lot if you’re going to dabble in nail art.
The nails say claim to be reusable, so if that’s what you’re planning, I’d invest in some sticky tabs to secure your nails rather than nail glue which will leave a residue. I got these adhesive nail tabs from Amazon, they were about £3.30 when I got them, I can’t imagine inflated has ravaged the price too much.
If you’re going to give this guide to painting false nails before you apply them at home, then please do let me know how you get on! I love it when people try out my tutorials!
interesting! I admire all the effort that goes into getting and keeping great nails
Looks good! X
Thanks – no wonder I always get it wrong – hopefully now it will be a breeze
I think if you are talented enough to do this then great, but I’m rubbish at even painting my nails so I just keep them short.
Lovely! thanks for sharing with us. The Barry M nail polish is gorgeous – love the shine it leaves. I don’t usually wear false nails, but have been thinking about it as my big 21st birthday party this year x
I had no idea you could buy sticky tabs for applying false nails. I’ve never worn false nails as I know I would be rubbish at gluing them on, but now I know about the sticky tabs I may give them a go.
This is,really useful thank uou xx
I wish I had the flair to apply these but they always look a hot mess when I do them! Must practice
I have used false nails a few times for special occasions, but being a guitarist I can’t use them regularly, this looks a great way to be able to do it more often. X
Some of these nails are quite stunning, wish I could wear false nails but sadly I am very clumsy and would end up ruining them
They look lovely- you do have to have a steady hand though . Mine would be so shaky!
Great advice must try it perfect painted false nails yay
I’m sending this link to my DiL as she loves doing her nails. Im not a big fan unless its for a special occasion. I am girly, well alpha girly LOL. I wear makeup daily. Just not.into my nails as long as they are clean and tidy
Wowsers! Showing this to my daughter who loves her falsies! Thanks
My mum is a huge user of false nails for convenience and also for the pretty designs. This is a great idea to help application.
Love the look of false nails but I’ve not got the patience to do it myself
I’ve always had acrylic nails but giving them a break so might have a go at false nails.
Great information – never had much success with false nails but always willing to learn new ideas
This is super helpful, thank you!
Love the polish!! Thanks for the post!
I’ve never been brave enough to have false nails but will give it a go now!
These look fab I love false nails but I’m not great with them
There are some fantastic tips here, thank you for sharing them!
I love false nails, my nails keep breaking, so I can have nice looking nails all the time
Great idea
My nails are awful. I bit them for years and when I decided to grow them, they were paper thin. I love to apply false nails for special occasions
Great post, I always struggle with nail shapes and sizes, but great idea to paint them before you apply .x
Wow great tips
Really informative- you learn something new everyday!
You make it look so easy lol will need to try this method, maybe won’t glue my fingers together lol
I have never thought of buying plain and painting myself! Much cheaper and probably better for your nails than acrylics x
I am the worst for ruining nails because I don’t have the patience to let them dry before doing stuff. Painting before applying is a great idea as I can paint them a couple days before and apply when I need. Thank you for this tip.
It’s quite nice if you like to do a bit on nail art too You can make a new set up when you’re feeling creative, then it’s ready to wear when you want to glam up!
Wonderful- this tactic will definitely be used !!
You don’t use a false nail stand? I have a magnetic set. Easier and less risk of cotton link in the polish.
Lint*