Can You Paint Over Press On Nails? Yes

Press ons take regular nail polish, so you can change a colour, add a French tip or touch up a chip. A few steps make it last and come off cleanly.

Before you paint

1. Lightly buff the surface with a soft buffer. Glossy finishes don't grip polish well.
2. Wipe with a lint-free pad to remove dust.
3. Apply a base coat. It helps the polish grip and makes it easier to remove.

Painting

Use thin coats and let each one dry. Finish with a top coat and cap the free edge (run the brush along the tip) to help prevent chips.

Ideas worth trying

• Add a French tip over a nude set. Our French tip guide has shape ideas.
• Add an accent nail in a contrasting colour.
• Change the season: paint a red over a nude for December, then take it off in January.

Removing the polish

Use an acetone-free remover. Acetone can dull or soften the press on's finish and may loosen the glue while the nails are still on.

Or pick a set that's already done

Hand-painted designs, like our floral press on nails, take hours to recreate with polish. If you're painting to get a design, it may be quicker to start with one.

Shop

• Ballet Short Almond – $14.99 (a good base for DIY designs)
• Petal French – $39
• Browse all press on nails