One of my favorite markers of summer is just a few days away – the Fourth of July! Last year I tried my hand at a festive Fourth of July nail art design at home and I think it turned out pretty well.
I didn’t use any special nail art tools, although I did use a toothpick to make the points on the stars on my thumb.
To make the stars, just place a round dot of nail polish as the center. Then use a toothpick to “pull” some of the nail polish from the center out into points by dragging the end of the toothpick from the center of the dot, away and out.
Do this 5 times to make a 5-pointed star.
What can I use as tools for DIY Nail Art?
While most professionals will have a specialized nail art brush set with a dotting tool or an all-in-one nail art tool kit on hand, it isn’t absolutely necessary to have.
The great thing about nail art is that you can use all sorts of items you already have lying around your house to help make the designs on your nails.
While some nail polish designed especially for nail art comes with customized brushes, one tool really isn’t enough and you’ll find you will have a favorite for doing certain things.
- Toothpicks
- Cheesecloth
- Sponge
- Paper Towels
- Tape
- Needles or pins
- Pencils
- Q-Tips
- Straws
- Tweezers
- Stamps
- Thin tipped paint brush
PSSSTTTT – stock up on the LA Colors Art Deco polishes – they have a super thin brush that make it a lot easier to do design work!
Can I use acrylic paint for nail art?
Yes, you absolutely can use acrylic paint for DIY nail art. As a matter of fact, it’s actually the preferred type of paint to use for many professional nail artists.
It’s so easy to mix acrylic paint to get just the right colors. Since acrylic paint is water-based, it is much easier to clean up with just water (as long as it hasn’t dried yet).
Our favorite acrylic paint for nails is this tube set with 24 colors.
Can I put clear nail polish over acrylic paint?
Yes, you can place clear nail polish over your acrylic nail art designs. Just be sure it is completely dry first and try not to apply too much pressure.
As usual, it is always best to do two thin layers of nail polish, rather than one thick layer.
Favorite DIY Fourth of July Nail Art Ideas
This year I’ve been inspired thanks to Pinterest and these awesome 4th of July Nail Art ideas.
This is one of my favorite looks because it’s festive but wont look outdated post celebrations. Plus, Southern Sister Polish walks you through how to layer your polish to get this look.
I like the use of silver and gold in this design instead of white. It’s patriotic with an Iron Man or Wonder Woman feel – and you know how much I love my Iron Man.
To be honest this look is probably where my nail painting skills are at. It’s very easily done with a few stickers and red, white and blue polish.
This is another look I could probably pull off on my own too. I love how simple it is.
I love that this Fourth of July nail art design includes EVERYTHING Fourth of July related including fireworks.
I’d never be able to do those words on my right hand though – she must be left handed! Remember to save anything complicated like words or intricate designs for your non-dominate hand seeing as you’ll need your dominant hand (or a friend) to make those designs.
Oh those are all so adorable. I don’t do my finger nails but want to do one of those styles on my toes!
I am HORRIBLE at doing my own nails, but I will have to show my niece. She is obsessed with nail art.
I really like the Nautical Nails but a close second is the Patriotic Nails with the glitter polish. So cute.
These all look great. I wish I was steady enough to do these myself.
Cute nail art. I know my 12 year old daughter would love to do these designs for her nails.