- 1). Remove all traces of old nail polish using a cotton ball and nail polish remover. Use a dry washcloth or paper towel to dry them after. You can also use warm, soapy water, but it may take longer -- and some scrubbing. The nail polish can stick to your fingernail instead of the oils on top of it.
- 2). Apply a base coat. It brightens the color and helps keep your nails from looking yellowish.
- 3). Apply each layer of nail polish in a thin, smooth layer. Thicker layers clump together and peel or chip much quicker. When applying the polish, start at the base of the nail and paint upward and curl it around the tip of your nail to create a barrier on the edge, decreasing the chances of chipping.
- 4). Apply a top clear coat. It not only gives you an extra coat for added protection, but also makes the color stand out more, making it bright and glossy.
- 5). Apply lotion or some type of moisturizer to your hands when dry. Dry hands increase the chance your nail polish will chip. Avoid using your fingers to peel apart packages, open soda cans or to scrape surfaces.