Nail Polish Marbling

by Kyra Sanders

Use nail polish to create a marbled effect.

Supplies

  • Disposable container, large enough for cardstock
  • Water, about 1/2 inch of depth
  • Nail polish (several colors, any brand, any quality)
  • Stir stick (coffee stirrer used here)
  • Cardstock cut to size
  • Tweezers
  • Drying space
  • Paper towels
  • Disposable gloves (optional)
  • Other supplies as needed to complete the project (Stampin’ Up!® Beautiful You stamp set used here)

Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1

    Prepare a container for the technique, filling with about a 1/2 inch of water. Cut cardstock to size.

    Slowly pour nail polish over the surface of the water in the disposable container.

  2. Step 2

    Repeat Step 1 with additional colors.

  3. Step 3

    Use a craft stick or other stirrer to gently stir the polish for a swirly blend.

  4. Step 4

    Gently lay the cardstock over the surface of the water and tap lightly to ensure good contact with the polish.

  5. Step 5

    Lift out the cardstock.

  6. Lay it aside to dry.

  7. Step 6

    Use the beautifully marbled piece to complete a project.

    Some ideas include die cutting the marbled paper, using the paper to piece any image, or cutting it up in shapes and strips for your project.

Video!

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Nail Polish Marbling. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

***Please note - Internet Explorer/Edge is not a supported browser, and will not allow you to see the videos. Please use Chrome, Firefox or Safari to view our tutorial videos.

Questions and Comments

We'd love to get your feedback or questions. Leave your comment below.

OMGosh: I have to try this with all the old bottles of polish I have sitting around! Plus, I see polish at thrift stores and dollar stores all the time; will that work? Does the quality of the polish (price) matter?
Lady4Yeshua  |  Mon Jul 9, 2018 at 8:47 PM
Never mind my last question; I see you posted any kind would work. Lime green & purple - here I come!
Elizabeth Briggs  |  Mon Jul 9, 2018 at 8:49 PM
I found that you must not stir very much or your design will all be on the stick. Move the polish VERY lightly. Skim the used water with a piece of paper towel to remove remaining polish.
LeeLee  |  Wed Jul 18, 2018 at 4:03 PM
I had the same experience as Beverly Terry and Anna S. The polish created a film. A lot of the polish came out in droplets and sank to the bottom because it is so thick. I swirled very slowly but it still all clumped. The only thing that worked was some old cheap Tips & Toes that I got to paint my keys to tell them apart but i don't have the colors I need. I got a variety of cheap brands at CVS - only Wet and wild seems to work but even that one mostly came out in droplets that sank. Well that was a waste of money and time. I'll have to see if I can find that Tips & toes. And keep trying - its a net technique.
phyllis  |  Fri Jul 20, 2018 at 8:08 AM
If your water is too cold, the polish will be difficult to stir.
Leeleeb  |  Wed Feb 3, 2021 at 6:38 AM

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The Author

Kyra is a retired biologist who enjoys creating cards, teaching art and Bible journaling, and sharing therapy bunnies with those in need. She is also known to watch anything considered a sport.

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