When I apply nail polish, it seems to always chip within the next day or two-- And no, I'm not peeling it off. It seems I am constantly painting my nails, and I feel as if this is a waste of polish. Does anybody have any tips on how to keep it on longer?
Thank you!

I swear by two coats of polish, and a clear topcoat after the polish has dried. It lasts about a week for me, and I'm constantly working with my hands, putting them in water, etc.

I find that good nail polish lasts better than the cheap stuff; Manic Panic's Claw Colors work well for me, as well as OPI polishes.

Thank you... What do you use for a top coat?

If you have the means and a nail salon near you you can have your nails Shellacked. That brand is only sold to professionals thus far so you can only have it done in a salon.

I just had it done on my toes and the lady that did it swears they won't chip for a month. The only catch is that in order to get it off you have to go back to the salon and have it removed.

That and the fact that with a pedicure it cost me $50.

I will keep that in mind if I ever want to get a manicure... Thanks.

I agree with the two coats theory. Works well for me too! But if you want it to last you can try putting THREE realy thin coats on. Is quite effective...

I've actually noticed something else that helps my polish stay in place when I do my own. Try using nail polish remover or alcohol on your nails before you put your first coat on. It helps get the oils off your nails and gets the polish to adhere better.

I notice when I don't do this my polish doesn't just chip, but literally peels off like cheap wallpaper.

~spidey

I have noticed I can also get that problem if there is too much polish accumulation on my nails.

I agree with the two-coats and a top coat method, I use it as well, and I, too, have noticed that varnish tends to stay a little better if I prime the nail with remover, first. Also, always make sure hands and nails are clean, first. and filed evenly. For a while, I also tried buffing my nails first, but the difference in staying-power is about a day longer, at best two.

Using a base coat can help a lot, too. Orly has a decent selection if you want salon quality; Tough Stuff base and topcoat by Jordana is cheap but just as effective in my experience.

For topcoats I've heard Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in the clear red bottle is a winner, though I personally haven't tried it yet.

Any tips for guys who are *just* getting into doing their nails? I'm at that point where I'm finally past the cultural programming of "make up and nail polish on men = GAY", but would like not to look like a chump when it comes to applying this stuff.

Sooo, how long do you wait between coats?

I wait till I touch it and it feels dry, after I finish, I wait 20 minutes so everything sets and dries properly, then I get a bowl of very cold water and dip my nails in for a few seconds, then leave to dry off. It hardens the polish, (somehow, dunno how it works, but it does for me.)

I echo the using nail polish remover before starting, I know by how dirty my cotton wool pads get while cleaning them that my nails need a good scrubbing. I also file my nails with a crystal file to seal the edges before I paint my nails, and when I do my last coat of colour I flick the brush along the edge of my nails to seal the colour, and again when I do a top coat.

I use a base, two coats of color (three if its thin), and then a top coat. I've had a really good experience with Wet 'n' Wild Fast Dry. I've been wearing their Teal of Fortune for over a week now with no chips.

I'm new to the art of nail painting, and I was looking for some tips, like making it last as long as possible. My fingernails are very smooth and perfect (not to brag), and I don't really want to get rid of its look once the paint is gone. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

I remember this from long ago, insofar as nail polish remover. If it smells like alcohol it will drive you to drink (it sucks) but if it smells like bananas it is likely to work quite well.