Here is a step by step tutorial on how to do an ocean nail design with gel polish. Ocean nails can be done in so many different ways and you can also change this DIY ocean nail up a bit to make it your own!

These DIY nails are perfect for beginners who want a bit of a challenge. You can even add some rose gold glitter accents for nails or waterslide nail decals to take the ocean theme up a notch.

Creating these ocean inspired nails is easier than you think! With this step by step tutorial, you'll be able to create your own ocean nails in no time.

To make this ocean nail art, take the time to smooth each layer before going onto the next one. Once you're happy with the way your nails look, apply the top coats, cure and you're done!

Ocean Nail Design Tutorial

Supplies For Ocean Nails

For this tutorial you will need gel polish. Venalisa is a top selling brand that has really great sets with lots of colors.

Venalisa Gel Polish Store

UV/LED lamp

A lamp is required for the curing process. If you have not used gel polish before and need a cure light, we have an article for the best cure lights for gel polish if you are just getting started with gels.

Fine line nail art brushes

Full cover nail tips in your choice of shape. For this ocean inspired nail tutorial, you can go with long or short nails.

Base coat, glossy and matte no wipe top coat

Instructions: Ocean Nail Design

Step 1

Set aside the right sizes of full coverage nail tips for your fingers and have them ready for your manicure. That way you are not searching for the nails while you are in the middle of making the ocean nails.

Or if you are using this nail art tutorial for an idea for your press on nail business, you already know how important it is to have nail art supplies organized.

Step 2

With a 180 grit nail file, buff off the shine from each nail tip. Make sure all of the shine is buffed off of the nails. If there are shiny parts left on the nail it can cause lifting.

If you know how to use an efile for nails, you can use that to buff off the shine.

Also a bonder for nails will work for this step as well. There are bonders that are made specifically for jelly nail tips.

Step 3

With a lint free wipe for nails, remove all of the dust from the nail tip. Use a bit of isopropyl alcohol for this step to make sure that there is no dust left on the nail.

Let the nail tip dry completely before going onto the next step.

Step 4

Apply one thin coat of the base coat making sure the whole nail is covered as well as the tip of the nail. Cure for 30 seconds.

It's very important that the base coat is a thin and even layer. If it's applied too thick, the whole design could peel off. Also when capping the nail, do not use too much or your edge will not have a crisp line.

Step 5

Take your blue color of choice and apply it to each nail. Cure for 30 seconds. Apply a second coat if needed.

Step 6

Choose the accent nails. Using a light brown or taupe color, paint the nail about half way down. The lines do not need to be perfect because it is supposed to look like sand. Cure for 30 seconds.

Step 7

Apply a golden color over top of the sand color. This is to make it looks like the sun is reflecting down on the sand. The best way to apply this layer is with an ombre brush so that you don't completely cover the sand layer. 

Once you have it how you like it, cure for 30 seconds.

Step 8

Paint on the crab and starfish with the colors of your choice. If you do not want to paint it on, you can also use ocean inspired nail art stickers like these ones here on Etsy.

Ocean nail art stickers on Etsy

Step 9

Apply a no wipe matte top coat. Try your best to make sure that the matte top coat is applied in a light layer.

Is there anything more gorgeous than an ocean inspired nail? These nails would look absolutely stunning for your vacation or just to say hello to summer.

If you would like to support our nail blog, feel free to share this ocean nail tutorial on your social media or link back to this article from your own blogs and websites.

You can even share on your Facebook groups if it's allowed. We would really appreciate that :)

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