How to Create Stained Glass Nails

Layer sheer colored polishes over black grid lines to mimic stained glass windows.

1. Create the base grid. Apply base coat, then your lightest sheer polish as the foundation. Once dry, use black nail art polish or a thin brush to draw intersecting lines across each nail, creating irregular geometric shapes like window panes.
2. Fill the sections. Choose 3-4 sheer or jelly polishes in jewel tones. Fill each geometric section with a different color, staying within the black lines. Work one nail at a time to prevent smudging.
3. Build the glass effect. Add a second coat of each color to intensify the translucent effect. The colors should be vibrant but still allow light to show through, mimicking real stained glass.
4. Seal and finish. Apply top coat over everything to smooth the surface and add shine. The black lines should remain defined while the colored sections blend slightly at edges for an authentic glass look.