Marbling is an intermediate nail art skill that takes a little bit of practice. However, if you are able to master this technique, you will also gain skill in related areas such as colour theory. Not only will you have a steadier hand while using freehand design techniques, but you will also have a more acute sense of colour relationships.

Since this is an “abstract” technique, you will be afforded a great deal of freedom in choosing how your design will turn out. This is a creative process of discovery. The only strict rule is that you must perform each of the following steps as fast as possible. Fail to do this and your design will harden before you can even finish it.

Try to find a thin nail polish for use in this technique. For the best results, practice using a few different brands and see which one works the best. A little research and development won’t hurt!


Things You’ll Need: Nail polish (pink, white, black), base coat, top coat, needle or brush, dotting tool, rhinestones or Swarovski crystals.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Technique: Marbling


Step 1 – First, it is important to apply a thick layer of base coat to the clients nail. We’ll only be working with one nail at a time, otherwise there won’t be enough time to complete the design before the polish dries out.


Step 2 – Now apply a thick layer of black polish right on top of the base coat. Make sure to do this before the base coat has dried.


Step 3 – You are now ready to drop a single drop of white nail polish on top of your layer of black polish. If you intend to make more than one flower, you will need to apply multiple drops of white polish. However, when you are practising for the first time, I recommend just working with a single flower.


Step 4 – On top of this newly formed white dot, place an even smaller dot of pink polish in a bull’s-eye formation.


Step 5 – Taking great care, use a needle to manipulate the shape of the design by scraping the polish from the outer edge of the circle towards the centre. Make sure that you do not actually touch the surface of the nail. You should be only touching the polish itself.


Step 6 – Repeat this process several times from different angles, making sure to always move from the outside towards the middle only. Make sure that you create evenly sized petals using this technique. For now, it will be easiest to limit the number of petals to three or four.


Step 7 – Now you can begin to embellish your design using a doting tool. Place several white dots in the spaces in between the flowers. You can also put in horizontal lines or symbols if your client prefers.


Step 8 – In order to give this design an elegant final touch, you can add small Swarovski rhinestones to the centres of each completed flower. If you prefer, you can substitute generic rhinestones or pearls for the Swarovski crystals. Before moving on, allow the entire design to dry completely.


Step 9– The last step is to apply a final layer of top coat over the completed design.

You’re done!


This technique can prove to be a little tricky for beginners. But don’t worry! It’s normal for it to take a few valiant attempts before you are able to master it. Hopefully, you’ll at least find the process a little easier since you have my instructions to guide you!

By Una Pecatti,
"Viva La Nails"
Professional Supplies for Nail Technicians | Nail Art Products