Indiana PSI Nail Technician Practice Test

Which action is NOT performed when polishing fingernails?

1. Brush towards eponychium

2. Thick coats applied

3. Even strokes

4. Apply two coats of color

The correct answer is: Thick coats applied

In nail care, when polishing fingernails, it is essential to apply polish in a manner that ensures longevity, even coverage, and a professional appearance. One of the key practices is to apply thin, even coats of polish rather than thick coats. Thick applications can lead to smudging, uneven drying, and chipping, ultimately affecting the polish's appearance and durability. Applying two coats of color is a standard practice in nail polishing to achieve an opaque look and enhance the overall color vibrancy. Using even strokes helps distribute the polish uniformly, while brushing towards the eponychium, which means the cuticle area, is a technique employed to create a smooth and neat finish. Each of these actions contributes to a professional and aesthetically pleasing result. In contrast, thick coats undermine the quality of the manicure and do not adhere to best practices in nail technology. This makes it clear why not performing thick coats is the appropriate action in the context of polishing fingernails.