how to apply nail decals: step by step guide

Applying nail decals is easy but the results can be dramatic enough to take your simple manicure to the next level.

First things first, prep your nails by making sure they’re cleansed of any oils or previous polish.

Pick the best size decal for the nail and remove the decal slowly and gently. Carefully remove the plastic and place it on your nail, smoothing out any bubbles.

Seal your design with a clear top coat to intensify the shine and add staying power. In just a few simple steps you’ll be on your way to a fabulous manicure sans costly salon visits.

Materials and Tools Needed

To use nail decals correctly, knowing what materials and tools you need is key. Here’s everything you need to know to make an impressive nail art design with decals. You’ll love the easy application process and beautiful, durable results!

Essential Supplies for Nail Decals

To start, get your basic materials and tools together. You’ll want a small bowl of water on hand for waterslide decals. This water is used to activate the decal and allows for easier decal transfer to your nails.

You’ll need your favorite nail polish and a good topcoat, such as Extreme Clear+ by Leafgel. This topcoat enhances the shine while ensuring the decals adhere tightly to wear well for long-lasting wear. To maximize durability, use two base coats.

Tools for Application Process

Second, think about the tools you’ll need to make the application sing.

Tweezers are often overlooked tools that are perfect for handling waterslide decals and nail stickers. They give you the precision and control during placement that you’ll need.

A silicone smoothing tool makes it easy to get a perfectly smooth finish. It works quickly and effectively to fill in any air pockets that might occur when applying nail stickers. This will help to ensure that your design looks polished and professional.

When you’re done, nail polish remover does a good job of taking off any wayward waterslide decals. We tested this on nail stickers, and acetone is able to quickly soak and lift them off your nails.

Understanding Decal Types

Take some time to learn about the decal options out there. Waterslide decals are the most common option for nail art because they are simple to apply. However, nail stickers usually provide an even simpler solution.

Use two coats of gel to set your waterslide decals. Join the 90% of users who say this is the best way to get started! Knowing the differences between the two will help you decide which is best to achieve the look you’re going for.

Preparation Steps Before Application

Before applying nail decals, preparing the canvas is key to getting the most out of nail art. These steps will help ensure that our decals look great and last for years to come. Here’s a list of practical steps to take before you apply.

Clean and Shape Your Nails

Start by making sure your nails are free of impurities and nicely filed. Gently remove with a non-acetone nail polish remover to remove any residue or oils.

Next, cut and file down your nails to the appropriate length and shape. An even surface helps the decals stick more securely and gives a more professional appearance. For instance, if you want the tip to be square, then file the edges square.

This advanced preparation helps ensure that we don’t just make the decals great looking, we make them last.

Choose and Cut Your Decals

Choosing the most appropriate decals is key to creating an impactful design. Pick out decals that match your aesthetic, whether that means detailed artwork or graphic statements.

Once you receive your decals, take out a pair of scissors. Cut them down to your own size so they fit your nails like a glove!

Wait a few seconds to soak the decals in a glass of water with tweezers. This short step, taking only a few seconds, activates the decals and makes them easier for application.

Prepare Your Workspace

Developing a tidy, creative workspace will help you as you begin to apply. Clear a flat surface and gather all necessary tools: your decals, tweezers, emery board, and a silicone tool.

To apply, when ready, just take one decal, remove it from the paper, and stick it on your nail, pressing it down according to its design.

With the silicone smoothing tool, smooth from one side, working your way across and pushing air bubbles out. This step is important to ensure everything is stuck down and there are no air bubbles or flaws.

Tip: To achieve the best looking results, be sure to only work on one nail at a time!

After application, trim any excess decal and use the emery board included to smooth it down. If you take good care of your decals, they should last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Select top-tier quality, and you add years of use to those projects!

Step-by-Step Guide

Using nail decals is an easy way to take your manicure to the next level. Our step-by-step application guide will help you make sure your decals are not only beautiful — they’re built to last!

1. Soak Decals in Water

To start, fill a small bowl with water. Submerge the nail decal in the water for 15 seconds. This process heats the adhesive on the decal, so it’s a little bit more pliable to work with.

Make sure your decal is good and wet, as this will make it slide off the backing without ripping.

2. Position Decals on Nails

Once the decal has soaked, gently lift the decal out of the water. Press it gently on your nail, careful not to press too hard.

To prevent your decals from sliding into each other, it’s recommended to only work on one or two nails at a time. When you’ve got the position the way you want it, use a silicone spatula to burnish it down.

This technique is safer than going the orange stick route, which can damage the decal.

3. Smooth Out Air Bubbles

For a picture perfect finish, ensure to press out any air bubbles as you go. For wide, narrow stickers like the Geo Pattern, start putting them down from the bottom edge.

Or you can go the other direction, right to left. This technique removes any air that may have become trapped, ensuring that the decal adheres smoothly and without defects.

4. Seal with Top Coat

Once the decals are installed, sealing them in should be priority number one. Apply at least two coats of a clear top coat over the whole nail and the stickers.

This important step seals the decals and increases their gloss. To increase durability, apply a gel or shellac top coat.

5. Drying Time and Care

Ensure nails are dry. If you want to wear it longer, add another clear top coat a couple days after.

This extra layer not only protects but maintains the decals, allowing them to continue to shine bright and fresh.

Related read: Learn how to shape round nails

Common Concerns and Solutions

Nail decal decals are a great way to take your manicure up a notch, but you might run into a few common concerns. Learning about these common concerns and how to remedy them can set you up for success with a picture-perfect finish.

Issues with Adhesion

A common complaint is that nail decals don’t adhere properly. This problem usually happens when trying to place decals on nail oil or dirt. For the best adhesion, always begin by wiping your nails down with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. This helps lift off oils and residues.

If the size of the decal is larger than the nail, the decal will not fit the contour of the nail. Tidy around the edges or select sizes that are more appropriate for your nails.

Seal that sucker! Finally, use a top coat to seal the decal so it can last even longer.

Safety Considerations for Nail Stickers

Safety is another key concern to address. Additionally, some nail decals are made with chemicals that can cause skin irritation. Be sure to read all product packaging and look for warnings.

If you have very sensitive skin or allergies, look for decals made from organic materials. Stop making children sick by ensuring that the decals are non-toxic. Seek out brands that are transparent about their products’ safety for use.

Test it out! First, try a patch test, applying a tiny piece to your skin. Remove the tape after 24 hours and observe the area for any signs of irritation.

How Long Do Nail Decals Last?

The lifespan of nail decals depends on several factors, including the quality of the decals and your daily activities. If you take good care of them, high-quality decals will last two weeks and longer.

To protect your filters and make them last longer, keep them away from extreme moisture and use gloves while doing household tasks. If you notice your decals beginning to peel, don’t wait!

Common concern: These probably just need a refresh with some new top coat.

Removal Techniques for Nail Decals

When it’s time to remove nail decals, gentle methods are most effective. Just soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover and hold it against the decal for 10-15 seconds. This evaporates the adhesive, so it allows it to be pulled off much more easily.

Avoid harsh yanking or tugging, because it may lift or break your real nails. If any residue is left, you can lightly buff it off with a nail file or another pass of remover.