Make a personalized nail art by following this DIY nail decals tutorial. This post will help you gather everything you need and how you can successfully make your own, customized nail designs.
RELATED: How To Apply Nail Stickers | Step By Step Guide
Nail Decals Tutorial | A Step-By-Step Guide
Materials Needed
Before we get started, let’s choose a simple design that we can replicate. Now that we’re set with this gorgeous art, we will need the following tools:
- nail polish (blue and white)
- top coat
- clear polish
- base coat
- detail brush
- nail decals
- dotting tool (optional)
- plastic sheets/plastic sleeve/Ziploc bag
- cuticle pusher
- tweezers
- nail file
Step 1: Preparing the Foundation
Measure your nails. This will determine the length and width of the decals you’ll be using.
Pay extra attention to your thumbnails since its size varies from the others.
Take out your plastic sheet or sleeve. Stick the decals here for better designing accuracy. It will also serve as protection from stains while we’re painting the decals.
Paint the nail decals with white nail polish as it will help the blue polish color pop. This is entirely optional.
Paint your natural nails with the base coat and let it dry for approximately five minutes.
Step 2: Painting the Design
Now that everything has dried up, let’s start painting the decals with our chosen color and design. Paint it with the blue shade polish. Recommended brands are Deborah Lippman or OPI blue nail polish. These are proven to be quality brands and should give your nail decals that glamorous and elegant look.
Bring out your detail brush and draw your heart to whatever shape or size you want.
Feel free to experiment with the design. In fact, you can also use a dotting tool to give your design more details.
Once done, let it dry for 2-3 hours. Avoid leaving the decals overnight as it would only result in brittle looking decals.
Step 3: Peeling the Decal
Once dry, peel one end of each decal gently using a cuticle pusher. Then, use the tweezers to remove it from the plastic sleeve. Again, do this slowly as decals are delicate and tear easily.
RELATED: Acrylic Nail Kit For Beginners | Everything You Need To Know
Step 4: Applying the Decal
By now, the base coat on your nails should have dried up already. Line up the decals and press it from the middle. Make sure no air bubbles will remain by constantly smoothing the decal on each nail. Not to put any pressure but be sure to do it in one go. You need to concentrate as repeated attempts will only ruin the decals.
If there are excess decals, file it off with a nail file in a downward motion. For the excess sides, use the dotting tool to press the area between the nail and skin. Continuous poking will eventually cut it in two and it will also flatten out the edges.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Just like that, we’re done! Finish it off by applying clear polish and the top coat for that shiny and glossy finish. What’s so convenient about this nail enhancement is it’s affordable and easy to do. What’s more, you can buy decals with solid colors so you can spend less on polishes and save more time!
Here’s a DIY nail decals video tutorial courtesy of Moonlit and Polished:
Now, you don’t have to spend extra cash buying decals online. With enough practice, you’ll be able to craft better and amazing designs that will make your friends want to do it too! Just find gorgeous design inspirations online and you should have a plethora of nail decals that you can rock whether you’re at school or out partying!
Which part of the DIY nail decals tutorial did you enjoy the most? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
UP NEXT:
