Nail stamping recently became one of the most popular nail art techniques to emerge, and we can see why so many of you are smitten with the precisely patterned effect. From ribbons and flowers to animals and textures (like Mary S.’s gorgeous duo-chrome argyle nails, above), you can easily stamp any type of detailed image on your nails. So how do these designs go from template to tips? Many brands (such as Konad) sell kits to make it easy. You begin by choosing a particular pre-made engraved metal template you like. Then, pour a few drops of nail polish (use a thick formula if you prefer to use your own) over the metal plate, and use the kit's scraper to evenly distribute the product onto the metal engraving. Then, after you’ve evenly spread the lacquer across the engraving, press your rubber stamp over the plate to pick up the excess polish. Once the polish design is on the rubber stamp, gently rock the stamp from left to right onto your nail plate with a steady hand. Repeat this for every finger and let your designs completely dry before applying top coat. Presto—a perfect impression on every fingertip! Do you loathe or love the imprinted effect? Vote in our poll and voice your thoughts below.
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Poll
Are you a fan of stamped-on nail designs?
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A. Easy art on my fingertips—YAY
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B. I prefer a solid coat of color—NAY
- Vote
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Comments
Jan 02, 2013
Alicia W.
Too much work for fingernails...
May 23, 2012
Francy M.
how do you cover the entire nail if the design is too small? How do you line it up so it matches?
Feb 29, 2012
Maya J.
It's great it you don't have a steady hand, aren't all the great at nail art or maybe just don't have the time to do a detailed design. I have Konad, one plate and one of their colours, I don't use it super often but I still love the idea. When I do use it, I usually put my own little something on the design to make it my own.
Feb 27, 2012
Jasmine P.
I love konad so much! I think if done in the right way, they look fantastic!
Feb 27, 2012
Snarky Princes s.
I use Konad and Bundle Monster Plates, and it's SO easy!
Sally Hansen Insta-Dry polishes, and the older "chrome" line, works AWESOME for off-brand stamping instead of using Konad's Special Polish.
I love how easy it is to use, and I get complimented all the time and asked what salon I go to. I love people's faces when I tell them it's done by me, at home no less!
There are a few tips though:
Warm the stamper in the palm of your hand before you start stamping- it'll help the transfer pick up and apply better if it's not cold.
If the stamper isn't picking up or depositing the image correctly, clean it off with acetone (works best!) and then run it across a fine nail buffer a few times to "rough" up the surface. Clean it up once more. The roughness will help the design adhere better, and get it to your nails.
If you're having problems getting the design where you want it, instead of trying to use the stamper to place the pattern on your nail and rolling it on... Do it the opposite way! Roll your nail across the stamper after lining it up correctly- loads easier!
Work quickly! Dry polish won't stamp at ALL!
Use a q-tip with acetone to clean up messes. For more precise clean-up, use an old fine makeup brush- not synthetic. I think (but could be wrong) that the acetone (if that's what you're using) will eat it up and that's not good.
Let the polish dry for a minute or two before sealing with a top coat.
And Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat won't smear any stamped polish designs :)
Feb 26, 2012
Shruti A.
I love this desing and I also own the Konad stamping system but I never reach for it and people make it seem really easy but everytime I have ever tried it I had a hard time getting it right. It's fun for time to time but l agree with a lot of you when you say designs done by hand are more unique
Feb 26, 2012
Angela H.
Feb 26, 2012
Kensie L.
the ONLY time I approve of stamped on/ stencilled in makeup art
Feb 26, 2012
Rica S.
easy and quick! love it!
Feb 26, 2012
Sarah S.
I think it is pretty but I am much more impressed by hand painted nail art.
Feb 27, 2012
Althea N.
Feb 26, 2012
Christina L.
I think it's cool! My mother recently bought me this :)