Sophia Delgado
Creating and storing nail decals is a fun way to experiment with nail art. There are various methods to create nail decals, including printing designs and using dotting tools to create intricate patterns. When creating nail decals, it's important to consider the design size, zoom settings, and colour schemes to ensure the final product aligns with your vision. After printing, spraying the design with clear gloss acrylic paint is essential for transferring it to your nail. Proper storage of nail decals is crucial to maintain their quality and longevity. They should be stored in a cool, dark, and airtight environment, protected from extreme temperatures, sunlight, air, and moisture.
How to Make and Store Nail Decals
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Waterslide decal paper, adhesive vinyl, nail stamping plates, nail polish, clear packing tape |
| Tools | Printer, scissors, Cricut machine, dotting tool, silicone stamper, nail file |
| Design | High-resolution images with a pixel size over 300 DPI on white or transparent backgrounds |
| Printing | Test on regular paper first, then print on decal paper, seal with clear spray paint/sealer if needed |
| Cutting | Cut out by hand or use a precision cutting machine |
| Application | Apply base coat, soak decal in water, place on nail, smooth out bubbles, file excess |
| Top Coat | Apply a thin layer to help remove air bubbles, use a speed-dry formula |
| Storage | Store between pages of a sheet protector, use within a few days to a week |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right decal paper for your printer
The first step to making nail decals is to purchase the right waterslide decal paper that is compatible with your printer. If you use an inkjet printer, you will need inkjet waterslide paper, whereas if you use a laser printer, you will need laser waterslide decal paper.
Once you have the correct decal paper, you can create your nail decal images using various programs such as Photoshop, Silhouette Studio Software, Design Space, or even Microsoft Word. It is important to ensure that your images are high-resolution with a pixel size of over 300 DPI on white or transparent backgrounds for the best results.
After designing your nail decals, it is recommended to do a test print on regular paper to check if the sizing is correct. Once you are happy with the sizing, you can proceed to load and print on your waterslide decal paper, ensuring that your print settings are set to high-quality print and gloss photo paper settings.
If you are using inkjet waterslide decal paper, remember to seal your images after printing. You can use any clear acrylic spray paint or sealer for this step. On the other hand, if you are using laser waterslide decal paper, sealing is optional but can provide added protection to your nail decals.
Now that you have your printed and sealed nail decals, it's time to cut them out! You can use scissors or a precision cutting machine such as a Silhouette Cameo or Cricut machine.
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Designing and printing the decals
To design your own nail decals, you can use programs such as Photoshop, Silhouette Studio Software, Design Space, or even Microsoft Word. The images should be high resolution with a pixel size over 300 DPI on white or transparent backgrounds.
Once you have designed your nail decal images, you will need to size them according to your nails and line them up on an A4-sized paper ready for printing. It is recommended to do a test print on regular paper to check if the images are sized correctly. If they are too big or too small, you can resize and try again.
After you are satisfied with the sizing, you can proceed to load and print on your waterslide decal paper. Ensure that your print settings are set to high-quality print and gloss photo paper settings. If you are using inkjet waterslide decal paper, you will need to seal your images after printing. You can use any clear acrylic spray paint or sealer for this step. However, if you are using laser waterslide decal paper, sealing is not required, but some people still choose to do so.
Let the printed paper dry for about 3 minutes, and then cut out your nail decals. You can use scissors or a precision cutting machine, such as a Silhouette Cameo or a Cricut machine.
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Sealing and cutting out the decals
Sealing your nail decals is essential to protect your manicure and prevent chipping and peeling. Firstly, ensure your decals are completely dry before applying any form of sealant. This can take 10-20 minutes, depending on the environment.
There are several types of sealants available, each with its own benefits. One popular option is an acrylic spray sealer, which is easy to apply and yields good results. Hold the spray 6-8 inches above your nails and spray a light coat evenly. Another option is a gel top coat, which provides a glass-like finish and seals the decals effectively. If using a gel top coat, apply a thin layer and cure it under a UV lamp for 60 seconds. Clear nail polish can also be used as a sealant, providing a fast and convenient way to seal your decals.
After applying the sealant, allow it to dry completely. This can take around 15-20 minutes for acrylic spray or clear polish. If desired, you can apply a second coat of the sealant for additional protection.
When cutting out your nail decals, precision is key. You can use scissors or a precision cutting machine. Cut the decals as close to the design as possible to ensure a neat finish. If needed, trim the decals to fit your nails and smooth down any excess with an emery board.
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Applying the decals to your nails
Next, place your nail decals into room-temperature water to activate the adhesive on the back. You can use your fingers or tweezers to do this. Once the adhesive is activated, the decal will start to slide around the backing. Use tweezers to remove the decal from the backing and place it onto your nail, or slide the backing off with your fingers. You can use a paper towel to press down on the decal once it has been applied and positioned on your nail.
Now, use a clean silicone stamper to press down on the decal, ensuring all the edges adhere to your nail. Smooth out any air bubbles. You can also use a nail file to file down the excess decal, and a dotting tool to separate the decal from the skin around your nail.
Finally, apply a thin layer of topcoat over the entire nail to help remove any remaining air bubbles or edges.
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Testing and storing the decals
Testing and storing your nail decals is an important part of the process. It is recommended to do a test print on regular paper to check the sizing of your images before printing on decal paper. You can resize and reprint if they are too big or too small.
Once your decals are ready, you can test their flexibility and durability over time. One way to do this is by removing one decal from storage at designated intervals (after 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 days) and testing if it can fold over a nail art brush without cracking. You can also try folding the decal in half to see if it breaks. This will help you determine the ideal storage duration and method for your decals.
Regarding storage, it is best to avoid leaving decals exposed to air, as they can dry out and become brittle. Different storage methods, such as using an Uber Mat or a page protector, can impact the condition of your decals over time. For instance, decals stored on an Uber Mat may become difficult to remove without damage due to the edges drying out. In comparison, storing decals in a page protector was reported as a preferable method.
Additionally, the choice of clear coat can significantly influence the storage results. For instance, Wet n Wild Clear Coat Protectant was found to be more effective in maintaining decal flexibility over time compared to other products like Sally Hansen.
By conducting these tests and choosing suitable storage methods and products, you can ensure your nail decals remain in optimal condition for future use.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make nail decals by printing a design on regular paper and coating it with clear gloss acrylic spray paint. After the paint dries, cut out the decal, soak it in water for 10-15 seconds, and stick it on your nail.
Store nail decals in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the decals in their original airtight packaging or transfer them to a resealable plastic bag.
Nail decals can last for several days. However, the longevity of nail decals depends on the brand and production process.
