These days, your Instagram is brimming with stunning nail designs—geometric patterns, florals, quotes, and more. But the real question is: How can I get these designs on my own nails?

If you're new to nail stamping or just need a refresher after some time away, this beginner's guide is for you. This video will walk you through the process of achieving these looks yourself, adding your personal touch along the way. I’ll also address common questions you might have. By the end, I hope to equip you with everything you need to create beautiful stamped designs that boost your confidence and express your originality. You’ll discover that nail stamping is a delightful experience you’ll want to revisit again and again!

Here’s what you’ll need to achieve this manicure:

• Stamping plates
• Stamper
• Scraper (most of Maniology's stampers come with a plastic scraper card)
• Stamping polish
• Smudge-Free Top Coat

Additionally, here are some helpful items for stamping:

• 100% acetone
• Cotton balls or pads
• Scotch tape
• Paper towels
• Clean-up brush (alternatives: q-tip or a clean eyeliner brush)

Prep Your Tools:

1. Remove the blue film from the new nail plate. This film protects the surface, so start at one corner to lift it and peel it off.

2. Clean your new stamper head with mild dish soap and warm water. Carefully detach the stamper head from the holder and submerge it in soapy water. Rub the surface gently with your fingers for 10-20 seconds. Rinse the stamper head under clean water and pat it dry with a paper towel. If there’s any lint or debris, use a piece of scotch tape to lift it off the surface. Repeat this until the stamper head is completely clean. Finally, gently reattach the stamper head to the holder, ensuring it sits evenly.

 Start nail stamping  ((Watch this video for process)

• Paint your nails in a polish color or with a clear base coat. Wait for nails to dry.

• Select a design from a nail plate.** From this point on you need to move quickly. Estimated 7-10 total seconds **

• Apply a thin layer of stamping polish over the design on the nail plate. Scrape and swipe away the excess polish at a 45 degree angle.

• Quickly, grab your stamper and pick up the design using a firm, steady continuous motion rolling technique over the surface of the plate to pick up the design onto the stamper.

• Line up your design by looking through the stamp holder and push the stamper into the nail to transfer the design to the nail.

• If you are using the same design on all 10 fingers, carefully clean the design on the nail plate with cotton and 100% acetone and repeat steps 2-6 until your nails are completely stamped.

• Apply your Smudge Free Top Coat to seal and protect your design. Cap the edge of your nail.

Common Questions About Nail Stamping

 Can I use regular polish for stamping?

• Short answer: Yes! However, there are polishes specifically formulated for stamping. These stamping polishes are thicker and more opaque, making your designs stand out. They come in various finishes, including cream, opalescent, metallic, and holographic.

• Great question! Generally, you need to work quickly. You have about 7 seconds—10 seconds at most—from when you apply the polish to the plate to when you pick up the design with your stamper and transfer it to your nail. It may sound like a lot of steps, but once you get the hang of it, the process flows smoothly. Keeping your workspace tidy can also help.

• This can be a tricky issue, but here are some tips:

• The environment matters. If you’re working under bright lights or near an AC or fan, the polish may dry too quickly. Ensure none of these elements are directly aimed at your workspace.
• Did you remove the blue film from the plate? It sounds silly, but it happens!

• Most of the time, you won’t have issues using the stamper right out of the box. However, oils from the manufacturing process can cause problems. Simply wash the stamper head with mild dish soap and water to resolve this (see Step 2 under Prep Your Tools).

• After applying the polish to the plate, scrape firmly at a 45-degree angle just once. If you find yourself scraping excessively, try using less polish on the design.

• Yes! Cleaning the plate ensures it stays free of residue. If you’re stamping all ten fingers with the same design, you should clean the plate each time in between. We recommend using only 100% acetone for cleaning the surface of your nail plate.