Stamping Polish vs. Regular Polish: What's the Difference?

We receive a number of questions about stamping polish and regular polish on a daily basis. What is the difference between the two? Can I use regular polish to nail stamp? What is nail stamping?

Here are the answers you've been looking for. Keep reading!

See Related: Your Guide To Double Stamping - A DIY Nail Art Game Changer

What Is Nail Stamping?

Nail stamping is an innovative way to create professional-quality nail art at home. Gone are the days when you spend your time and money on a meh trip to the nail salon. It's time to take control of your self-expression and creative inspiration!

Nail stamping is the process of using a nail stamping plate to transfer your chosen designs onto your fingernails. After applying stamping polish to the grooves of the nail stamping plate, you use your nail stamper to "copy-and-paste" the design onto your nails.

It's actually a super straightforward process! It's no wonder that nail stamping has taken the world of nail art by storm.

One of the most important parts of nail stamping is using the right products. You'll need the following things:

• Nail stamping plates (shop here)
• Nail scraper & nail stamper head (shop here)

To make the job a bit easier, we recommend getting a sticky base coat (like our Sticky Base Coat) and a smudge-proof top coat (grab a bottle of our best-selling Smudge-Free Top Coat). The sticky base coat will grab your designs so they easily and quickly adhere to your nails, and the smudge-proof will make sure your designs are locked in place for good!

Here are a few of our favorite nail stamping plates if you need some creative inspiration and don't know where to start:

• Pardon My French (M052)
• Heart of Stone (BM-XL476)
• The Spirit Speaks (M071)
• Hearts + Stars (XL355)
• Swan Lake (M573)
• Dragon Heart (M577)

So, to answer the question we're all here for: what's the difference between regular nail polish and stamping nail polish?

Stamping Polish, Regular Polish - What's the Difference?

Left: Stamping polish using Maniology's "Straight Up Black". Right: Regular polish using Wet and Wild's "Black Creme".

In the image above, we used the same base color for both (our creamy and highly pigmented "Bam! White" stamping polish). However, you can see that the black design didn't turn out the same on both nail tips.

On the left nail tip, we stamped with our black stamping polish, "Straight Up Black." And on the right nail tip, we stamped with regular polish, Wet n Wild's "Black Creme."

As you can see, the stamping polish on the left created a brighter and more precise design, allowing you to really see each line thanks to the thick and opaque formula. Regular polish is thinner, which is why you can see the base color through the stamp on the right. The design doesn't stand out in comparison!

The main difference between stamping polish and regular polish is the formula. The thick consistency and rich pigmentation are what make stamping polish specifically designed for stamping.

But that's not all! Not only is the formula thicker and more pigmented, but it's fast-drying, so your designs don't get messed up.

** Fun fact: Years ago (yeah, old school stamping), when stamping polish wasn't a big thing, I used to LOVE "Black Creme" for stamping, and I used to recommend it to all my customers. Plus, it was only 0.99 cents!!! YAAASSSS! Don't tell anyone - it's our secret. 🙊

Bonus: 50 Cute & Creative French Tip Nail Designs For 2024

Can I Use Regular Polish to Stamp?

Of course! That's what being creative is all about: finding your way to express yourself!

No matter which type of polish you use, the stamping technique is exactly the same. So, go experiment! Just keep in mind that it will be easier to use stamping polish (and your nail art results will probably be better, too.) Avoid using sheer, glittery, or other specialty finishes, which will probably not be the best for nail stamping.

You can even use regular polish to try reverse stamping (this blog will walk you through it.)

** Another fun fact: If you're going to use regular polish, I also used to tell our customers to use old polish. Older polish tends to be slightly thicker than newer polish.

Do you have some stamping insight you'd like to share? Comment below! You can also watch this YouTube video for a step-by-step guide to nail stamping if this is your first time venturing into this fun and expressive world!

Happy stamping!

Keep Reading: 37 Cute Halloween Nails + A How-To Video Tutorial On Halloween Bat Nail Designs

People Also Ask

What is the difference between stamping polish and regular polish?

Stamping polish is usually thicker, more opaque, and faster drying than regular polish. The formula is specifically designed for stamping, which will make your at-home creations more precise, colorful, and long-lasting.

Can I use regular gel polish for stamping?

If you like long-lasting manicures, then you've probably dabbled in gel polish before. Some gel polishes can be used for nail stamping, but gel polish is usually very thick, which isn't ideal for filling in the grooves of a nail stamping plate. You can read more about stamping with gel polish here.

What is nail polish stamping?

Nail stamping is the process of achieving instant and precise nail art with a nail stamping plate.

Start by taking your stamping polish, and apply a thin coat over your nail stamping plate. Then, scrape off the excess nail polish with your scraper card. In a smooth rolling motion, use your silicone stamper head to "pick up" the design and quickly transfer it to your nails.

We recommend using a base coat before applying your design and a top coat after applying it.

Can I paint my nails with stamping polish?

Yes! Stamping polish isn't just for stamping - you can use it if you want a simple and quick coat of polish on your nails. It's also highly pigmented, so it's an ideal choice if you want a full-coverage manicure.

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At Maniology, we believe your nails are opportunities for adventure, fun, and unrestrained artistic expression. Our nail stamping plates and nail accessories are here to help foster your self-expression in the hopes of building a community of individuality. For more nail tutorials, subscription box updates, and designs, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.