411: Nail Stamping + More
Nail Stamping Plates
How big are Maniology's nail stamping plates?
Our rectangular nail stamping plates are 6.5cm x 12.6cm. The square nail stamping plates are 5.5cm x 5.5cm in size.
I have big nail beds, how big are your full nail designs?
Our images are ever changing. On average our full nail designs are 2.2cm x 1.5cm with the rectangular sized plates.
Do you sell your nail plates individually?
Yes. Most of our nail plates are sold individually.
I received my order of nail stamping plates and it is not working! Do you have any tips on how to make them work?
Tip #1: Each of our nail plates has a tight, blue, protective film. If you haven’t already, please remove this film before using.
Tip #2: Technique can sometimes be an issue. Practice, practice and practice…makes perfect.
Tip #3: Stamper, scraper or nail plate needs to be cleaned frequently. Sometimes after repeated use, the stamper may acquire residue and debris on the stamping surface or the stamper can be too smooth. We recommend only using 100% acetone polish remover and avoid using any polish remover that is “moisturizing” as they contain oils that will affect the stamper from picking up a clean image from the plate.
Stamping
What is stamping and how do I do it?
Welcome to the world of nail stamping! Nail stamping has revolutionized the way that nail DIY'ers and nail professionals are creating nail art. It requires at least 3 tools: nail stamping plates, a scraper and a stamper. Here's a tutorial and troubleshooting video that shows you how to get started:
Helpful Tips:
- All Maniology plates come with a protective blue film. Remove this film before stamping.
- Work quickly when stamping! Make sure you have all your tools ready and in-hand before applying polish on the nail plate.
- Scrape 1-2 times at most to prevent the polish from drying on the nail plate.
- On designs with more etched areas, use a lighter hand when scraping.
- When the design is transferred onto the nail, gently pat down any parts of the design that is lifting off from the nail to secure the design on the nail.
Can I use regular nail polish to stamp?
Yes! The main difference between stamping polish and regular nail polish is that stamping polish is usually thicker and is packed with pigment. Some regular polishes work too, but the opacity will vary. Tip: Older nail polish tends to thicken up over time, use your old nail polish for stamping.
Metal or plastic scrapers - which one should I use?
The act of stamping is about personal preference. What works for some might not work for you. Metal scrapers were the original scrapers when stamping became popular. However over time, metal scrapers tend to scrape the metal surface of plates. Plastic scrapers are less abrasive to nail plates and allows for an even scrape. Some users find that using a metal scraper does not work and a plastic card works better. It really takes some trial and error to find the best method for you.
Stampers
There are a wide variety of stampers available and they come in all shapes and sizes. We mainly carry 2 types of stampers, solid silicone stampers and our crystal clear stampers.
Does my stamper need priming?
For our clear stampers, we recommend giving it a wash using dish soap and water to get rid of any oily residue that occurs naturally from production and storage. Filing or buffing clear stampers can potentially damage it beyond repair so proceed with caution.
Not all stampers are created equal. The only way to find out if your stamper needs priming is to test the stamper first. Priming is not a heavily abrasive process and with too much pressure a stamper might be damaged in the process. So make sure to use a light hand when using any of the tips below. If your stamper needs priming, here are some tips that work:
- Tip #1: Use a damp Mr. Clean Eraser to buff off the shine.
- Tip #2: Use a low grit nail file and lightly buff off the shine.
- Tip #3: Rub 100% acetone with a cotton pad until shine has been dulled or completely gone.
After each process make sure to clean the surface either with acetone, tape or a sticker-like lint roller and test again. If the image does not come out as clear as you'd like, repeat the process again.
My stamper is extremely oily. Is this normal?
Most of our stampers are created of silicone material. The oiliness created by silicone materials is natural and we highly recommend washing your stamper head with dish soap before use.
I purchased a starter kit and I can't get the clear stamper to work!
- Clean the stamper head gently with dish soap and water, dab dry with a paper towel. You can clean the stamper in between uses with scotch tape or a lint roller for easy cleanup.
- Use a quick light rolling action when picking up the design from the plate, just barely touching the plate. The MOST common issue we see is pressing too hard or too long. Use a light touch, just a flick of the wrist!
- Make sure there are no fans or A/C creating a direct draft toward your workstation. It can dry out the polish quicker.
- Play around with pressures and rolling movements to find what works for you.
- Clean the plate with 100% acetone only after EVERY attempt. Other types of remover will not clean the plate properly leaving behind residue that will affect your results. So none of those "nourishing nail polish remover" stuff.
Stamping Polish
Are your nail polishes cruelty free?
At Maniology, we love our furry, 4 legged friends and value the importance of recognizing and protecting the rights of all animals and the cruelty against them for animal testing. Although we firmly believe that cruelty should not be practiced by any means, it is also our understanding that there is no lawful beauty industry standard as to what it means to be “cruelty free”. Here is our stance: It is our implicit knowledge that our final nail polish products are not tested on animals. We also do not commission any third party to test any of our final nail polish products on animals. In select nail art brushes, we may carry accessories that have been made with sable/animal hair in the final product creation.
This is the extent of our knowledge. We will continue our diligence to look for alternative measures where animals are not involved in the creation of the final product or otherwise and in the future, may consider registering our company brand with the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program that will help assure customers of our continued support to our animal friends.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE 5-FREE?
High-five! Maniology stamping polishes are 5-free. This means that our stamping polishes are not only made without 3 of the most common harmful chemicals (formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate a.k.a. DBP) found in many nail polishes, but we’ve given the boot to 2 other yucky chemicals as well (formaldehyde resin and camphor). The terrible toxic trio can be extremely harmful to reproduction, developmental growth, and may even cause cancer with prolonged exposure. (Yikes!) Formaldehyde resin and camphor can cause allergic reactions like dermatitis, yellowing, and dried out nails. (No, thanks!)
Our fingernails are porous, and just the thought of soaking up these yucky synthetics makes our skin crawl. Now, you can breathe easy with Maniology; scrape, stamp, and swoon to your heart’s content. We’re here to help you feel beautiful, look beautiful, and stay beautiful longer.
Gel Polish
How do I apply a 3-step gel polish?
Application Process:
- Prep nails by pushing back cuticles and buffing surface of nails to get rid of any natural oils and shine. Wipe nails with alcohol or nail polish remover for a clean start.
- Apply a thin layer of base coat to prepped, oil-free nails and cure under lighting system.
- With a gel polish color, apply a thin layer from the base to the free edge of nail and cure.
- Repeat by adding another thin layer of color to nails and cure.
- Seal the color with a thin layer of top coat and cure.
Curing times and results will vary due to LED or UV lighting systems. Average curing times:
LED systems: 30 seconds - 1 minute per cure.
UV systems: 2 minutes - 4 minutes per cure.
Helpful Tips:
- Properly prepping and cleaning your nails before application will greatly affect the longevity of the gel polish.
- Apply color from base of nail to the free edge, capping the free edge will help prevent shrinkage.
- Darker gel colors may require longer cure times.
- Lighter gel colors may require more coats than recommended. Repeat steps 2-3 in necessary.
What is the difference between a 3-step gel and speed gel?
A 3-step gel needs a gel base and top coat in order to use the product correctly. We do also sell a Speed Gel line of gel polish that doesn't require a gel base and top coat. All of our gel polishes need a UV or LED light to cure the polish.
How do I apply Speed Gel?
Follow our Speed Gel application process below for a perfect, salon finish:
- Prep nails by pushing back cuticles and buffing surface of nails to get rid of any natural oils and shine. Wipe nails with alcohol or nail polish remover for a clean start.
- Apply a thin layer of a Speed Gel - one step gel polish color from the base to the free edge of nail and cure.
- Repeat by adding another thin layer of color to nails and cure.
Curing times and results will vary due to LED or UV lighting systems. Average curing times:
LED systems: 30 seconds - 1 minute per cure.
UV systems: 2 minutes - 4 minutes per cure.
Helpful Tips:
- No base coat or top coat needed for Speed Gel!
- Properly prepping and cleaning your nails before application will greatly affect the longevity of the gel polish.
- Apply color from base of nail to the free edge, capping the free edge will help prevent shrinkage.
- Darker gel colors may require longer cure times.
- Lighter gel colors may require more coats than recommended. Repeat steps 2-3 in necessary.