How to Apply a Nail Sticker to Dip Powder for Beginner-Friendly Nail Art
If you want the easiest and most beginner-friendly nail art, then you need to learn how to apply nail stickers to dip powder! This technique is so easy. Plus, you can find so many options to create seasonal and trendy nail designs.
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watch video: how to apply nail stickers to dip powder nails
Nail stickers (also called nail decals) are the easiest way to do nail art at home.
Since they come in so many different varieties, you can use them for just about any season, holiday or nail trend.
Products Needed to Apply Nail Stickers
Here’s What You’ll Need
- Dip Liquids – To help your nail sticker adhere to the nail, you can use the base liquid from your dip liquid set. I always recommend dip liquids with a slower drying formula for nail art to make it easier. My favorite slow-dry liquids are Sparkle & Co and Makartt Dippies.
- Clear Dip Powder – To protect your nail sticker, you’ll want to use a clear dip powder to encapsulate after application.
- Nail Stickers – You can use any nail stickers for this design! You can see my favorite collection of nail stickers and nail decals here.
How to Apply a Nail Sticker (or Nail Decal) to Dip Nails
Before you get started, you need to apply your dip powder. Once completed, apply activator and buff your nails smooth.
To avoid a poor nail sticker application, you should always apply them to a smooth surface!
When you’re done buffing, cleanse the nail with water and a nail brush to remove any dust and debris. Once dry, your nails are ready for a nail decal!
Step 1) Apply Base Liquid
Grab your base liquid and apply a thin layer where you’d like to place the nail sticker.
This step is optional. However, it makes it much easier to get your nail sticker to lay flat on the nail.
Step 2) Apply Your Nail Sticker
Next, grab your nail sticker. I find it easier to use tweezers when removing the stickers from the sheet.
Then place your sticker directly on the nail. You’ll need to work quickly so your base liquid doesn’t dry before applying the decal.
If you work quickly, you can make slight adjustments to the placement before your base liquid dries. This is why I recommend using a slow-drying formula.
Be sure to pat down the edges of your nail sticker to ensure it’s lying flat.
Step 3) Protect the Nail Sticker by Encapsulating
To protect your nail sticker, it’s important to encapsulate it using a clear dip powder.
Grab your base liquid and apply to the entire nail.
Then dip your nail into clear dip powder.
Once the nail is dry, brush away any excess powder.
Then apply your activator and very lightly buff the surface of the nail. Since we did the majority of the buffing before application, you shouldn’t need to do much at this step.
Step 4) Finish with Top Coat
Now that you’ve encapsulated the nail sticker, you can finish off with your usual dip powder top coat application.
When that top coat is dry, you are all done!
Summary
Nail stickers (also called nail decals) are a super simple way to spice up your manicures at home. This beginner-friendly nail art is also perfect for all experience levels!
More Nail Art Ideas
Dip powder nails offer so many options for fun nail art! You can see all of the nail art ideas you can do with dip nails here.
Another super easy nail design you can do with dip powder is nail foils (also called flakes). You can learn how to apply nail foils here.
If you’re ready to try some dip powder nail art that’s a bit more challenging, try this:
Of course, if you just want to find more glitter ombre nail inspo like this, you can find more nail art ideas shared here.