Application Instructions

 Application Instructions using Stick It! sticky base (recommenced)

  1. Prep your nail by applying color if desired (can be gel, dip or regular polish). Our water slide decals and nail wraps will look the best over a light-colored base.
  2. For individual decals, cut as close to the design as you can.   Full wraps can be cut down to size. Cut wrap close to shape of the nail you intend to apply it on.  We recommend using small, curved cuticle scissors. and our nail sizing template. 
  3. Shake Stick It! well before using
  4. Place your water slide in water for 10-20 seconds until it is visibly soaked through paper backing.
  5. Apply thing layer of Stick It! to nail allow to dry
  6. Using your tweezers, remove water slide from the water.  Gently pat dry with paper toweling or lint free cloth to remove any excess water.
  7. Apply 2nd thin layer of Stick It! allow to dry approx. 10 -15 seconds until sticky but not "wet" 
  8. Apply your decal to nail using preferred method. We recommend using a jelly stamper for easy and proper placemat of decal
  9. smooth and remove access decal gently 
  10. once satisfied finish mani as normal 

 

General Application Instructions using Gel Liquids 

  1. Follow steps 1 and 2 from Stick It! instructions
  2. Apply a thin layer of gel base and cure per product instructions.  Do not wipe off sticky layer.
  3. Place your water slide in water for 10-20 seconds until it is visibly soaked through paper backing.
  4. Using your tweezers, remove water slide from the water.  Gently pat dry with paper toweling or lint free cloth to remove any excess water.
  5. Prepare to apply the decal to the nail using one of these two methods:
  1. Gently slide it off the backing with your fingers and place the water slide on your nail.
  2. Place the water slide image side down on a silicone nail stamper, and gently slide the backing off the decal, leaving the image on the stamper head.
    Gently blot dry with a paper towel or lint free cloth if there is any remaining water on the decal. Use the nail stamper to line up and press the decal onto the nail, rolling the stamper as necessary to release the decal onto the nail.
  1. Gently manipulate the water slide to fit and move where you want it, pressing down firmly from the center outward to avoid air bubbles under the decal. You can use your fingers, although we recommend using a silicone nail tool.  Do not rub the decal with the silicone nail tool, as it may tear the decal.
  2. Remove excess decal using one of these two methods or a combination of both:
  1. Using scissors and nail tweezers, trim off any excess decal still remaining around the cuticle area.
  2. Using a small brush and acetone polish remover, go around cuticle and free edge to remove excess decal.  A thin eyeshadow brush works perfectly for this. Use the polish remover sparingly, so as to not flood the decal with it, as it can cause damage to the decal.
  1. Gently pat dry assuring all water has been removed.
  2. Once satisfied with the decal, apply gel base and cure, then apply gel topcoat and cure.
  3. For longer lasting wear, apply another thin layer of gel base over decal, cure and add a layer of clear builder gel, or clear dip and finish as usual. 

Dip Liquids

Dip liquids are more difficult to work with for applying decals.  Wrinkles and bubbles are more likely to occur.
  1. Follow steps 1 and 2 and prepare decal as directed in the general application instructions.
  2. With dip liquids, we strongly suggest using the silicone nail stamper
    method described in general application instructions 6b to apply decal to nail.  Prepare the decal for transfer onto the nail.
  3. Once the decal is on the nail stamper head, apply a thin coat of dip base to nail and allow to dry just until slightly tacky. We recommend a medium to long drying time base liquid.
  4. Apply the decal to the nail using the stamper.
  5. Once the decal is applied to the nail, gently pat down and smooth decal to nail using fingers or silicone tip tool.
  6. Remove excess decal using one or both of the methods described in step 8 of the gel liquids instructions
  7. Finish the nail by encapsulating the decal in clear dip powder, activating and applying top coat using your normal procedure.

 

Regular Nail Polish

  1. Apply nail polish.  Allow to completely dry
  2. Follow steps 1 and 2 and prepare decal as directed in the general application instructions.
  3. Follow steps 4-9 of the general application instructions.
  4. Apply 2 coats of a regular top coat, allowing it to dry completely between coats.  Do not use fast drying top coat, as this can cause the decal to shrink and wrinkle.

 

PRO TIPS: 

  • The silicone nail tool will be your best friend.  But if you are still having trouble with bubbles or wrinkles, you can poke a small hole in a bubble, or cut a small slit at the wrinkle, and pat down to smooth out.  Do so carefully so as not to destroy decal or image.
  • Cutting the decal, the shape of finger helps tremendously, but if needed you can also cut small slits where your cuticle line will be, to also help prevent wrinkling.
  • Do not leave the decal soaking in the water while you prep the nail.  Doing so will likely degrade the decal.  Place the decal in the water only long enough to release it from the paper backing, and do so only once the nail is ready to receive it.
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