Water Slide Decal Nail Art Tutorial: Create Your Own Custom Nail Stickers!

Have you ever admired a friend’s nails with clear, detailed images of their family, pets, or favorite idols and wondered how they achieved such a magical effect? The answer is simpler than you think—water slide decal nail!

photo on nails

print on nails

water print on nails

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to create and print these personalized nail stickers with ease, so you can let your fingertips shine with unique charm and creativity.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • A printer
  • Special water transfer film
  • Gloss spray
  • Scissors
  • Clean water and a container
  • A mold pressing brush
  • Other basic nail art tools

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Design

    Select your favorite photos, patterns, or designs and upload them to your computer.
  • Step 2: Print the Design

    Place the special water transfer film into the printer.

    Adjust the image size and layout to match your nail size.

    In your printer settings, select “Other glossy printing paper” and set the print quality to “Best.”

    Once printed, check that the image is sharp and colors are vibrant.
  • Step 3: Apply Gloss Spray

    Cover the unprinted areas of the film with clean paper to avoid wasting spray.

    Evenly spray a glossy topcoat over the printed design and allow it to dry completely.
  • Step 4: Separate the Design

    Cut out your printed design carefully.

    Submerge the cut-out in warm water (around 50°C) for 30–50 seconds.

    Once the design separates from the backing paper, remove it gently and pat the back dry.
  • Step 5: Apply to Nail Surface

    Apply a small amount of diamond glue (or nail adhesive) onto your nail for better adhesion.

    Place the water transfer decal on your nail and gently flatten it using a mold pressing brush.
  • Step 6: Smooth and Flatten

    For a more seamless fit, wrap plastic wrap over the nail and press gently from top to bottom to smooth out any creases or bubbles.
  • Step 7: Trim the Edges

    Use nail art tools to trim any excess decal around the edges, ensuring a clean and polished look.
  • Step 8: Apply Leveling Gel

    To secure and smooth the design, apply a layer of leveling gel (builder gel) over the nail and cure it under a UV lamp.
  • Step 9: Seal and Finish

    Finally, apply a sealing topcoat to protect your design and give it a glossy finish. Cure it, and you’re done!

Unleash Your Creativity with Water Slide Decal Nails.