The Best 3D Printed Nail Art Designs With an Easy Guide

Welcome, nail art lovers! In the case of nail art, the possibilities are endless no matter how much you may or may not know about the craft. Today is the day of the wonder called 3D Printed Nail Art – a new concept everybody discusses in the beauty industry. I’ve been patting nail art for many years, and even though up-to-date trends in nail designs regularly appear, this specific one will never become old-fashioned.

Well, why 3D Printed Nail Art?

This is all based on such principles as innovation and creativity. Ponder that you can make complicated, shiny/hot designs, which seem to take a long time to make, within a short period. Sounds amazing, right? Let me take you to the world of 3D-printed nails and explore some amazing designs for today.

Interpretation of 3D Printed Nail Artwork

3D printed Nail art or 3D nail Nail art means nails that have been artistically structured with fingernails that have been designed with three dimensions to enhance the look and feel of the nail. To summarize, 3D printed nail art entails decorating the nails with complex designs made by 3D printers. This wipes the slate clean giving way to the opportunity to explore the impossible; from the fruity fragrance to geometric forms. The technology is very accurate and elaborate which could not be achievable using other nail art methods.

Tools and Materials Needed For 3D Printed Nail

Before we get into the designs, let’s talk about what you’ll need: Before we get into the designs, let’s talk about what you’ll need:

3D Printer: Of course, a printer should be trustworthy. There is nothing wrong with wanting to buy a cheaper 3D printer, but the time has come that there is only one inexpensive brand on the market: Anycubic, a brand quite similar to Creality.
UV Lamp: A necessity for setting or fixing the designs on the nails you have developed in 3D.
Nail Polishes and Top Coats: Your favorite colors and the best quality of a top coat to give it that perfect seal.
3D Printing Filament: In the case of nail art, PLA is preferred because it is easy to work with compared to other available materials.

How to Get Started With 3D Printed Nail

Are you all set to have some fantastic nail designs? Here’s a quick guide to get you started: Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

Set Up Your 3D Printer: The next step is to turn on the printer and ensure that you have downloaded the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website and followed the instructions indicated there to install your printer.
Choose Your Design: It’s possible to download a set of templates that are freely placed in the open access or develop unique patterns.
Print the Design: Insert the filament and then deploy a design of your choice.
Apply the Design: For applying the 3D printed design on your nails, ensure to apply nail glue.
Cure and Finish: It can be cured under a UV lamp and then it is good to apply a top coat on it.

To find the best and most unique nail art designs check out the following list of the Top 3D-printed nail art designs.

Design Categories
Classic and Elegant
Bold and Artistic
Seasonal and Festive
Subcategories : (For example Floral, Geometric, and Abstract designs)

Spotlight on Popular 3D Printed Nail Designs

Well, let me share a few concepts and designs that you can try at home to achieve the look you desire.

The Best Printed 3D Printed Nail Art Designs With an Easy Guide

Floral Elegance

Materials Needed

3D Printer (e.g., Anycubic or Creality)
A 1. 75mm PLA Filament (it is preferable to get white or pastel type)
Floral Design File downloads it for free from a 3D design site.
Nail Glue
UV Lamp
Pastel Nail Polish (e.g., soft pink, lavender, mint)
Top Coat

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Print the Floral Design:

Download and Prepare: Click on a floral design file from any available 3D design site or any other source. Transfer it into the 3D software that is connected to the 3D printer that you’re using.
Print: Choose the PLA filament and set the high resolution of your 3D printer and if any detailed design is needed. The images that you print should be rather small and lightweight floral ones to fit the nails comfortably.

2. Prepare Your Nails:

Clean and File: Ideally, the nails should be clean and filed. File your nails and if there is excess polish on your nails then it should be buffed off.
Base Coat: Start with the applying of a base coat to the nails to ensure that they are protected, and wait until the base coat has dried up.

3. Apply Pastel Nail Polish:

Choose Your Color: Choose one of a light pastel hue for your nail polish. The best color that goes well with floral designs is soft pink, lavender, or mint green.
Paint Your Nails: Put on two coats of pastel polish each must dry absolutely.

4. Apply the 3D Floral Design: Apply the 3D Floral Design:

Position and Glue: Place the floral design printed on the 3D printer in the middle of your nail carefully. Squeeze a small quantity of the nail glue onto the design and then put the design on your nail.
Hold Steady: Wait for a few seconds to let it stick firmly with the surface of the chosen item before releasing the design.

5. Cure Under UV Light:

Set and Cure: It is necessary to start placing your nails under a UV lamp for approximately one minute to make sure that the glue together with the design is thoroughly solidified.

6. Finish with Top Coat:

Seal and Shine: The final layer, a thick layer should be applied to the whole nail including the 3D design. This will fix the design and make it glossy Types of finishes that can be used on the DVD Several finishes can be used on the DVD but the most common ones are;
Cure Again: Check that all the varnish has dried by putting your nails back under to UV lamp for another 60 seconds.

Tips and Tricks

To enhance the design, the contrasting colors of the particular floral design and the preferred nail polish should be seen.
Make sure the design is not too bulky to carry around in case it is a handheld device.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In its use do not overdo on the glue, or the extent acceptable will do.
This is very important to avoid the design from smudging once the 3D design is placed on the base coat.

Geometric Chic

Materials Needed

3D Printer (e. g. Anycubic, Creality).
Usually, PLA Filament but you should select one in metallic or bold color.
Geometric Design File downloaded from a free 3D design website of the author’s choice.
Nail Glue
UV Lamp
Luminous colors of your choice, for instance, metallic colors such as; silver, gold, and copper.
Top Coat

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Print the Geometric Design:

Download and Prepare: Look for a geometric design file over the net. Import it to your 3D printer’s application so that it can easily be processed for production.
Print: Choose PLA colors that have metallic or are bold in hue. Print abstract shapes or straight parallel lines in their printing like triangles, squares, and other geometrical figures.

2. Prepare Your Nails:

Clean and File: It is preferred that the nails should be washed well and shaped in whichever manner is preferred.
Base Coat: Paint the nails with a base coat of a protecting type and wait until it dries.

3. Apply Metallic Nail Polish:

Choose Your Color: Choose a metallic polish, this can be silver, gold, or copper.
Paint Your Nails: It is advisable to put two coats of the paint and let each coat dry before the subsequent coat to ensure a shiny and metallic look.

4. Apply the 3D Geometric Design: Apply the 3D Geometric Design:

Position and Glue: Ensure that the 3D geometric design is located on your nail. Take a small quantity of nail glue place the back of the embellishment and press on the nail.
Hold Steady: DO – Once the design is in position, leave it there for a few seconds as an indication that the substance must stick on the surface.

5. Cure Under UV Light:

Set and Cure: After fixing it on the nail, cure your nails under a UV lamp for about 60 minutes for the glue and the design to set well.

6. Finish with Top Coat:

Seal and Shine: Paint the entire nail and particularly the 3D design layer with a thick coat bearing in mind it will act as a sealant and also add a gloss to the nails.
Cure Again: Lastly to seal the nail and ensure that the top coat of gel cures, the nails need to be exposed under the UV lamp for another minute.

Tips and Tricks

Some women were spotted blending various geometric shapes to come up with a different and distinct kind of style.
To boost the metallic shimmer apply clear, high-gloss varnish on the surface.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not make this design too thick it may not stick well to the nail.
Do not try to accelerate the curing process or put the subsequent layer before the previous one is adequately cured to avoid smudging.

Holiday Sparkle

Materials Needed

3D Printer (e.g., Anycubic or Creality)
Such PLA Filament in festive colors such as red, green, gold, or silver.
Holiday Design File (Getting from a website that provides free 3D designs).
Nail Glue
UV Lamp
Glitter Nail Polish (e.g., Red, Green, Gold, or silver glitter).
Top Coat

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Print the Holiday Design:

Download and Prepare: Save a design file such as a snowing design, stars design, or holiday-themed design. Transfer it into the software of your 3D printer.
Print: Get some PLA filament to print in red, green gold, and silver. Print small, lightweight designs.

2. Prepare Your Nails:

Clean and File: Work with clean, filed nails. It is essential first to scrape off the old polish and also trim the nails to the preferred style.
Base Coat: Put on a base coat to serve as a shield to your nails and wait for it to dry.

3. Apply Glitter Nail Polish:

Choose Your Color: Choose a glitter nail polish of your choice or the festive color of your choice; red, green, gold, or silver.
Paint Your Nails: Place two coats of glitter polish; ensure that each will dry before applying the second coat.

4. Apply the 3D Holiday Design: Apply the 3D Holiday Design:

Position and Glue: Very gently, align the 3D printed holiday design onto the nail part. Use a small quantity of nail glue on the back of the design and stick the design on your nail.
Hold Steady: Press the design a while to fix it firmly on the object that it’s supposed to be on for a few seconds.

5. Cure Under UV Light:

Set and Cure: Isolate your nails and expose them to a UV Lamp for 60 seconds so that the glue as well as the design becomes tough.

6. Finish with Top Coat:

Seal and Shine: All over the nail particularly the 3D design, should cover with a thick layer of rich polish. This will give the design a finish that will be shiny and will act as the final layer of the design.
Cure Again: Keep your nails under the UV lamp for an extra 60 seconds to make sure that the top coat is dry.

Tips and Tricks

Instead of using a single color, it’s more enjoyable to use multicolored glitters for the party tone.
Experiment with layering designs for added depth and dimension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Its size should be such that the 3D design does not overwhelm your nail; it should look decent on it.
Do not over-bake as this may result in warping of the design or even staining.

Marble Magic

Materials Needed

3-D Printer example Anycubic, reality, etc
PLA filament of a preferred color that gives a marble-like texture.
Marble Design File (acquired from free 3D designs website)
Nail GlueUV Lamp
hi-shine glaze (e. g. black, white, grey)
Top Coat

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Print the Marble Design:

Download and Prepare: Type the name of a marble design file on the internet and import it into the software of your 3D printer.
Print: Choose PLA filament that has marble-like colors, white with grey lines, and black with white lines.

2. Prepare Your Nails:

Clean and File: Your nails should be clean and trimmed to the style you would wish to have.
Base Coat: Initial, paint some form of protective color and allow it to dry.

3. Apply Marble Effect Nail Polish: Apply Marble Effect Nail Polish:

Choose Your Color: Choose a nail varnish that imitates the marble effect usually available in black, white, or grey color.
Paint Your Nails: Prime with one coat – allows the second coat to adhere better to the surface – let each coat dry.

4. Apply the 3D Marble Design: Apply the 3D Marble Design:

Position and Glue: Place the designed 3D-printed marble on your nail with much precision. Put a tiny amount of nail glue on the back of the nail and attach it to your nail properly.
Hold Steady: Wait for about 10-15 seconds to make sure that the design is well fixed on the surface.

5. Cure Under UV Light:

Set and Cure: As a result of this, one cures the nails under a UV lamp for roughly one minute to firm up the glue and the design created.

6. Finish with Top Coat:

Seal and Shine: Take a great amount of the varnish on the brush, and apply it on the entire nail and on the 3D design to cover and give it a glossy look.
Cure Again: Also cure the nails under the UV lamp for another minute so that you complete the curing of the top coat.

Tips and Tricks

When applying the polish, it is recommended to use a sponge for that close-to-nature marbled look.
One should try to use different marble colors to get a good mixture for a different outlook.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not make it very thick for it to bend on the nail and stand a very high chance of not sticking properly.
Do not over-apply the polish, because it tends to look messy if the layers are too much.

Animal Prints

Materials Needed

Slicer (e.g., Ultimaker, or Prusa)
PLA Filament (with the enjoys of animals about colors such as brown, black, and orange.
Animal Print Design File which I got from a free 3D design site for my requirement.
Nail Glue
UV Lamp
Wildlife Prints On Toenails (for instance; leopard, zebra, tiger).
Top Coat

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Print the Animal Print Design: Print the Animal Print Design:

Download and Prepare: Go onto the internet and download an animal print texture file, for example, a leopard skin print or a zebra pattern put into the 3D printer’s software.
Print: For the mom life hack, there are specific colors for PLA filament that should be used for the hack; black for zebra stripes and brown for leopard spots.

2. Prepare Your Nails:

Clean and File: Your nails should be cleansed and done in the style you would like so that they are uniform.
Base Coat: Put on a clear tip guard if the polish has an anti-chip base coat, if not just apply any clear polish and let it dry.

3. Apply Animal Print Nail Polish: Apply Animal Print Nail Polish:

Choose Your Color: Choose an animal print nail polish that you like, for example, the spots like a leopard or the striping like a zebra.
Paint Your Nails: Paint two coats, and wait for each coat to dry.

4. Apply the 3D Animal Print Design: Apply the 3D Animal Print Design:

Position and Glue: Align the designed animal print on your nail perfectly, preferably a 3D-printed one. Take a small drop of the nail glue place it in the back part of it and fix it on your nail.
Hold Steady: They should be held for a few seconds to allow the design to set well on the material.

5. Cure Under UV Light:

Set and Cure: Place your nails under the UV lamp for approximately one minute to allow the glue and the design you make to harden.

6. Finish with Top Coat:

Seal and Shine: Operate the top clear coat over the complete nail with the overall design of the nail including the 3-D design to seal and accentuate sheen.
Cure Again: Finally, turn the nails under the UV lamp for another minute to allow the top coat to dry up completely.

Tips and Tricks

Rather than use various animal prints with one another, users should apply different animal prints on various nails to get a wild or safari look.
For a different sheen consider using a matte top coat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure you do not make it too big; it should fit the nail well, especially if you are going to be using it daily.
Afterward, do not overcook as it will lead to twisting or staining of the design on the material.

Abstract Art

1. Materials Needed

Slicing Software for 3D Printers (e.g., Anycubic or Creality)
PLA Filament (in the desired color)
Abstract Design File (download from a free-of-cost 3D design website easily).
Nail Glue
UV Lamp
Fluorescent Nail Polish (for instance Neon)
Top Coat

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Print the Abstract Design:

Download and Prepare: Likely, you can search for an abstract design file and take a sample by loading it into the software of your 3D printer.
Print: For a fun PLA filament, go for the neon or bright PLA filaments.

2. Prepare Your Nails:

Clean and File: Your nails should however be clean and shaped into the preferred style by filing.
Base Coat: Put on a guard color and wait for it to dry to its original color.

3. Apply Vibrant Nail Polish:

Choose Your Color: Choose a bright color for the nail polish, for instance, neon pink or electric blue.
Paint Your Nails: It is recommended to apply two layers and let each layer dry before proceeding to the next.

4. Apply the 3D Abstract Design: Apply the 3D Abstract Design:

Position and Glue: Take time and properly align the 3D-printed abstract design on your nail. Take a small amount of nail glue in your hand, then paste the backside of the nail art on your nail.
Hold Steady: Press it slightly, and hold the design for a few seconds to let the adhesive take a proper hold.

5. Cure Under UV Light:

Set and Cure: It is recommended to treat your nails under the UV lamp for around one minute to dry and strengthen the glue and the design.

Finish with Top Coat:

Seal and Shine: Paint another layer over the nails and more importantly the 3D-decorated nails, to lock it and give a touch of sheen.
Cure Again: Finally, put your nails under the UV lamp for the final curing for another 60 seconds to ensure that the top coat has polymerized well.

Tips and Tricks

Seek to use different attractive colors to come up with the view of the abstract picture.
You can even change the shape as well as the size as the two can quite heavily set the total look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure it is not too thick; sometimes, it will not stick properly to the nail.
Do not apply too many layers of the polish since it gives a wrong impression of the nails.

Vintage Lace

Materials Needed

3D Printer (e.g., Anycubic or Creality)
Thermoplastic Polyurethane Rubber (TPR) is the material that it uses for the production of its »Primary» Product, PLA Filament (white or beige color preferable).
Lace Design File from a few 3D design websites accessible for download.
Nail Glue
UV Lamp
Pastel, Beige, nude and blush nail polish.
Top Coat

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Print the Lace Design:

Download and Prepare: Searching and downloading a lace design file and getting it to open in the software for the 3D printer.
Print: It also advised using white or beige PLA filament for a very delicate and vintage appearance of the item.

2. Prepare Your Nails:

Clean and File: See that the nails have been washed and brushed to the style that the client wants them to be.
Base Coat: Paint a coat of clear varnish and allow it to dry properly.

3. Apply Neutral Nail Polish:

Choose Your Color: Choose a delicate pastel color that could be compared to a natural nail polish color – nude or blush.
Paint Your Nails: Paint with two coats, for each coat to dry properly.

4. Apply the 3D Lace Design: Apply the 3D Lace Design:

Position and Glue: Now place the 3D-printed lace design delicately on your nail area. Place a large amount of nail glue at the back of it and stick it on your nail.
Hold Steady: Press it gently on the surface, for about 5 minutes to give the bonding material a chance to hold the design properly.

5. Cure Under UV Light:

Set and Cure: Seal your nails under the UV lamp for approximately one minute to make the glue as well as the design rigid.

6. Finish with Top Coat:

Seal and Shine: Paint another coat over the entire nail area and the 3D design on top of it to set and give it a nice shiny look.
Cure Again: After the application of the topcoat place the nails under the UV lamp for another one minute to allow the gel to harden.

Tips and Tricks

For the old type of crowning, a matte type of top coat should be used.
When cutting lace add mini rhinestones to the design for an extra layer of sophistication.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not apply a lot of glue as this will not be needed, a little bit of glue will suffice.
It is recommended that the base coating is done in a way that dries well before the 3-D design is applied on top of it.

Futuristic Lines

Materials Needed

Coiling (3D Printer for example Anycubic or Creality)
PLA Filament (in metal or neon colors)
Line Design File (It is taken from a 3D design file easily downloadable on free websites).
Nail Glue
UV Lamp
Metallic or Neon shade of nail polish (for instance; silver, gold, neon green).
Top Coat

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Print the Line Design:

Download and Prepare: Go to a website with a line design file already created and then import the design file of your 3D printer.
Print: For a more eye-popping effect use metallic or neon PLA filament.

2. Prepare Your Nails:

Clean and File: Make sure your nails are in good shape, and clean and have the preferred shape that you would like them to be.
Base Coat: Using their protector apply a base coat and allow it to dry thoroughly.

3. Apply Metallic or Neon Nail Polish: Apply Metallic or Neon Nail Polish:

Choose Your Color: Choose a metallic or neon type of nail polish for instance silver, gold, or neon green.
Paint Your Nails: It is perfect to put two coats on the doors and it has to be very dry to receive the next coat.

4. Apply the 3D Line Design: Apply the 3D Line Design:

Position and Glue: Place the created line design with the help of 3D printing cautiously on your nail. Put a little of the nail glue on the back then stick it on your nail.
Hold Steady: Finally, keep the design pressed on the t-shirt for several seconds to enable it to stick properly.

5. Cure Under UV Light:

Set and Cure: Place your nails under the UV lamp for another 60 seconds to harden the glue as well as nail art design.

6. Finish with Top Coat:

Seal and Shine: Paint a sufficient amount of a glossy top coat over the whole nail inclusive of the 3D design to set it properly.

Cure Again: Finally, the top coat of gel must be cured under the UV lamp for an extra minute; this is to ensure that the nails gel properly.

Tips and Tricks

The intensity of the contrast must be accompanied by the use of contrasting colors.
Different line patterns should be created for a distinct look of the design.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure not to make the design very thick; this will not stick properly on the nail.
Do not overdo the polish; it might make the nails ungainly to look at.

Techniques and Trends in 3D Printed Nail Art

Current Trends

This is very important so that one does not lag in this respect. Currently, and this is perhaps quite obvious, the concepts of minimalism and sustainability are much appreciated. They are becoming more minimalistic with a penchant for classy yet sustainable designs.

Advanced Techniques

For those who want to advance to the next level, one can try using mixed designs where 3D prints are glued onto material and rhinestones can be added Another level can be attempted by doing ombre effects on the 3d designs.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Beginners’ Pitfalls

Too Much Glue: A little amount of glue that is sufficient to hold the design can be used.
Rushing the Process: Even better, for female artists there is no need to get impatient as time is a great ally in this case. Make sure each layer has time to dry and to cure well.
Overcomplicating Designs: One must first learn the basic patterns and then work his way up to the more complicated ones.

Maintenance and Care

To keep your 3D printed nails looking fresh: To keep your 3D printed nails looking fresh:

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: They can dilute the design.
Be Gentle: It is important to also note that 3D designs may be fragile and thus should be handled with a lot of precaution.
Regular Touch-Ups: It is recommended that you maintain a top coat always around so that you can apply it in case of emergencies.

Resources and References

Tutorial Videos

Visual learners, here is a great YouTube channel:

Cute polish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How fast can a 3D nail design be printed out?

It generally ranges from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the design’s complexity.

To what extent is it possible to select any 3D printer and combine nail art?

Ink-based printers are preferred but it should be noted that for detailed designs one should opt for fine print head printers.

Are nails obtained from 3D publishing strong?

If 3D printed nails are well taken care of and maintained they can also last as long as the conventional nail art.

Conclusion

3D Printing that nails are a game changer in the world of Nail art. There is a wild region from elegant decorations in the style of flowers to bright geometric patterns. Why should not this be given a try? Who knows, this might be a new hobby that you will come to know that you love. Please do not forget to share with me your creations and also how it goes. Happy printing!

Author

Rukshana Lakshan
Hello, I'm Rukshana Lakshan, a certified and passionate nail technician with over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. My journey into the world of nail art began as a childhood fascination with colors and creativity, which evolved into a fulfilling career dedicated to enhancing beauty and confidence through impeccable nail care.
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