A nail art printer, if you haven’t seen the viral videos already, prints images directly onto your nails for stunning nail art at the push of a button.
These machines became widely available in the United States a couple years back and have taken the internet by storm ever since. They’re almost like nail stamping kits but more foolproof and print better images.
They make a great investment for nail salons courtesy of their ability to print images faster than a nail artist manually working by hand, thus allowing for quicker customer turnover. On top of that, it’s definitely a unique experience your clients will leave and spread the word about, giving you word-of-mouth and “free advertising” if you would. Read on to discover the best nail art printers and everything you need to know about this handy equipment.
Nail art printers are basically inkjet printers that are specially designed to quickly print out complex designs directly onto your nails.
These devices are basically mini ink-jet printers built for nails instead of paper. The majority of users would opt for regular ink-jet printer refills so you can shop around for a bargain instead of being forced to buy refills from the same brand or company.
Bear in mind that if you’ve ever been near a printer, you know they’re infamously finicky so while you won’t be dealing with paper jams, as with any printer, do expect some hiccups.
A nail printer is pretty easy to use, once you’ve set it up.
Step 1 – Firstly, apply a coat of white gel polish, any brand would work.
Step 2 – Next, apply the nail mask polish around the nail cuticles to prevent the ink from coming into contact directly with your client’s skin.
Step 3 – Then, apply a coat of special print gel.
Step 4 – Proceed to upload your images onto the designated mobile application.
Step 5 – Once the nails are prepped and images are ready, insert the fingers into the machine.
Step 6 – Adjust the images on the app to your liking and press print.
Step 7 – Finally peel off the nail mask around the cuticles and then cure your nails for 1 minute.
Step 8 – You may also apply a top coat to extend the lifespan of the nail art.
One of the best nail art printers, the all-the-rage O’2 nail art printer comes with a user-friendly mobile app, is portable and easy to carry, features multiple pre-installed libraries, and uses ink cartridges that are easily accessible on the market. The downside of it, though, is that you need to purchase a separate bottle of Pre-Print glue, and you can only print one finger at a time.
The main standout feature of this machine is that it doesn’t consume much space and only weighs 3.5 pounds, hence ideal for mobile nail technicians. Simply connect your mobile phone to O’2 nail printer’s WIFI, browse and upload your desired images. We highly recommend using polishing products from their brand before using the nail printer to yield optimal results. And make sure to apply a Pre-Print coat before using the mixed gel nail color to create an ideal surface for the ink, otherwise, the printed pattern will turn out blurry.
On the flip side, the O’2 nail art printer features cutting-edge software—the moment fingers are inserted into the machine, the printer will automatically recognize it and adjust the most suitable edge for printing. Above all that, its camera can also zoom in and out on the screen to crop and adjust the image to your desired.
Hi-tech nail art printer with advanced mobile app and software.
Use-friendly operation from the app
Portable
Different colors to choose from
Comes pre-loaded with patterns
You can upload your own images
Uses easy to find refills
Need to purchase Pre-Print glue separately
Setting up the printer isn’t easy
Only prints on one finger at a time
Though not a nail art printer per se, but more of a nail sticker printer, we decided to let that pass. The innovative, award-winning mini Nail POP device not only prints out nail stickers but it also allows you to create your own design. It’s easy to use—simply insert the cartridge in this printer device, upload your desired images onto its designated app and start printing your nail stickers! With this handy device, you’re also given the autonomy to create endless custom design on the mobile app. It expresses a clear and vivid color with the dye sublimation method so rest assured that the stickers would be high in quality. If you’re also selling nail stickers as part of your regular nail business, look no further than this printer.
Innovative nail sticker printer with unlimited customizable designs.
Portable
Allows for endless custom nail designs
Cutting-edge mobile app
Prints high-quality stickers with the dye sublimation method
Comes with 1 nail cartridge (10 paper pack)
Some users reported having trouble registering for an account on the app
One of the best nail art printers with easy portability—the PFMY.DG comes with its own mobile app and is compatible with iOS and Android phones. You can either upload your desired picture onto the app for printing or customize your own design on the app itself which allows you to create up to 800 nail designs. Conveniently, the package comes with 1 ink cartridge, a bottle of top coat, base coat, Pre-Print coat, color gel and nail mask you can prep your client’s nails with. On top of that, it uses top-rated inkjet printing technology to ensure the art printed is high in resolution and clear. However, similar to the O’2, this machine can only print on one nail at a time. So if it’s not too time-consuming for you, this is one of the best models to opt for.
Mobile nail art printer that allows up to 800 customizable nail designs.
Comes with a user-friendly mobile App
Allows for diversified custom designs
Fast and easy to operate
Prints high-resolution nail art with a unique inkjet printing technology
Only prints on one nail at a time
Pricey
This isn’t exactly a printer, and it’s certainly not digital, but this automatic nail stamping machine does remove all the tricky parts of nail stamping for you. The FILFEEL looks a little like that thingamabob they use to measure your shoe size, but it’s a device that can remove some of the human errors from nail stamping which comes with a notoriously steep learning curve.
To use, place your client’s nail on the adjustable nail rest, insert one of the stamping plates it comes with and paint the nail stamping polish over the image you want. The sliding handle then holds both the scraper and the stamp so when you slide it over the stamping plate, it automatically scrapes at the correct angle and positions the stamp over your images. Then, you press down on the stamping button once to pick up the image and again, slide the handle back and press it once more to stamp the images onto your nail. Yes, I know it’s very complicated.
You may refer to the attached tutorial on how to use this device the right way. Remember, it’s going to be hard during your first few tries. But eventually you’ll get the hang of it. For the price, I think it’s very much worth a shot.
Nail stamp device that reduces human error when it comes to performing a manicure.
Affordable
Doesn’t require electricity, WIFI, or even a smartphone
Allows for uniform placement of images
Accommodates any nail polish type
Doesn’t need special ink refills
Has a steep learning curve
The TXMACHINE intelligent digital nail printer feels less like using a mini printing machine and more like getting a manicure in a Star Wars episode. The salon-sizes machine weighs under 40 pounds but it’s something that your clients would leave your nail salon and talk about to anyone who would listen.
You can browse the images on the large color touch screen or even look up images by number in a larger category. It’s capable of printing a single image or you can pick out five different images, one for each nail. What makes this printer different from the rest is the fact that it can print on five fingers at once, thus cutting down the time of the manicure.
At this point, you strap your fingers into this little hand brace that helps to keep all your nails still whilst the machine positions and prints. To adjust and resize, the touch screen shows a real-time video of the printing process whereby the images are being superimposed over the nails and you can change their orientation and size to fit your client’s nails perfectly.
High-functioning digital nail printer that prints on five nails at a time.
Prints of five fingers at once be it a single design or five different designs simultaneously
Can print on your toes and other objects besides nails
Features a large touch screen interface
Comes with 2 free ink cartridges
Pricey
Large in size
Not easy to upload your designs
Design lookup is by number
Just like any other machine, nail art printers work if you’re using them the right way. You’ll use it to paint the entire nail completely, and the gel you’re going to use must have a milky white finish. It must be able to change the color of any design on its own. That’s why nail art printers are a good investment for salons and spas because they’re able to print images faster than a manicurist working by hand.
If you own a nail or spa business, you know how this printer would give you a quick customer turnover. It only requires you little time to figure out how you’re going to operate it. That being said, many of your customers would love to experience this unique process, making them refer and introduce it to the people around them.
Opting for the best nail art printers allow salon owners like you to instantly print excellent and aesthetically pleasing designs and pictures on your clients’ nails.
Now that you know what the top-notched nail art printers in the market are, I hope you can now choose one that works for your practice. Of course, there are plenty of factors to consider before investing in one, like knowing your customers if they “buy” the concept of printing designs on their nails. That way, you’d know if it’s going to be a hit.
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