Does stamping require special polish?

Many of you often ask: can we use "normal" nail polish for stamping, or do we absolutely need a special stamping polish?

The absolute answer is: No... but... and yes, there's a but ;)

Stamping polishes are more color-condensed, meaning they are highly pigmented and the formula's consistency is thicker and more opaque, which truly allows the design to be seen.

In the image: on the left, a design with stamping polish; on the right, the same pattern with regular polish.
(image source: Maniology)

Regular nail polish is thinner, its consistency is much more watery. This means that the polish will not adhere to the edges and grooves of stamping plates; instead, it would flow, and it's harder for the stamper to pick up the design and get a clear impression, resulting in unclear designs.

Conclusion...
The main difference between stamping polish and normal/regular polish is the formula. The thick consistency and pigmentation make stamping polish very suitable for stamping.

Can I use regular polish for stamping? Of course! But the result might not be what you want if the polish isn't pigmented and thick enough. Experiment and try it out!

Regardless of the type of polish you use, the stamping technique is exactly the same, the goal being to achieve a beautiful, flawless design in one go.

What about you, have you tried different types of polish for stamping? Share your tips in the comments :)