Moroccan tilework and other ceramic art traditions, such as Portuguese azulejo tilework and Mexican Talavera designs, provide beautiful inspiration for summer nail designs. The intricate patterns and sun-soaked colors of Moroccan tile nails create an eclectic, free-spirited aesthetic that feels perfect for vacation nails or for capturing an adventurous, carefree summer mood. These tile decorations are widely recognized for their sophisticated geometric designs and vibrant colors.
When it comes to nails, handpainting intricate details like tilework-inspired designs requires steady hands, patience, and attention to detail. However, using the right gel products and nail art supplies can make achieving fine-line details much more approachable. Learn which products can help you create tile art-inspired details with ease, and follow along as we break down an intricate Moroccan-style tilework pattern for a tiny canvas in an easy step-by-step tutorial.
Essential Products
To paint intricate details with ease, it’s important to use painting gels that are smooth and easy to control while remaining non-flowing to maintain precise placement. MD-Gel Decor Gel was specifically formulated for painting fine details like those seen in Moroccan tile-inspired nail art. Decor Gel applies smoothly and delivers vibrant color payoff, even with just a small amount, while staying exactly where it is placed for ultimate precision. The gels are non-wipe and can also be used for isolated chrome. Decor Gel works beautifully for fine linework and can also be applied slightly thicker to create a subtle embossed effect.
For intricate detailing, a versatile fine liner brush with the right balance of flexibility and tension is equally important. The ideal liner brush for painting tilework-inspired nail art allows you to paint both straight and curved lines with precision. Our Sweetie Nail Supply Liner #1 Brush is an excellent option for fine details such as tilework patterns. It offers the ideal amount of tension for controlled linework, whether you’re painting crisp straight lines or delicate curves.
For this Moroccan Tile Nail Art Tutorial, we use MD-GEL Decor Gel in Bordeaux and White, along with the Sweetie Nail Supply Liner #1 Brush, to achieve geometric patterns inspired by traditional Moroccan tile art.
For This Tutorial, You Will Also Need:
A powder-resistant matte top gel, such as:
CREAR - Mania Choice Matte Top Gel
Moroccan Tile Nail Art Tutorial
For intricate nail art patterns, it’s often easiest to break designs down into simple shapes and manageable steps. Before beginning the design, prep the nails, apply base coat, and fully cure. As you work, flash cure for approximately 10 seconds whenever needed to prevent the gel from accidental smudging. However, the consistency of Decor Gel allows you to paint your full design in one process before a full cure.
1. Apply two coats of DVOK DS-059, curing for 60 seconds after each coat.
2. Apply a powder-resistant top gel. Cure for 60 seconds.
3. Using the tip of Sweetie’s Liner #1 brush, place a small dot of Decor Gel Bordeaux in the center of the nail.
4. Add four Bordeaux dots evenly around the center dot, forming a cross.
5. Drag each outer dot inward toward the center to create four tapered petals.
6. Place a small Bordeaux dot between each petal.
7. Drag each of these dots inward toward the center to create four additional tapered petals, forming an eight-point floral motif.
8. Place a white dot above the top, bottom, and side petals, leaving a slight gap between the white dot and the Bordeaux design.
9. Place a white dot just above the remaining petals, without leaving a gap.
1. Using the liner brush, connect the eight white dots with small arched lines to form a scalloped circle around the floral motif.
2. Place a white dot between each Bordeaux petal of the floral motif.
3. Drag each white dot inward toward the center to create eight small tapered petals.
4. At the top and bottom of the nail, place three Bordeaux dots in a shallow arch.
5. Drag each dot inward toward the center of the arch to create a three-petal fan motif.
6. Add four Bordeaux dots around the central design, positioning one at each corner.
7. Drag each side dot outward to create a tapered teardrop accent.
8. Around each side accent, place three small white dots in an arched formation.
9. Drag each white dot toward the Bordeaux teardrop to create a three-petal fan. Cure the completed design for 60 seconds.
Optional: Add top gel and cure for 60 seconds.
You can create different Moroccan tile designs on each nail using different color combinations or incorporate the design on a few accent nails.
There are endless possibilities for hand painted nail art with MD-Gel Decor Gel. If you’re looking to try something new for summer, find inspiration in ceramic tile patterns and recreate them as beautiful nail art.
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