The Stamping plate came with its own card sleeves for easy storage and standard blue protective film which must be removed prior to use.The plate has 3 full  nail images and  6 individual images which can be used to create in accent nail. I didn't had any problem picking up the pattern. The pattern transferred neatly in stamper at first try. I used both stamping and normal polish and both worked very well. So that means the plates are deeply etched.