Picture this: You’re all set to give yourself a gorgeous at-home manicure, excited to rock that cute nail polish colour you love. You settle in, ready to create something stunning, but then—surprise! You open the bottle only to find a thick, clumpy polish that’s more of a disaster than a delight. It’s unsightly, frustrating, and impossible to apply. Suddenly, your perfect manicure plans are ruined.
But what if there was a quick fix? What if you could actually use that favourite nail polish colour, even when it’s turned into a sticky, coagulated mess? That’s exactly where nail polish thinner steps in to save the day, turning your polish from clumpy to smooth and ready for flawless application.
What is Nail Polish Thinner?
Over time, you may have noticed that all nail polishes naturally lose some of their original smoothness and don’t glide onto your nail as smoothly as before. Frequent exposure to the air can cause the ingredients of nail polish to dry out, leaving behind a clumpy texture.
Thinner is specially formulated to restore a nail polish to its former glory, so to speak. It dilutes the polish, restoring its smooth and spreadable texture. Key ingredients include ethyl and butyl acetate that break down the stubborn components without altering the colour.
It’s important to remember that thinner is not merely acetone. Acetone breaks down entirely; nail polish thinner restores the formula, breaking down only specific components.
When To Grab Nail Polish Thinner
As nail polish ages, it will thicken. You might hasten this process by frequently uncapping your nail polish bottle as well. Air will essentially cause most formulas to take on this distinct, tacky formulation that is difficult to manipulate onto your nails.
Nail thinners are ideal for nail polishes that have thickened but are still definitely within their usable lifespan. There’s a natural limitation to when you can use a thinner—it will likely not work on polishes that have completely separated into its constituents or dried out. Your thinner will also not work on nail polish beyond its expiration. If your nail polish is beyond saving, it’s time to part ways.
However, nail polish thinner is a great choice for hard-to-find or expensive shades that are suffering from a simple case of premature thickening.
How To Use Nail Polish Thinner
Let’s delve into how to make use of this handy tool to refresh your nail paints.
- Gather Your Supplies: Prepare a clean, dry space and turn off the fan if possible. As you’re working with liquids, it’s necessary to operate on a hard surface. Keep both your thinner and thicker nail polish at hand.
- Use Your Thinner: Add a couple of drops of thinner to your nail polish bottle. Remember to be as conservative as possible in the beginning. You can always add more later so avoid dumping in too much from the get-go.
- Test The Consistency: Swirl and mix the formula with the applicator brush or a thin skewer to ensure the polish and thinner are thoroughly mixed. Do not shake the bottle! This can cause air bubbles, impeding the application of the polish onto your nails. After mixing, test the formula.
- Make Adjustments: If your polish is still too thick, add a couple more drops of thinner. Repeat the process until you’ve got what you’re looking for.
- Storage: This is the most important step. Ensure you secure the cap of both your restored nail polish and the thinner to make use of them for longer.
Best Practices: Nail Thinner Dos and Don’ts
Here are some best practices for using a nail polish thinner:
- Use only a tiny amount at one time.
- Swirl around, don’t shake.
- Use nail thinner that is explicitly sold under this name. Avoid acetone.
- Avoid using a thinner with gel or special glitter polishes.
- Don’t use thinners for completely dried-out or expired polishes.
Additionally, once you have your thinned nail polish, store your bottle appropriately. Keep your polish in a cool and dry environment in an upright position. Make sure the cap of the polish is secure and before putting it on, it’s a good idea to wipe off excess polish at the neck of the bottle. This dries up and prevents the bottle from being sealed appropriately.
Conclusion
A nail polish thinner can save you from a frustratingly common experience with nail polishes. You can avoid clumpy and thick nail polishes with one simple formula. By taking the appropriate steps and maintaining good practices, you can keep your nail polishes smooth, consistent, and always ready for flawless manicures. So, when your polish begins to thicken, grab a nail polish thinner to revive it. Try out different brands to see which one works best for you, and enjoy effortlessly smooth manicures every time!
Also Read: Transform Your Nail Care Routine: Why Every Beauty Enthusiast Needs a Glass Nail File in Their Kit
