Nail polish is a beauty staple for many, but over time, even your favorite shades can become thick, goopy, and difficult to apply. This is primarily due to the evaporation of solvents, notably ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, which are key components in most standard nail polishes. As these solvents evaporate, the polish thickens, resulting in a frustrating application experience. Fortunately, you can revamp your nail polish to its original consistency with a few simple steps.
Understanding Nail Polish Composition
Most nail polishes are solvent-based, meaning they rely on liquids that evaporate to leave behind a hard film on your nails. The primary solvents, ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, provide the polish with its thin, easy-to-apply texture. However, with exposure to air over time, these solvents evaporate, causing the polish to become thick, stringy, or even solidified.
How to Thin Nail Polish
For Slightly Thickened Polish
If your nail polish has started to thicken but is not completely solidified, you can easily fix it by adding a bit of nail polish thinner. Here’s how:
- Add Drops of Thinner: Begin by adding a few drops of nail polish thinner to the bottle.
- Mix: Roll or shake the bottle to mix the thinner with the polish. Yes, you CAN shake. Contrary to some opinions, shaking will not ruin the polish or cause permanent bubbles. In fact, it is often necessary to give it a vigorous shaking in order to thoroughly mix the formula. If you plan to use the nail polish immediately, let the bottle sit for a sufficient period to allow any possible bubbles time to dissipate.
- Check Consistency: After mixing, check the consistency of the polish. If it’s still too thick, repeat the process by adding a few more drops until you achieve the desired texture.
For Very Dried Out or Solidified Nail Polish
If your nail polish has become hard and solidified, more effort will be needed to revive it:
- Add Thinner: Start by adding about 1/8 teaspoon of nail polish thinner to the bottle.
- Let It Sit: Allow the polish to sit overnight. This will give the thinner time to work its magic by absorbing into the dried ingredients. No doubt It will be very thirsty and suck it all up!
- Test Again: The next day, check the consistency. If it’s still thick, repeat the process, adding more thinner as necessary until the polish returns to its original state.
- Stir It: Stubborn dried out polish stuck to the bottom will require stirring. Using a solvent proof tool or stick like a wooden coffee stirrer or a metal paper clip works wonders and will not melt into the polish. Do not use a plastic stirrer or straw as it will likely disintegrate.
How to Thin Nail Polish & What Not to Add: Avoid Water, Alcohol, or Acetone
- Water: Adding water to nail polish will cause it to clump and separate. It will not mix. Remember, standard air-dry nail polish is oil based. Oil and water do not mix. It will become unusable and there will be no turning back.
- Alcohol: While it may seem like a suitable option, alcohol can break down the formulation of the polish, leading to a compromised finish and drying time. It can also dry out the polish, making it brittle, more difficult to manage and result in excessive chipping.
- Acetone: Although acetone is a common nail polish remover, it should never be used to thin polish. It can completely alter the chemical structure of the nail polish, leading to a gummy texture that is almost impossible to work with. Think about it. Acetone eats through nail polish. It's purpose is to break it down quickly and remove it. Imagine what havoc it will wreak on the beautiful colorants and special effect pigments in the polish! It will destroy the vibrancy and performance of your most prized collection of holographic, multichrome, magnetic and thermal nail polish.
Types of Nail Polish That Should Not Be Thinned Using Nail Polish Thinner
Here is a list of types of nail polish that should not be thinned using standard oil based nail polish thinner that contains ethyl or butyl acetate:
- UV/LED Gel Nail Polish
- Water-based Nail Polish
- Crackle Nail Polish
The above products are specially formulated with unique ingredients that are not compatible with regular nail polish thinner. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's suggestions for thinning these specific products should they become thickened over time.