How to Safely Thin Out Nail Polish: Step-by-Step
No matter if you’re a nail enthusiast or a manicure professional, you’ve been there. You reach for your favorite polish, only to find it’s turned thick, goopy, and tough to apply. But before you toss it, good news: reviving it is easier than you think. With the right approach, you can bring your beloved shade back to life and get a few more perfect manis out of it.
Learn how to thin out nail polish so you can achieve the perfect consistency for regular use, nail art, and ensure that your manicures stay cost-effective and leave you feeling confident!
Why Does Nail Polish Become Thick Over Time?
Over time, nail polish naturally thickens as its solvents begin to evaporate. These solvents are essential for maintaining a fluid consistency. If the bottle is opened frequently or stored in a warm, sunny spot, this can speed up the thickening process. The result? A formula that’s tougher to spread evenly and loses that sleek, smooth finish we all love. Adopt these techniques to prolong the life and usability of your nail polish collection!
How To Make Nail Polish Thinner: Step-by-Step
1: Gather Your Materials
Begin by acquiring a bottle of nail polish thinner and your thickened bottle of nail polish. If you’re in a pinch, a drop or two of pure acetone can work.
2: Add Thinner to the Nail Polish
Carefully open the bottle of thickened nail polish and add 2-3 drops of nail polish thinner. Start with less to avoid over-thinning, you can always add more if needed. If you’re using acetone, go even lighter. Just 1-2 drops max.)
3: Shake & Mix
Screw the cap back on and give it a good shake, or gently roll the bottle between your palms. This helps the thinner evenly distribute through the polish without introducing air bubbles.
4. Test the Consistency
After mixing, swipe a small amount onto a nail swatch or a piece of paper. Check if the consistency is smooth and easy to apply. If it still feels sticky or drags, repeat the process with one drop of thinner at a time until you reach a smooth texture. Test after each addition to avoid over-thinning.
5: Store Properly
Once you've achieved the desired consistency, make sure the cap is tightly sealed. Store your polish in a cool, dark spot away from windows or places where temperature fluctuates to help prevent future thickening.
Can You Put Water In Nail Polish To Make It Thinner?
No, water will not thin nail polish. Nail polish is made with specific solvents that aren’t water-soluble, so adding water can cause separation, streaking, or ruin the bottle altogether. To properly thin nail polish, it's essential to use a product like nail polish thinner which is specifically designed for this process.
Will Rubbing Alcohol Thin Nail Polish?
No, rubbing alcohol is not compatible with nail polish formulas, and can mess with texture, cause clumping, or affect the final finish. Conversely, Nail polish thinner has a formula that seamlessly integrates with a polish’s ingredients to preserve its quality while thinning.
Can Acetone or Nail Polish Remover Be Used To Thin Nail Polish?
While acetone and nail polish remover can technically be used to thin nail polish, they are not ideal solutions and should be used with caution. Acetone is strong and can break down delicate formulas, affecting color or making nail polish chip faster. Nail polish remover often contains added ingredients like moisturizers, which can further disrupt the texture. We recommend using acetone or remover sparingly and only as a last resort.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Making Nail Polish Thinner
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Using Water: Water and nail polish do not mix, and it may ruin your polish by causing it to separate or become cloudy.
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Over-Thinning: Always start slow and build-up. Adding too much thinner at once can make the polish too runny, leading to poor application and coverage.
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Using Rubbing Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol can disrupt the polish's chemical balance, resulting in a compromised texture, color, and durability.
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Using Nail Polish Remover: While it may seem convenient, nail polish remover has ingredients that can degrade the polish's pigment and lifespan.
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Improper Mixing: Always shake or roll your nail polish bottle thoroughly to ensure thinner is evenly distributed for the best consistency.
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Storing Improperly: Avoid storing your nail polish in warm environments or near sunlight, and ensure caps are secured tightly while they are not in use.
Seamless Solutions
Refreshing thickened polish is a simple, sustainable way to breathe new life into your favorite shades and keep every mani looking its best. With a few drops of thinner and the right technique, your go-to color can glide on like new. It’s an effortless fix that extends your polish’s lifespan while keeping your routine eco-conscious. Looking for your next favorite hue? Explore Londontown’s curated collection of nail concealers and our palette of colors, all designed to deliver salon-worthy color while supporting stronger, healthier nails with every swipe.
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