How To Thin Out Nail Polish That’s Thick And Clumpy

Every nail enthusiast has a favorite bottle of nail polish in their vanity. But what would you do if you opened the bottle one day to find the lacquer all dried up? Well, your knowledge of how to thin out nail polish can come to your rescue and save your bottle of polish from going to the trash. In this article, we share a simple fix for the problem of thickened nail polish. Get ready to revive your old nail polishes and make them as good as new. Scroll down to know more!

How To Fix Thick, Goopy Nail Polish

Thick nail polish, be it metallic nail polish or shimmer nail polish, has uneven consistency. Here’s how to thin out nail polish that has gotten thick, clumpy, and impossible to apply. These methods are a great fix for restoring the original consistency of your polish (even glitter or neon nail polish).

Method 1: Try A Nail Lacquer Thinner

Using a professional nail lacquer thinner is the best way to restore your old nail polish.

Things You Will Need

• Nail Lacquer Thinner
• Eyedropper
• Old Nail Polish
• Tissue (to clean-up spillage and mess)

Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Add Thinner To Nail Polish:Use an eyedropper to pour 2-3 drops of thinner into the nail polish. 
2. Screw The Cap Tightly: Screw the cap back on the nail polish bottle tightly to prevent the nail polish from spilling or drying during the mixing process. 
3. Mix Nail Thinner And Nail Polish: Roll the bottle between the palms of your hands to mix the two. 
4. Test the consistency: If the mixture flows smoothly from the brush, it is ready to use. 
5. Repeat If Necessary: If it does not, add more drops of thinner and test it again.
6. For Gel Nail Polish: If your nail polish is a gel formula (the ones that are UV-cured), use a thinner specially designed for gel nail polish. You can also use acetone-free and non-toxic thinners that you can find in most beauty stores.

Note: Using UV nail lamps for gel manicures can increase the risk of carcinogenesis and lead to nail discoloration, brittleness, weakness, or thinning (1 ). It’s recommended to adhere to safe nail practices to maintain nail health and avoid complications.

Method 2: Hot Water Fix

If you are out of nail lacquer thinner, here’s how you can thin out nail polish with things you already have at home to do your manicure and pedicure.

Things You Will Need

• A bowl of hot water
• Nail polish (thick or dry) you want to restore 
• Cloth or Tongs to handle hot nail polish (optional)

Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Prepare The Hot Water: Fill a bowl with hot water, ensuring it’s deep enough to immerse the nail polish completely. 
2. Immerse The Nail Polish Bottle: Immerse your bottle of dry nail polish in a bowl filled with hot water, and you have your DIY nail polish thinner ready. 
3. Gently Roll The Nail Polish Bottle: Leave the bottle in the water for about 3 minutes. Then, gently roll the bottle back and forth between your palms to shake the polish in it. This method also helps loosen the cap of a hard-to-open nail polish bottle.

Note: As the glass bottle can get very hot, handle it with care and caution. If the polish still does not reach the desired consistency, repeat the process for a few more minutes.

Method 3: One Drop Of Pure Acetone

When you’re in a pinch and run out of nail polish thinner, pure acetone can be a last resort to thin out thick and goopy nail polish. But remember, use it with caution and sparingly.

Things You Will Need

• Pure Acetone/ Nail Polish Remover With Acetone
• Eyedropper (optional for precision)
• Nail Polish (thick or dry) You Want To Restore

Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Add A Drop Of Acetone: The key is to use only one drop of acetone, as any more than that will break down the nail polish and lessen its lifespan.
2. Mix The Polish: After adding the acetone, screw the cap of the nail polish bottle tightly, and then, with patience and care, roll the bottle gently between your palms to mix the polish. This gentle approach is key to restoring your nail polish.
3. Alternative Solution: If you don’t have pure acetone on hand but have a nail polish remover that contains acetone, you can use it instead. However, just like pure acetone, don’t use too much, or it will break down the nail polish’s color.

Quick Tip

You can use an eyedropper to dispense the acetone or nail polish remover inside the nail paint bottle precisely, as too much of the solution will only ruin the color and texture.

Method 4: Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is also a great option for thinning clumpy nail polish.

Things You Will Need

• Rubbing Alcohol
• Eyedropper (optional for accurate measurement of rubbing alcohol)
• Nail Polish (thick or dry) You Want To Restore

Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Add Rubbing Nail Polish: Begin by adding rubbing alcohol to the nail polish. It’s a simple process-just open the nail polish and using a dropper, add two drops of rubbing alcohol to the nail polish. 
2. Mix The Nail Polish: Screw the bottle tightly and give the bottle a shake to mix the polish. 
3. Check The Consistency: Open the bottle and check if the nail polish has a flowy-smooth consistency. If it’s still not perfect, remember, it’s a reversible process. You can always add another drop of rubbing alcohol to thin out the nail polish and repeat the above  process. 

So, you don’t need to throw out that thick, goopy nail polish! These few methods ensure that your favorite nail color returns to its former consistency, extending its life span and giving you a smooth, even application every time. Never forget to store the nail polish in a cool and clean place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Avoid keeping the bottle open for too long since the consistency would thicken over time.

If you are still worried that your favorite nail color is starting to harden; you can prevent your nail polish from getting thick and clumpy altogether by following the easy tips given below. Check out these nail care tips and tricks!

How To Keep Your Nail Polish From Turning Goopy

• Store your nail polish in a cool, dry place that maintains a consistent temperature (like a drawer just for your beauty products).
• Wipe the neck of your nail polish bottle with a cotton ball soaked in acetone before you screw the cap back on, especially if it’s a quick-dry nail polish. This also makes it easier for you to open the bottle the next time you want to give yourself a mani/pedi.
• Never keep your polish close to a source of heat or in direct sunlight.
• Avoid storing your nail polish in the bathroom as the temperature is constantly fluctuating in there, and humidity is your nail polish’s #1 enemy.
• Store your bottles the right way by keeping them upright. If you store them upside down or on the side (please don’t throw them haphazardly in a drawer), it will cause clumps in the formula and dry at the neck of the bottle.
• Don’t leave the lid off for longer than necessary. Exposing your nail polish to air is one of the top reasons for the thickening of your polish. It’s best to close the bottle between coats.

Quick Tip

Applying nail polish with the fan is advisable to keep it from drying out. You can also cover the lid while using the color.

Infographic: More Tips For Restoring Sticky Or Thick Nail Polish

If you paint your nails at home, it’s possible that some of your favorite polishes are now tough to open, too thick to apply, or even both. However, you don’t have to throw away your old favorite colors. Instead, we have the strategies and tactics you need to save old polish and get perfect nail finishes. Learn from the infographic below about the most effective ways to save your nail polish.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use rubbing alcohol to thin out nail polish?

Yes, you can use 2 to 3 drops of rubbing alcohol (91% alcohol) to thin out your nail polish.

Can nail polish be thinned with remover?

No. Although this may seem like a quick solution, this method will break down your nail polish’s formula. The polish will begin to crack after a couple of uses.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide to thin out nail polish?

No. Hydrogen peroxide can be useful in removing your nail polish when you run out of remover, but it’s not the most ideal ingredient for thinning out your polish.

Are acetone and thinner the same?

No. While acetone acts as a dehydrator to remove the nail polish from your nails, a thinner acts as a solvent and replaces the ingredients that have evaporated over time. They also have different chemical compositions.

How much thinner should I add to nail polish?

2-3 drops of thinner is ideal.

What types of containers are best for storing thinned nail polish?

Apart from drawers, a makeup bag and fridge are suitable places to store nail polish.

How often should you thin out your nail polish?

Thin out the nail polish only when it turns thick or goopy.

Is it safe to use nail polish thinner?

A nail polish thinner is a lacquering agent. While it’s safe to use hot water with it, acetone should be used very judiciously as it can adversely affect your nails when applied with nail polish.

Are there any precautions to keep in mind when using thin-out nail polish?

The following precautions should be kept in mind for thinned nail polish:

• Cap the bottle tightly and keep it in a cold and dry area.
• Wipe the bottle neck.
• Give it a swirl every few days.

Is there a specific temperature to thin out nail polish?

The ideal temperature at which nail polish should be stored is 10-15 degree celsius.

Illustration: How To Thin Out Nail Polish That&039s Thick And Clumpy - 3 Methods

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to thin and use your clumpy nail polish again with these quick tips. Click on the video to use your old nail polish anew in no time!

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