Q&A

2021-05-05
How to restore a polish that has thickened?

Has your favourite polish turned into a gooey, sticky substance and is hard to apply? Here are some tips that might solve your problems.

Solution #1: Shake gently

Sometimes, a little elbow grease is enough to revive the polish. Turn the bottle over and back again to distribute the product. Then gently roll the product between your palms. Try to avoid shaking it vigorously to prevent air bubbles from forming.

Solution #2: A little H2O

Pour hot water into a bowl, then place the bottle of polish in it. After a few minutes, the consistency should be less thick. Then mix the product as explained in solution #1.

Solution #3: Dissolvent in the polish? Yes!

A few drops of dissolvent will work wonders as a dilutant. Be sure to use pure acetone sparingly. Added too generously, it will overly liquify the polish, making it unusable. This is a solution of last resort, however, and you will likely have to dispose of the product after use.

Solution #4: Miracle product to the rescue

Did you know that there are products specifically designed for this kind of situation? They work like paint thinners, restoring texture without altering the polish shade.

Seche Restore Thinner is a good example. And the eyedropper allows for easy use.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Certain preventive measures are effective in stopping the product from coagulating in the bottle:

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
  • Do not leave it in the refrigerator. This can alter the product’s chemical composition and speed up thickening.

Of course, if your polish is several years old, unfortunately, it’s time to get rid of it. Like other cosmetics, it has a shelf life. But look on the positive side. This means more room for new colours!

  • #At-home manucure
  • #Gel nail polish
  • #Long lasting manucure
Suggested Products
  • OPI

    Expert touch remover 1oz

    $5.99 $3.99
  • Seche

    Seche Clear - Base Coat 0.5oz

    $7.99
  • Seche

    Seche Restore - Thinner 0.5oz

    $9.99
  • Diane

    Cuticule pusher with trimmer

    $2.99
  • Silk Line

    4" cuticle nipper (2.5mm quarter jaw)

    $24.99 $21.99
  • Americanails

    FastFoils 100 ct

    $18.99
  • Americanails

    Top Coat Gel Polis - Glossy Finish 0.5oz

    $13.99
  • Americanails

    Faux Kolinsky Brush #12

    $13.99
Watch Related Videos