Do You Have to Throw Out Thick Nail Polish? Here’s How to Save It

Do You Have to Throw Out Thick Nail Polish? Here’s How to Save It

Is Your Nail Polish Getting Thick and Goopy?

If your favorite polish suddenly feels too thick to apply smoothly, don’t panic — you don’t have to throw it away.

Nail polish thickens over time because its solvents evaporate, changing the texture. But the good news is: you can easily fix it and get it back to its original consistency.

colour lover cosmetics

The Right Way to Fix Thick Nail Polish

The solution is simple: use a nail polish thinner.

Nail polish thinners are specially formulated to replace the evaporated solvents and bring your polish back to life. Here’s how:

  1. Add a few drops of nail polish thinner directly into the bottle.

  2. Close the cap tightly and shake the bottle well.

  3. Test the consistency. If it's still too thick, repeat step 1.

Go slow — it’s easier to add more thinner than to undo an overly diluted polish.

What NOT to Do: Never Use Nail Polish Remover or Acetone

It might be tempting to grab a nail polish remover or acetone to thin out the polish, but please don’t.

While they may seem to work temporarily, they break down the formula and permanently damage the rest of the polish. You’ll end up with a streaky, uneven mess that won’t dry properly — and eventually, you’ll have to throw it out anyway.

colour lover cosmetics

Quick Recap: How to Restore Thickened Polish

✅ Use: Nail polish thinner
❌ Avoid: Acetone, polish remover, or alcohol
💡 Add slowly and test as you go
💅 Shake well after each drop

With proper care, your polish can last much longer and stay in perfect condition.

What Do You Do With Old Nail Polish?

Have you tried reviving a thick nail polish before? Do you have a favorite tip — or a polish you regret trying to fix? Share your experiences in the comments.

We’d love to hear from you!

Your Colorly Cosmetics Team