Last Updated on October 28, 2023 by Ray Amaari
Ever wonder why your nail polish bubbles? It is frustrating when you take the time to perfect your manicure, only to find it less than perfect.
What causes nail polish bubbling? A usual one is applying too much polish. Layers that are too thick take longer to dry and air bubbles get trapped. You can avoid this, by using thin coats and waiting for each layer to dry before adding more.
Another reason is shaking the bottle too hard before application. Mixing the color is important, but shaking too much can add air bubbles. So, roll the bottle between your palms to mix the polish without creating extra air.
Old or expired nail polishes can also result in bubbling. Solvents in the polish evaporate over time, making it thicker and bubbly. To avoid this, check the expiration date of your polishes and throw out any that have expired.
What Causes Nail Polish To Bubble?
Bubbles on freshly applied nail polish can be annoying! To avoid them, you must understand what causes them.
- Improper application techniques, like too much polish on the brush or applying thick coats without letting each layer dry, can create air pockets.
- Heat and humidity also cause bubbling. Low-quality or expired polishes and mixing different brands can cause chemical reactions that create bubbles.
To prevent them, start with clean and dry nails, use thin coats of polish, and let each layer dry.
Invest in high-quality polishes, avoid painting in humid environments, and don’t expose your nails to heat.
Preventing Nail Polish Bubbles
Nail polish bubbles can be annoying and ruin a polished look. Here are 5 ways to stop them and get perfect nails:
- Clean nails. Remove old polish with remover and wash hands.
- Thin layers. Not too thick. Let each layer dry before adding another one.
- Don’t shake the bottle. Roll between hands instead. Otherwise, bubbles will form.
- Stable environment. A ventilated room with moderate temperature and low humidity will help.
- Seal with top coat. Smooth any imperfections and prevent chipping.
Also, don’t forget about the expiration date – old polishes may cause bubbles. My experience taught me to take my time and follow the steps. No more bubbles!
Avoiding Nail Polish Bubbles
No need to fear nail polish bubbles! Follow this 4-step guide to avoid bubbling nail polish like a nail tech pro.
Step 1: Prep your nails.
- Clean them with polish remover pads.
- Push back cuticles with a pusher.
- Buff the surface lightly.
Step 2: Choose the right polish.
- High-quality polishes are best.
- Don’t shake the bottle vigorously.
Step 3: Apply thin layers.
- Thin coats dry faster.
- Wait for each layer to dry.
Step 4: Use gentle strokes.
- Slow and even strokes.
- Avoid pressing hard on the brush.
Practice makes perfect. With time and patience, you’ll become an expert at fixing bubbles.
Pro Tip: Store your polishes in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This helps maintain consistency and reduces bubbling.
Conclusion
Nail polish bubbling can be a headache. But, there are reasons for it. Applying too much polish or not letting layers dry before adding more is a common cause.
Plus, using old or low-quality polish can lead to bubbling too. To avoid this issue, follow proper application techniques and store polishes in a cool, dry place.
And, heat or humidity can cause bubbling, too. It’s also possible that contaminated brushes or improper nail prep could be factors.
However, addressing the above points should take care of most bubbling cases.