No one likes taking the time to paint their nails, only to find that it has strange ‘bubbles’ trapped in the colour. Nail varnish can bubble when air gets trapped in the polish as it dries. This usually happens from shaking the bottle, applying the coat on too thick, painting your nails in a hot room, or using old or thick polish.
The good news is that deliberate changes in the way that you store and apply your polish can make a big difference and reduce the likelihood that your nail polish bubbles.
What Causes Bubbles in Nail Polish?
Bubbly nail polish has several possible causes:
- Shaking the bottle very hard.
- Applying thick coats.
- Not letting each coat dry sufficiently.
- Using old or thick nail varnish.
- Painting over oily, dirty, or damp nails.
- Painting in heat or direct sunlight.
- Using too much product on the brush.
Does Shaking Nail Polish Cause Bubbles?
Yes, as shaking the bottle mixes air into the nail polish. If you need to mix slightly separated polish, it’s better to roll it between your hands.
Can Thick Coats Make Nail Polish Bubble?
Yes, they can, as thick coats dry unevenly. The top layer of polish can start to dry whilst the liquid underneath is still wet. This can trap air and create bubbles.
Can Old or Thick Nail Polish Bubble More Easily?
Yes, old nail varnish can be thick and therefore hard to apply. If the polish is gloopy or stringy, it is more likely to bubble or not dry evenly.
Does Heat Make Nail Polish Bubble?
Yes, heat can make it harder to apply polish evenly, as it can dry too quickly or be hard to control. If possible, avoid painting your nails in a room that is too hot, near a radiator, or in direct sunlight.
How to Stop Nail Polish from Bubbling
There are several things you can do to prevent nail varnish from forming bubbles:
- Roll bottles to mix them instead of shaking.
- Apply thin coats of polish.
- Wipe excess polish off the brush.
- Let each coat dry fully before you add another.
- Start your manicure with clean, dry nails.
- Don’t paint in heat.
- Don’t paint in direct sunlight.
- Store your polish somewhere dark and cool.
- Replace polish that has become very thick or separated.
Can You Fix Bubbles After Nail Polish Dries?
If the bubbles are very small, you may be able to fix them by going over with a layer of top coat. Otherwise, your best option is to remove the polish and start again with a thinner coat.
Final Polish
Nail polish forms bubbles because air gets trapped during drying or application. Shaking the bottle, using very thick coats, painting nails in hot conditions, or using old polish can make bubble effect more likely.
In order to reduce bubbles, apply layers thinly and wait for them to dry. Roll bottles gently between your hands instead of shaking them and make sure to store your polish properly, in cool, dry conditions out of direct sunlight.