Why Does My Nail Polish Bubble Up When It Starts To Dry?

Dec 21, 2011

Lexi S.

It doesn't matter what brand or what color I use, everytime I paint my nails and wait for the polish to dry I expect to have a nice solid manicure. But instead it starts to get air bubbles when it dries.

Dec 21, 2011

Yasmin K.

Several reasons.

1. Did you shake the polish before using it? If not try that. If so...
2. Does it have a metal bead inside so when you shake the bottle it mixes the polish better? If not you can buy metal bbs to add.
3. Are you applying your polish to an unfinished nail? That is did you buff your nail before? When I'm doing my polish properly (that is not just doing swatches) I will shape my nail and then take a four to six sided buffer and get up to the second to last stage but I won't buff the nail smooth because if I buff it smooth the polish will simply peel off for me. I like leaving it just a little rough so the base coat applies to the nail and stick better.
4. Do you use a base coat? If not try a base coat and see if that helps.

Dec 21, 2011

Lex R.

Sometimes bubbles appear when you apply too much polish on your nail. That's what happened to me. Bubbly nails. Attractive. 

Jan 6, 2012

Nicole M.

Also, if you paint your nails in direct sunlight that will make them bubble. Also, shaking your bottle up before you apply the polish will give you bubbles from the air that is incorporated into the polish from shaking it. If you have been shaking your polish, that's probably the problem. Instead of shaking, try rolling the bottle gentle on a flat surface or between your hands. I bet that will make a difference. :) Good luck!

Jan 10, 2012

Isa T.

Like everyone said before, don't shake the bottle! But also, you can get air bubbles from waving your hands around to make them dry faster, or blowing on them, or putting them in front of a fan when they're still /wet/. Just keep your hands still right after you paint them, so the air won't disturb it c:

Jan 16, 2012

Angie B.

I will also add, make sure to wash your hands (I also scrub my nails with soap and a nail brush) before applying your base coat, polish and top coat. If you have any kind of residue on your hands/nails ex: lotion, cuticle oil, food, etc, it will make the polish bubble or apply unevenly.

Jan 18, 2012

Myshel D.

I had the same question. Good to know...thanks ladies.

Nov 18, 2012

Adeola A.

I also tried not shaking my polish before use and it truly came out nice .

Nov 19, 2012

Alyse M.

This is an old thread but there is some incorrect advice on here. The first response says to shake polish.. That is going to CAUSE bubbles! You can roll the handles in your palms if you need to mix it but shaking it is BAD. Also, a fan or very cold air causes bubbles. Old, thick polish will bubble.

Nov 19, 2012

Joey B.

ur actually not supposed to shake the bottles, your supposed to roll the bottle quickly between you palms

Nov 19, 2012

Jordan W.

Oh gosh this was so so helpful! Been having this problem for forever!