Can I Use Clear Nail Polish To Seal Acrylic Paint?

To complete an acrylic artwork, you need to seal or varnish it. For this, there are several different professional options available in the market. 

But what if you cannot currently get your hands on them? Is there an alternative? In this case, you may wonder, “Can I use clear nail polish to seal acrylic paint?” as, after all, it is used for a similar purpose sometimes in manicures and pedicures. 

So, can you?

The answer is in the text below. We will provide even more relevant information as well. Make sure you continue to read until the end to not miss anything! 

Can I Use Clear Nail Polish To Seal Acrylic Paint? 

Yes, you can. It is fine to use clear nail polish to seal acrylic paint. 

This is because clear nail polish hardens and becomes permanent after it dries and does not develop into a film of color. 

This is because, like acrylic paint sealants, clear nail polish cures or air dries quickly. and leaves behind a colorless film that resists water.  

You can use clear nail polish on a variety of surface materials, too. For example, you can use it on metal, wood, and glass, all of which are also commonly compatible with acrylic paint sealants. 

In addition, when using clear nail polish, you have the option to achieve a matte, glossy, or satin finish just like you would with acrylic paint sealants. 

It’s alright to use clear nail polish as an acrylic paint sealant

What Happens If Using Clear Nail Polish To Seal Acrylic Paint? 

As mentioned above, you can use clear nail polish to seal acrylic paint totally. 

However, compared to professional sealants, they may become yellow over time and will not last as long. 

A bottle of clear nail polish may not be expensive, but if your acrylic piece is big, you will need a few bottles. Then, the cost can mount and you will be shelling out a lot of money. 

Hence, it is still best to use professional sealants that are made for sealing acrylic paint. Use clear nail polish to seal acrylic paint only when professional sealants are not readily available. 

Aside from nails, you can put clear nail polish up to good use on acrylic paint pieces

How To Use Clear Nail Polish To Seal Acrylic Paint?

What You Will Need to Prepare 

Prepare the following materials before you set out to seal your acrylic paint piece: 

• Your acrylic paint piece 
• A clear nail polish 
• A wide-base brush with soft bristles 
• A brightly lit room, away from the sun 

Once you have the materials listed above, follow these steps: 

1. Before you start to do anything, conduct a sample test for the clear nail polish on another acrylic piece. This will stimulate what would happen to your actual piece when clear nail polish is applied. If you notice anything adverse, reconsider using clear nail polish.  
2. Then, ensure that your acrylic piece is fully dry. This is necessary because if you apply it while your piece is still wet, the polish and paint can mix. As a result, the piece you have spent so much time and effort on will be ruined and you will have to clean up an unsightly mess. 
3. Now, think ahead about how much clear nail polish you will need; have this ready and within reach. 
4. Next, apply a thin, even coat of sealant with a wide-base brush. Your strokes have to all be in a single direction. Meaning, all vertical or all horizontal. Do not stroke randomly. 
5. After that, allow time for the coat to dry. It needs to be totally dry. While you are waiting for it to dry, make sure you are away from the sun and a place where dirt or debris can be blown into/onto your piece. 
6. Again, apply a thin, even coat of sealant with a wide-base brush. But this time, do it in the opposite direction. According to experienced artists, this should give the piece an evener look. 
7. Let the second coat dry completely, as well. 

Conclusion 

It is essential to seal or varnish an acrylic piece if you want to protect it for the long run. As you have read in this article on  “Can I use clear nail polish to seal acrylic paint?”. You can use clear nail polish to finish the job of a professional acrylic sealant. 

However, there are some caveats to keep in mind: clear nail polish can yellow and does not last as long. If your acrylic piece is large, you will need to purchase many bottles of clear nail polish, which can amount to a hefty price tag. 

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