It is very difficult to imagine a modern girl without a manicure. And it’s even more difficult to imagine all the variety of nail care products. Various oils, creams, amazing tools and, of course, varnishes of various shades. But sooner or later, every lady is faced with the fact that exactly at the moment when a specific color is needed, it turns out to be dried out. in such situation? And how to prevent, albeit temporary, but still damage to the varnish? We'll talk about everything later.

What is the reason?

First, you need to understand why such metamorphoses occur with varnish in general. The fact is that during the so-called drying, the liquid evaporates from the varnish, which is why it first thickens and begins to apply unevenly and with bubbles, and then stops being applied altogether. natural processes, but the varnish can also deteriorate due to banal carelessness and improper handling: temperature changes (storage either warm or cold) also negatively affect this product. There are several ways to save varnish, we will talk about them further.

How to avoid?

Before considering what can be diluted with, it is worth mentioning how to properly store it. Firstly, there is no need to experiment with storage temperature - the most optimal temperature will be normal, room temperature. It's also best to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures when applying nail polish. So, painting your nails near an open flame, which produces heat, would not be the best idea: this will not at all contribute to the long-term preservation of the coating.

From time to time it is worth shaking each of the bottles, just to prevent drying. And also, no matter how trivial it may sound, you need to use varnish as often as possible: when you open the bottle, oxygen gets inside, which activates the chemical processes in the varnish, which prevent the varnish from thickening and drying out. In addition, to increase this very flow of oxygen, you should blow inside the bottle before closing it.

Use of thinners

Before diluting thickened nail polish with products so widely used at home, you can use special liquids offered by polish manufacturers, so-called thinners. Like any cosmetic products, they are divided into professional and publicly available; the former, of course, are much more effective, although they are much more expensive.

Just add a few drops of thinner to a bottle of varnish, shake the bottle, and the varnish will become as good as new. The diluent will be effective for no more than a month, but due to the fact that very little of it is needed, one standard bottle can last for several years. This product should also be stored at room temperature - hypothermia is deadly for it.

Adding Clear Varnish

Secondly, if the varnish has thickened, you can add a little clear varnish to it, however, this method is not particularly long-lasting. When mixed, the colorless varnish attracts the coloring pigment from the colored one and fixes it on the nail. One such mixing is enough for one or two colorings, so you will have to use this method regularly.

Adding nail polish remover, acetone and other solvents

The third method is the most common: back in the Soviet Union, women knew how to dilute dried nail polish. A little remover was added to a jar of spoiled varnish - a kind of household analogue of thinner. However, when using a product with acetone, the varnish will wear off much faster, so this is worth taking into account. For half a bottle of nail polish, you will have to use a quarter teaspoon of acetone or nail polish remover without it. By the way, it can be replaced with ordinary household solvent - this method is one of the cheapest, but, importantly, very dangerous. You can not only get chemical burns if the concentration of solvent in the varnish is exceeded, but also be poisoned by chemical vapors. In addition, no one excludes that the varnish will be completely unusable.

Raising the Degree

The next household method, also well-known, is heating. What do you do with jam that thickens? That's right, place the jar with it in hot water for a while. Under no circumstances should you use boiling water - the glass of the bottle is unlikely to appreciate such a temperature difference. The varnish will actually become more liquid.

Another interesting feature of this method is that you should never shake the bottle - this will trigger the effect of soda, in which bubbles will also appear after shaking. That is, in principle, it is not necessary to know how to dilute nail polish; there are other ways to resuscitate it. It is worth noting that this method is completely short-lived: as soon as the liquid inside the bottle cools down, it will no longer be applied normally to the nails.

Adding micellar water

How else can you dilute thickened nail polish? Micellar water. Lately, it has become increasingly common in girls' arsenals, but few people know that in addition to cleansing the skin, it can also save dried nail polish. You need to add about a teaspoon of water to the bottle and leave this mixture to stand for a while. The varnish will then be like new.

Non-standard varnishes

How to dilute gel-based nail polish? In this case, it is useless to rely on the above methods; it is better to immediately add strong alcohol - vodka or medical alcohol - to the bottle. The problem is that abuse of this method will significantly affect the quality of the coating: it will be damaged much more easily, and it will crack faster than regular gel polish.

There is another non-standard varnish, caracel, which allows you to create peculiar cracks on the surface of the nail, it is very liquid and dries quickly, which is why it is useless to revive it, even all of the above methods will not help.

Finally

So, how to dilute nail polish? It is worth remembering that it is better not to use alcohol-containing products or alcohol - modern varnishes really do not like such a neighborhood. Acetone also has certain disadvantages - it still damages the nail plate, so you should not abuse it either as a thinner or as a nail polish remover. It is even better to refuse varnish thinners that contain acids and fats - none of these elements will contribute to the long-term preservation of the coating. With proper care, your hands will always look amazing - nothing pleases the eye more than a great manicure.

To dilute dried nail polish, women use various methods, but some of the methods are quite harmful both for the product itself and for the nails. Sometimes the following method helps: the bottle is placed in hot water and, under the influence of high temperature, the product liquefies slightly. However, this does not always happen.

Some products can seriously damage the varnish. Under their influence, it is divided into a coloring base and an oily liquid. And the use of such liquids as nail polish remover or acetone can have a detrimental effect on the condition of the nail plates and cause:
- brittle or yellow nails;
- delamination or poor growth of nail plates;
- loss of the natural shine of the surface of the nail plates.

To keep your nails healthy, you need to use gentle products that are specifically designed to dilute thickened varnish. They are affordable and can significantly extend the life of the varnish.

Dried varnish thinner

Many women do not know that there is a special liquid product on sale that is designed to dilute thickened nail polish, including completely dried nail polish. Unlike traditional “proven” remedies, it is completely harmless to the nail plates, since it does not contain acetone.

A special liquid for diluting dried varnish has many advantages compared to other solvents, since it:
- has a low cost;
- makes the consistency of nail polish uniform;
- does not degrade the quality of the varnish;
- does not have a negative effect on nails;
- is in a bottle with a thin spout, which is convenient for use;
- having a strong effect, it can dilute even very dried varnish.

It is enough to add a few drops of this liquid, and the varnish regains its original thickness and again becomes suitable for creating a manicure.

However, this product has one drawback: you can dilute the varnish only once, and its effect lasts only for one month. After this time, the varnish will thicken again, and if you try to dilute it with liquid again, it will be heterogeneous and lose its quality. And then buying a new varnish can no longer be avoided.

Parquet chemicals are a group of products used to protect and decorate wood floor, wall and ceiling coverings. This includes varnishes and paints, primers and putties, stains and tinting, adhesives, antiseptics, solvents and thinners. A large number of wood varnishes purchased in stores are, in most cases, a liquid mixture that is ready for application. The question arises: is it possible, and how, to dilute the varnish if it is too viscous?

When diluting varnish, the main thing is to follow the correct proportions.

To answer this question, several factors must be taken into account. First of all, we turn our attention to the key composition of the mixture. Second, select the required solvent. Third, when mixing, we maintain proportions so as not to reduce the quality of the material. Let's take a closer look at how you can dilute thickened varnish and how to do it according to the rules? Also, what should I use to remove the old protective coating from wood and how should I care for the tool?

Dilute, dilute or dissolve

At first glance, there is no difference. Using a special means, we bring the varnish substance into a “working state”. A solvent is a liquid that dissolves dried varnish, bringing it from a solid to a liquid state. We use a thinner if we need to adjust (reduce) the viscosity of paints.

Certain types of organic eluents serve dual roles, but some may be effective in one application but completely useless in another. So, for example, white spirit can be used to dilute compositions of polyurethane, alkyd and oil groups. However, if the varnish has dried, it will not be possible to dissolve it with white spirit.

White spirit can be used to thin certain varnishes.

But shellacs, on the contrary, are equally dissolved and diluted with denatured alcohols. However, we will not go into such subtle details.

If you need advice on how to dilute varnish or what to use for diluting paints, it is better to consult with specialists.

Polyurethane mixtures

Polyurethane-based varnishes, paints, primer mixtures, adhesives and more contain polyurethane - a modern polymer material. The totality of its parameters exceeds such famous materials as rubber, plastic, rubber, and metal. To obtain paint and varnish and adhesive solutions of great strength, in commercial production it (polyurethane) is mixed with special chemicals.

A lot of varnishes are made on a polyurethane basis and on a water basis. This parquet chemistry is environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

If you need to make the substance more liquid, you can use the following as a diluent for polyurethane-based compounds:

• toluene;
• xylene;
• acetone;
• eluents such as R-4, R-5.

Acetone is a modern means for thinning polyurethane-based varnishes

Alkyd mixtures

Alkyd compounds have good adhesion, moisture resistance, insensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, and reliability. They can be used for interior and exterior work. Alkyd mixtures contain the main element, organic solvents, driers (for faster setting), and additives. The key element could be:

• pentaphthalic resin;
• glypthal resin with cotton oil;
• a mixture of melamine-formaldehyde and alkyd resins.

To enhance the parameters of materials, alkyd resin parts are often included in multicomponent varnishes, paints, and enamels. The classic thinner here is white spirit.

Bitumen mixtures

Bituminous varnish is a mixture of a specialized grade of bitumen, a wide variety of resins and oils. After drying, a strong black film will appear on the surface, moisture-resistant and insensitive to chemicals. It is considered a fairly new material for household use. Belongs to the inexpensive category. It is more often used as an anti-corrosion layer for protection.

For wood surfaces, it is used when there is no need to highlight the natural texture of the base (instead of paints). Bituminous material has found use in the form of a decorative coating for the effect of surface aging (patina). Another original characteristic of bitumen mixtures is cool gluing. The bitumen-based solution is diluted with white spirit.

To prevent it from thickening during storage, the container must be airtight. The storage location should be dark (without direct sunlight), with moderate temperature and humidity.

Bituminous varnish very reliably protects the surface from moisture and chemical influences, diluted with white spirit

Yacht varnishes

Yacht (or yacht) varnish is considered one of the most effective means of protecting natural wood surfaces. Already from the name the specifics of the area where it is used are clear. In addition, the yacht composition is perfect for woodworking outside and inside any objects (not just boats, boats, yachts). It is insensitive to moisture, temperatures, and aggressive environments.

Yacht varnish. Important characteristics:

• high degree of protection for wooden structures;
• physical and mechanical immunity to environmental influences;
• durability, increasing the service life of wood.

To achieve such results, toxic chemical elements (toluene, xylene) are used during the manufacture of the material. There are several production technologies:

• alkyd yacht (based on the organic solvent white spirit);
• urethane-alkyd yacht (the eluent is the same, but in smaller quantities);
• alkyd-urethane yacht (solvent additives are highly volatile);
• acrylates (water-based compounds).

Dilutes yacht varnish with white spirit, no more than 5% of the total volume. The solvent acts on the substance only in its fresh form. After drying, the varnished parquet flooring will become impervious.

Varnish for yachts, boats, boats is highly resistant to wear and can also be diluted with white spirit

How to remove dried varnish

Above, for the most part, are listed ways to improve the consistency if the varnish has thickened. What should you do to remove varnishes and paints from painting tools? Can synthetic-based material be removed from wood after application?

It is simply impossible to remove outdated furniture or parquet varnish from the surface of wood. In most cases, where this is feasible, scraping or grinding is used. For non-mechanical removal, the type of solvent is selected personally. The key composition and chemical properties of the varnish are taken into account.

The simplest method of removing unsuitable parquet flooring with a protective effect is the use of a specialized remover. The substance is a chemical mixture. You can use liquid, gel or powder. Acetone copes with the simplest types of paints and varnishes. Denatured alcohol is more suitable for removing shellac.

First, a liquid, gel or powder is applied to the varnish surface. Then you need to wait for the film to soften. To speed up the process, it is recommended to coat the finished surface with polymer ethylene. As time passes (from 40 minutes to 4 hours), the outdated varnish will begin to swell and darken. What to do next?

To remove softened varnish, it is more convenient to use a spatula. You must work carefully so as not to damage the wood surface. What to do if the old protective coating was not completely removed the first time? If necessary, the finishing can be repeated.

To remove substance residues from painting tools, use:

1. Water-based parquet varnish is washed off with a warm water-soap solution;
2. White spirit, kerosene, and turpentine are suitable for many organic solvent-based paints. The remaining substances can be rinsed off well, then the instrument is washed with some household chemical and rinsed thoroughly in water.

When choosing the type of eluent for diluting paint and varnish mixtures, the main thing is to carefully study the composition and also use the manufacturer’s advice indicated on the packaging.

You need to remember about personal protective equipment, especially if you have to work with strong-smelling, quick-drying compounds. Ventilating the room during and after work will protect against poisoning by toxic fumes. These materials should be kept away from children.

Varnishing surfaces, products and materials is an excellent way to decorate and protect from moisture, temperature and damage. Varnishes are used for household and industrial purposes. The compositions can be used to coat wooden, metal, plaster, brick, and concrete surfaces - a specific varnish is suitable for each material. To ensure that the composition acquires the viscosity required for work, varnish thinner is used. The product differs from the solvent in its characteristics and purpose.

When using chemicals and paints and varnishes, it becomes necessary to prepare a working composition of the required consistency. A varnish thinner is a product that reduces the viscosity and density of a composition. The solvent is used to soften the structure of the dried substance, that is, in cases where it is necessary to remove the coating or clean work equipment.

All solvents and thinners are classified into five main groups:

• Petroleum and aromatic hydrocarbons. Popular distillates are white spirit, kerosene, paraffin, xylene, toluene, and petroleum jelly. Used to dilute oil and polyurethane products.
• Glycol ethers. Can be used as a binding component for water-based stains and paints. Glycol ethers are used to dilute and dissolve nitro varnishes.
• Ketones. Widely used as industrial solvents and paint thinners. A common diluent in the ketone group is acetone, used to dilute polyurethane substances and nitro varnishes.
• Alcohols. Diluents are included as independent components or in combination with esters or ketones. Suitable for alcohol-based compositions, shellac, nitro varnish.
• Ethers. Ethers are used to dilute film formers based on glyphthalic resins. Esters are used to dissolve any compositions with nitrocellulose.

The terms solvent and diluent are often used interchangeably. The difference between them is that some can be diluted with solid, while others can be diluted with liquid film formers. But some products are universal - they both dilute and dissolve compounds.

On video: what is the difference between solvents and thinners.

Types of varnishes for wood processing

The most widely used compositions are for varnishing wooden surfaces. Wood varnish prevents the material from rotting when exposed to moisture, protects against mold and mildew and preserves the beautiful wood texture; it can highlight and change the color of the wooden surface. In order for wood varnish to adhere well to the workpiece (panel, furniture, souvenir, floor covering), the working fluid must be given the required viscosity.

The thinner is selected depending on the composition of the film former. There are several types of funds:

• Alkyd. Components: pentaphthalic, glyphthalic, alkyd, melamine-formaldehyde resin in combination with organic solvents and driers. Alkyd varnishes are characterized by good adhesion, moisture resistance, and neutrality to ultraviolet radiation.

• Polyurethane. The main component is a polyurethane polymer combined with special chemicals. They are highly resistant to abrasion, protect wood well from moisture, and form a durable elastic film.

• Bitumen. The composition includes bitumen in combination with resins and oils. Once dissolved and applied to a wooden surface, it leaves a layer of black film. They are used to decorate products using patination technology with the effect of artificial aging.

• Yachting. Yacht paintwork materials show high resistance to contact with moisture and are characterized by a long service life and durability. Yacht varnish is resistant to temperature and aggressive environments. Yacht varnish is used for interior and exterior work.

• Oily. They contain solutions of natural or synthetic resins, modified with vegetable oils with the addition of solvents and driers. After application, they form a durable yellowish film.

• Nitrocellulose. Nitrocellulose substances are based on cellulose nitrate dissolved in organic solvents. Nitrovarnishes dry quickly, protect treated wood well from moisture, and form a uniform varnish film on the surface.

• Petroleum polymers. Resistant to chemicals and detergents. It is obtained by combining petroleum-polymer resins with solvents and modifying additives. Wood compositions show high abrasion resistance.

Selecting a thinner

To choose the right varnish thinner, you need to know the component composition of the substance or the group to which the paint and varnish material belongs. A specific thinner is suitable for each varnish. It is necessary to choose a means to dilute rather than dissolve the substance.

Wood and wood products are widely used in construction, the manufacture of furniture, wall panels, flooring and other interior items, and are also used for the manufacture of windows, doors, and stairs. The quality of wood coating determines its service life. Varnishing is the most effective way to decorate and protect wood material. To apply the coating, the working composition must be moderately liquid.

How to dilute varnish from various components:

• To reduce the viscosity of alkyd varnish, white spirit is used. Yacht varnish is also diluted with white spirit.
• To dilute polyurethane substances, toluene, xylene, acetone, and solvents R-4 and R-5 are used.
• Nitrovarnish can be dissolved to the desired consistency using a combined mixture of toluene and xylene.
• Oil and polyurethane varnishes are diluted with turpentine, white spirit and solvent.
• Alcohol-based thinners are suitable for diluting nitro varnishes and shellacs.
• Glycol ether dilutes water-based compositions and nitrocellulose varnishes.
• A hardener is first added to epoxy compositions and then diluted with a mixture of xylene, acetone and ethylcellulose.
• Water-based products are diluted with water in an amount of no more than 10 percent of the varnish volume.
• Mixtures based on epoxy and natural resins can be diluted with acetone, and for yacht paints and varnishes, white spirit is used in an amount of 5%.

The introduction of a diluent reduces the viscosity of the liquid. To remove any remaining dried product, solvents are applied to the treated surface. They are used to clean tools and equipment used in varnishing.

After softening, the varnish film is removed with a thin spatula. If the layer is very durable, it can be removed from the wooden surface by scraping and processing with coarse and fine-grained abrasives and sandpaper.

Main types of solvents

All compositions that are used for diluting and diluting varnishes differ in properties. When working with them, you must adhere to basic precautions - use personal protective equipment, beware of getting the solvent in your eyes, nose and mouth, and ventilate the room. Almost all compositions are fire hazardous and require proper storage and careful use.

The most common thinners:

• – has an average evaporation rate, is practically odorless, dilutes yacht and other varnishes.

• – evaporates quickly, highly flammable, flammable.

• – a colorless solvent liquid with a specific odor, self-ignites at 402 degrees.

• – does not dissolve in aqueous solution, interacts with gasoline, kerosene and turpentine.

• – dries slowly, smells unpleasant, can self-ignite, suitable for diluting oil-based varnishes.

• Solvents for nitro varnishes– improve the quality of the film former and ensure good adhesion of the coating.

• – a dangerous, toxic solvent; it dilutes shellac and alcohol-based compositions well.

• – dilutes nitrocellulose paints and varnishes, imparts shine and mechanical strength to the varnish.

• – a viscous, odorless substance, used to dilute the composition.

• – evaporates and dries quickly, the substance is highly toxic.

• – a yellowish substance that takes a long time to evaporate from the surface, increasing the drying time of the varnish.

• – a pleasant-smelling substance with a high evaporation rate.

• – dissolves and dilutes most varnishes, has an unpleasant, pronounced odor.

Popular brands of solvents are 646 and 647. Solvent 646 is a mixture of several components that, when combined, dilute epoxy and acrylic varnishes well. The 647th solvent consists of toluene, butanol, ethyl acetate and butyl acetate. Used to dilute nitro varnishes.

Solvent P-4 contains a compound of esters, ketones and aromatic carbons. Suitable for thinning varnishes based on vinyl acetate and its copolymers.

Using a varnish thinner allows you to obtain the working composition of the required consistency and give the coating additional strength. The applied layer becomes uniform, the composition is easy to work with using rollers or paint brushes.

How to dilute paint and varnish (2 videos)

Various products (20 photos)

All women and girls are constantly worried about their nails, they want them to have an attractive appearance, so they resort to painting their nail plates with varnishes of various colors and shades. In stores and markets of the 21st century you can find varnishes that will have different compositions and will differ in cost and quality.

After some time, such nail coatings tend to thicken and dry out. Some types can thicken in a month, others in six months. But still, representatives of the fair sex have to face such a problem sooner or later. This begs the question: “How can I dilute it?” You will find answers to this and many other important questions in the material below.

How to dilute nail polish?

In most cases, girls complain that the varnish used to paint their nails thickens precisely at the most inopportune moment, when they urgently need to go to an important meeting, to celebrate some kind of celebration, etc. In this case, when it is clear that the product has thickened, it is applied in thick drops, the mood immediately deteriorates, and one gives up. But there is a way out of the situation; do not panic ahead of time.

To save nail polish, you will need to dilute it using the simplest and most inexpensive means. Let's look at a variety of methods that you can and cannot use if your nail polish has thickened. You can dilute the varnish using ordinary hot water. Agree, cheap and very effective. Just remember that hot water is not poured into the bottle. The sequence of actions should be like this:

• You need to take a fairly deep container and pour hot water into it.
• Then you need to take a bottle of varnish that has thickened and put it in water for a few minutes.

As a result, the varnish coating will become suitable for use and will not spoil your manicure. Thanks to this method, the nail polish will acquire a more liquid consistency, which will allow you to apply it to the nail plates without any problems. But this method has not only advantages, but also disadvantages. A significant disadvantage is that you will have to carry out this procedure before each coloring, because the product will thicken again after cooling.

Nail polish remover

Now let's talk about another method that can dilute the varnish coating and make the consistency more liquid. Note that it is harmful to the nail plates by using nail polish remover that contains acetone. The varnish, of course, becomes more liquid when it is added.

But the problem is that it is quite difficult to guess with the exact ratio of acetone to varnish dilution. As a result, girls will have to face such problems as excessive liquid of the varnish and a very long drying time. Also, if you dilute the varnish coating, if it has thickened, with such a liquid, you can ruin the nail plates.

Drawing a conclusion, we can say that dilution with this liquid can only be used by those who are not at all worried about the condition of their nails and are ready to soon say goodbye to a bottle of dried varnish, because in a few days it will be unusable.

It is necessary to remember that acetone and other nail polish removers cause splitting, brittleness, slow growth, and yellowing of nails. In addition, the nails lose their natural shine and simply become ugly.

Special product

It is worth noting that thinners are also suitable for such popular textures as gel and acrylic. Acetone is not included in this product, so the varnish easily acquires a normal consistency and, which is also important, does not change its color.

True, there were some negative features here too. This product can dilute it, if it has thickened, making the coating suitable for use for only one month. An inexpensive option that has recently been preferred by the fair sex is a dilution product called “Lafitel Cosmetique”. It is very easy to use: if the coating has thickened, you need to add two or three drops of this diluent to the bottle and close the bottle cap well.

Then you should shake the mixture and leave for a while. Both this and other good diluting agents do not change the color of the varnish and make the consistency more liquid, which makes it easy to apply the varnish to your nails. The bottle, which contains a product that helps dilute the varnish, has a thin, long spout. This helps make the procedure easier.

The volume of the bottle with liquid for diluting the varnish coating is forty milliliters. This amount should last for a long time. Of course, it all depends on how often you have to deal with the fact that the varnish has thickened and dried out.
Among other popular, good thinners, women highlight “Pro Manicure” and “Severina Thinner”. They can be added to any varnish.

Rules for storing varnish

To avoid having to deal with such a problem as thickened varnish at the most inopportune moment, it is necessary to follow some mandatory storage rules.

1. It is recommended to store it in a cool place where the sun's rays cannot penetrate.
2. After each use, you need to wipe the neck of the bottle and close it well with the cap.
3. Before use, be sure to shake the bottle so that the consistency of the coating becomes uniform.
4. Before closing the bottle, you need to blow into it to release carbon dioxide, which will help displace oxygen. This will significantly extend the life of the nail coating.
5. It is prohibited to store the bottle in a horizontal position, as this will thicken the coating and cause lumps to form. Therefore, the correct storage position is vertical.
6. Choose a nail polish that contains special balls in the container. They are the ones who help break up the lumps during shaking.
7. You shouldn’t buy a lot of varnishes at once, so as not to encounter the fact that they will all thicken, then you will have to buy diluting agents, and soon say goodbye to them altogether. Decide on the shades that you need in the near future, purchase only them.

Now you know how to dilute nail polish if it has thickened, and what products should not be used for such purposes. Monitor the condition of your nails, constantly strengthen and care for them.

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