You won’t believe I sealed my second air-dry clay project with my wife’s nail polish. LOL. Funny thing is, she still doesn’t know that. 🤫
Did I plan to use nail polish as a sealer? No, I didn’t, because I forgot to grab a proper sealant before making the clay trinket tray.
Seems you are also in the same position as I was and are thinking of using nail polish. But let me tell you this…
Can you use nail polish on air-dry clay?
Yes, you can use nail polish on air-dry clay as a sealer, but it is not recommended because it can’t give the best protection you want.
Nail polish is not a long-term solution to seal air-dry clay projects. You can use it only for temporary, small decorative clay projects.
I used nail polish to seal my trinket tray because:
- I was a beginner and I didn’t know what sealer I should use.
- Back then, I didn’t have a proper sealer.
If you plan before making the project, I highly recommend you not use nail polish as a sealer because the project you worked on for hours can get ruined because of a poor sealer. 🚫
Cons of nail polish on air dry clay
- Yellowing of nail polish: Some nail polish will turn yellow or amber over time when exposed to air and light. So, there is a possibility of your air-dry clay project turning yellow over time when it’s sealed with nail polish.
- Paint may peel off: I have noticed paint tends to peel off when I continue applying nail polish because the solvents in the nail polish chemically react with the acrylic paint underneath, lifting it off the porous, inflexible clay surface.
- Tackiness: Since nail polish contains harsh chemicals, it may react with the acrylic paint underneath over time, turning it into a sticky or tacky surface.
- Poor durability: Nail polish is not durable and doesn’t provide protection against moisture like a proper sealer. Therefore, the paint on the air-dry clay project will wear and tear over time.
- Not fully waterproof: There is a tendency for moisture to get inside through the nail polish layer and damage the air-dry clay project. 💧
- Strong fumes: You must wear a mask when you’re applying nail polish on the clay project, because strong fumes can cause breathing problems. 😷
- Visible brush strokes: Unlike a proper sealer, there are visible brush strokes when you seal a project with nail polish, which will give a bad appeal to your clay project.
Because of the above reasons, it’s better not to go with nail polish for sealing your beautiful air-dry clay project. But if you have nothing else, yes, go for it.
Why does nail polish cause peeling?
Nail polish peels off the acrylic paint applied over an air-dry clay project. I have experienced this. I did my research on why this happens.
Nail polish contains chemicals like ethyl acetate and acetone. When you brush over acrylic or tempera paint, these solvents react with the paint and eventually soften the paint layer and break its bond with the porous clay surface. Finally, the paint starts to peel off.
I have mentioned the word “proper sealer” a couple of times. So, now let me tell you what the proper, best sealers are that you can use instead of nail polish to protect your clay project.
Better alternatives for sealing air-dry clay
Here are the best sealers you should go with for your air-dry clay project for long-term protection and better appeal. ✨
Gloss varnish
Gloss varnish is the sealer I use for all my air-dry clay projects after my trinket tray project. It is so much better than nail polish. No brush strokes were visible, and it is easy to apply. It gives a better gloss effect.
See: How to Seal and Waterproof Air Dry Clay Trinket Trays
Gloss varnish does not yellow. It is water-resistant.
UV Resin
Great if you want a high-glossy look. It is the most durable option available, and has high water-resistance.
Artist-Grade Acrylic Varnishes
Acrylic varnishes are easy to apply. They are UV-resistant, non-yellowing, flexible (moves with the clay if it shifts), and available in gloss, satin, or matte.
Acrylic varnish does not yellow. It is water-resistant.
Water-Based Polyurethane
Water-based polyurethane is great for sealing handheld items. It is extremely durable, resists scratching, and provides a very high-gloss, crystal-clear finish.
Don’t go with oil-based polyurethane for sealing because it tends to yellow over time.
Mod Podge
Mod Podge is famous because it is cheap, easy to find, and non-toxic. Plus, it gives a glossy look. But brushstrokes may be visible.
My thoughts
Now you know why nail polish is not the best option if you are looking for a sealer for your air-dry clay project.
We expect protection, look, and durability from a sealer, but nail polish gives none. Only the look sometimes, because it is glossy. Other than that, it’s better to go with an alternative option as I mentioned earlier. Wish you all the best for your sealing project! Cheers! 🥂
