If you have sensitive skin and would wish to wear gold-plated jewelry or any other kind of alternative materials for earrings, you may have tried different approaches to solve the problem and stop the irritation.
One of the recommended solutions may be applying clear nail polish to the earrings. For most people, this strategy works quite well and keeps the irritation at bay for some time.
But then, how long will that layer of clear nail polish last on the jewelry?
Well, we’re sharing tips and insights on all these in the next sections of this article. So, keep reading.
Is it safe to apply clear nail polish on jewelry?
Yes, it’s safe to apply clear nail polish on your jewelry. The thin layer of clear polish prevents not only irritation of your skin but also the discoloration of the jewelry and, subsequently, chipping the jewelry options.
Keep in mind, however, that this layer of protection doesn’t last forever because the thin layer of nail polish will peel away. So, you may have to add a new layer of polish later on or maybe seek an alternative solution.
The other important considerations to keep in mind include the fact that you shouldn’t let the clear polish near or on your precious gemstones because the nail polish or varnish may harm the gems, and they will look dull after some time.
It’s also hard to get rid of the polish on the gemstones, and the worst bit is that the stones will appear duller over time, and also, the polish can be very hard to remove afterward.
Also, using acetone to remove the polish will be more damaging to the precious metals and stones it is made of. And in case of any damage to fine jewelry options, you may have to take it to the jeweler for professional cleaning services.
Lastly, you should be aware of the long-term effects of nail polish on your body. Some of the ingredients that the polish is made of, for example, triphenyl phosphate, interfere with hormonal function when absorbed in the body.
So, you shouldn’t get into the habit of applying the polish too often.
Will clear nail polish prevent gold jewelry from tarnishing? Why?
No, it will not stop the gold-plated jewelry from tarnishing. This is the case because it only protects your skin from the harsh metal components incorporated in the gold-plated jewelry.
It is only a myth that the layer of nail polish will offer a protective coating against the abrasion of the plated layer. Also, it won’t increase the lifespan of the jewelry.
Remember that while it offers some protection, the clear nail polish layer is too soft to offer any real kind of protection to the jewelry from abrasion or any other kind of damage.
Once the layer wears out, it exposed the ugly surface underneath, which often leaves the jewelry much more damaged.
If you are planning to apply the thin layer of nail polish, you also need to remember that polish will only lead to more damage as you clean off that layer for reapplication.
What happens if you apply clear nail polish on jewelry?
When you apply a very thin layer of clear polish on your jewelry, that thin layer of polish protects your ears from the irritation that you may suffer when the allergenic metal comes in contact with your skin.
The layer of polish also offers a temporary veil of protection to the metal and protects it from external elements.
So, in most cases, when you apply the thin polish layer, you are covering the ring or earrings from the elements, and so the jewelry looks brighter and shinier for much longer periods. This also means that the jewelry will not turn your fingers green.
Unfortunately, these effects are temporary, and that layer of thin polish will chip or wear off after some time, meaning that you will have to clean and reapply a new layer of clear polish every few weeks or months, depending on how frequently you wear the jewelry.
Remember that you shouldn’t put on a very thick layer of nail polish because it will be much more visible and it will look tacky. But there is one caveat: you cannot use acetone to get rid of the layer of polish because this harsh chemical will harm the jewelry further.
So, the best thing for you to do would be to apply another layer of polish and use the new layer to get rid of the older layer of polish.
After removing the polish layer, you’ll also need to wipe it gently with a clean cloth before applying a whole new layer of fresh polish.
And as mentioned above, applying a clear layer of nail polish will create a barrier that lies effectively between your skin and the material it is made of, preventing the risk of nickel allergies.
But just to reiterate, this layer of protection is quite temporary, and you’ll have to reapply the polish layer after some time in case of severe allergies.
How long will the clear nail polish take to completely dry on jewelry?
Depending on the type of polish used, the polish dries well, and in most cases, you will need between 8 and 12 hours for the polish to fully dry and for the jewelry to be safe.
But it may take longer if you use a lot of polish. In most cases, you’d have to keep the polish on for at least 60 minutes until it’s safe.
If you are in a rush, however, you will be happy to know that most of the clear nail polish options dry entirely in about 5 minutes. But in most cases, the average is 5-60 minutes.
How long will clear nail polish last on jewelry?
It depends on how long the polish has been on the jewelry and how often you wear the jewelry, but in most cases, the polish coating will last some weeks or months.
Some types of nail polish last longer than others, so how long the polish lasts on the jewelry will vary depending on the care and frequency of the jewelry.
How to use nail polish on jewelry
Apply a very thin layer of high-quality, clear polish on your jewelry on your jewelry in question. The polish serves as a form of protectant for the jewelry.
To apply, hold the face of the earrings by the face and then apply the thin layer of polish on the post and the back of the earring backings.
For a ring, you’d have to apply the clear polish on the top half, wait for it to dry, then apply it on the other side.
Related Q&A
Can you apply nail polish on jewelry made of sterling silver?
Yes, you could apply some clear nail polish on the sterling silver jewelry because it acts as a glue that protects the jewelry without getting too messy or goopy and unmanageable.
However, you’d want to keep the sterling silver jewelry away from acetone-based nail-polish removers because these would be damaging to the sterling silver and the gemstones.
Can you apply a clear layer of nail polish on fake jewelry?
You could, but the effects are often temporary, and the fake jewelry gets easily tarnished, meaning that you may get to enjoy the luster of the fake jewelry for a few months.
Does nail polish damage gold?
It will not damage solid gold, but the nail polish may leave an unsightly residue on the gold. Since solid gold jewelry doesn’t often cause allergies, it may be safer for you to avoid applying the layer of nail polish on it.
Conclusion
Clear nail polish is an excellent solution for cheap jewelry and jewelry made of alternative materials, but most importantly, it protects the wearer from skin sensitivity and allergic reactions that may have a harmful effect on you.
But it is a temporary solution that would work well for you.
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Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. Now she is also a writer for our website. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips.