Does Nail Polish Stick To Plastic? Everything You Need To Know

If you’ve ever painted your nails, you may have wondered – does nail polish stick to plastic? This is an important question, especially if you want to paint your nails without worrying about stains and spills.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, nail polish does stick to some types of plastic, but the adhesion depends on the polish formula and plastic material. With the right preparation and cleanup, nail polish can usually be removed from plastic.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore whether nail polish sticks to different types of plastic, tips for avoiding polish sticking, and how to remove dried polish from surfaces.

Key Factors That Determine If Nail Polish Sticks to Plastic

Nail polish formula and ingredients

The key ingredient that allows nail polish to adhere to surfaces is the film-forming polymer. Most nail polishes use nitrocellulose as the film-forming polymer, which evaporates as the solvents in the polish dry, leaving behind a plasticized film on the nail plate or plastic surface.

The higher the nitrocellulose content, the better the adhesion. Resins and plasticizers are also added to improve flexibility and adhesion.

In addition, nail polish contains solvents like butyl acetate, ethyl acetate and isopropyl alcohol which control the evaporation rate and allow the polish to penetrate and grip onto uneven surfaces like plastic. Polishes with less solvent evaporate faster and may not adhere as strongly.

Type of plastic material

The chemistry of the plastic plays a key role. Porous plastics like nylon, polyester and plastic polymers tend to allow better polish adhesion than non-porous surfaces like acrylic, PVC or silicone. Polish dries by solvent evaporation so porous materials allow it to seep in and bind better compared to impermeable smooth plastics.

In a DIYlife study, nail polish showed best adhesion to nylon pot scrapers but easily peeled off silicone molds. This demonstrates the adhesion difference based on plastic type.

Texture and porosity of the plastic surface

Rough, uneven plastic textures provide more surface area for nail lacquer to grip onto compared to smooth surfaces. Polish adhered well to textured plastic folders but not to smooth acrylic nails in testing.

Porous substrates also work better as they absorb the lacquer, allowing it to penetrate deeper and anchor itself, rather than just coat the top layer weakly. So plastic materials that are both porous and textured offer the best chance for strong nail polish adhesion.

*5 = Best Adhesion, 1 = Worst Adhesion

Types of Plastic That Nail Polish Tends to Stick To

ABS plastic – often used for electronics, toys, appliances

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic is one of the most common types of plastic used for consumer goods and electronics. It is lightweight yet durable, making it popular for products like toys, appliances, auto parts, electronic device housing and keyboards.

However, ABS plastic also tends to be more porous than other plastics, meaning nail polish can seep into the surface and stain it. The solvents in nail polish can break down the ABS plastic over time, causing discoloration that is difficult to remove completely.

So you’ll need to be extra careful when painting your nails around ABS plastic surfaces, like keyboards, phones and game controllers, or stick to nail polish that is formulated to be non-damaging.

Polycarbonate – used for reusable food containers, water bottles

Polycarbonate plastic has high impact resistance, making it a go-to choice for reusable drink bottles, food storage containers, safety goggles and more. But polycarbonate also has a soft, porous surface that absorbs liquids and stains easily. Nail polish can leave permanent marks on polycarbonate.

Acetone nail polish remover is even more damaging, causing cracks and deterioration of the plastic. So avoid exposing polycarbonate plastic to nail polishes or removers. If you do get polish on a polycarbonate surface, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Long exposure causes stubborn staining. Also, stick to water-based polishes, which will not penetrate and damage the plastic as much as solvent-based options.

Polystyrene – used for disposable cups, packaging, models

Polystyrene plastic is most commonly used for disposable cups, packaging, plastic models and more. It is lightweight and inexpensive. However, polystyrene is also highly porous, so liquids can easily soak in and leave stains.

Nail polish adheres readily to polystyrene, especially polish containing strong solvents. The polish can actually start dissolving and damaging the polystyrene plastic over time. Your best bet is to avoid using nail polish around polystyrene altogether.

If you do get polish on a polystyrene surface, wipe it off immediately with a dry cloth or paper towel to prevent penetration and staining. Nail polish remover will further degrade polystyrene. Overall, polystyrene plastic and nail polish make a bad combination.

Tips to Avoid Nail Polish Sticking to Plastics

Use quick-dry nail polish formulas

One of the best ways to avoid getting nail polish on plastic surfaces is to use fast-drying polish formulas. Quick-dry polishes form a hard shell over the nail in minutes rather than hours. This greatly reduces the risk of accidental smudges and smears while the polish is still wet.

Look for nail polishes that specifically advertise as “Fast Dry,” “Quick Dry,” or “60 Second Dry” on the bottle. Major brands like Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen have quick-dry collections. Applying a fast dry top coat like Seche Vite over any polish can also speed up drying time.

Apply a barrier like petroleum jelly on plastic edges

If you want to use regular nail polish but are worried about drips and spills on plastic surfaces like countertops or tables, try applying a protective barrier of petroleum jelly along the edges. Use a cotton swab or your fingertip to lightly coat the perimeter of the plastic around your workspace before you begin painting your nails.

This will make the plastic repel and resist any errant droplets of polish. It’s easy to wipe away the petroleum jelly afterward to reveal a clean surface with no traces of color. You can also use painter’s tape to mask off plastic areas, but petroleum jelly is less messy and won’t disrupt your focus while manicuring.

Clean up spills and drips quickly with acetone

Even if you work carefully to avoid spills, little accidents can still happen. When fresh wet polish gets on plastic, act immediately to prevent staining and sticking. Acetone nail polish remover is highly effective at cleaning up nail lacquer before it has a chance to dry.

Pour a small amount of remover onto a cotton ball or pad and gently blot at any wet polish on the plastic. The acetone will dissolve and lift the pigment, usually without any scrubbing needed. It’s a good idea to keep some acetone handy in case you need to do a quick tidy up.

But be aware that repeated or prolonged exposure to acetone can damage some plastic materials, so spot test first and clean up spills as soon as you notice them.

Methods to Remove Dried Nail Polish from Plastic

Use acetone or nail polish remover

One of the most effective solutions for removing dried nail polish from plastic surfaces is using acetone or nail polish remover. Most nail polish removers contain acetone, which breaks down nail polish and dissolves it.

When using acetone, it’s important to spot test first in an inconspicuous area as acetone could potentially damage some plastic surfaces. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball or pad and gently rub the stained area in circular motions allowing it to soak and dissolve the polish.

For tougher stains, allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing. Be sure to thoroughly rinse afterwards. As acetone leaves behind a strong odor, it’s best to follow up with a soap and water solution.

Many recommend using 100% pure acetone for the most heavy duty stain removal, though regular nail polish remover should also be effective in most cases according to popular home websites like BobVila.com.

Try rubbing alcohol for tough polish stains

For those looking to avoid harsh chemicals, isopropyl rubbing alcohol can be an effective alternative in some cases. While it may require a bit more scrubbing effort, it serves as a mild solvent that can break down residues.

Dip a microfiber cloth or old toothbrush in a bowl of rubbing alcohol and scrub the stain. Check frequently to see if the polish begins lifting, adding more alcohol as needed. The key is allowing time for the alcohol to dissolve the layers of polish.

According to cleaning experts, 91% isopropyl alcohol works best. Avoid using this method on fragile plastics as aggressive scrubbing could lead to scratching. It’s always smart to test first in an inconspicuous spot before tackling the main stain.

Wipe area with water after scrubbing to remove any alcohol residue.

Use a plastic-safe scrubbing pad or toothbrush

For plastic items that are not amenable to liquid solutions, or have intricate detailed surfaces, sometimes a bit of mechanical scrubbing does the trick. Opt for a gentle scrubbing pad made specifically for plastic to avoid scratching delicate surfaces. Soft microfiber cloths also work well.

Gently rub the stained area, taking care not to press too hard. Allowing a soak time first can help soften the layers of polish. For small crevices or detailed decorations, an old toothbrush is ideal. The sturdy bristles can help loosen polish flecks without damaging the plastic.

Dip the toothbrush in warm, soapy water and lightly scrub stained spots. Check often to see if the polish begins lifting. Rinse with clean water and repeat the process if needed. Avoid aggressive back-and-forth motions as this increases chances of surface scratches.

Patience is key when using this method.

Whichever technique you choose, always proceed gently, checking often to monitor progress. Dried nail polish can be notoriously stubborn to remove from plastic. With the right solvent or scrubbing method matched to the type of plastic surface, stains should begin lifting within minutes.

Follow up with a mild soap and water solution afterwards to remove any residue. And next time – use a drop cloth when painting those nails!

Types of Plastic That Resist Nail Polish

Polyethylene (PE) – used for plastic bags, shampoo bottles

Polyethylene, also known as PE, is one of the most common types of plastic used for everyday items. It is found in plastic bags, shampoo bottles, milk jugs, and many other containers. PE is resistant to nail polish due to its slippery and non-porous surface that makes it difficult for nail polish to adhere properly.

When nail polish is applied to PE plastic, it tends to bead up and can be easily wiped away. This is why PE is often used for disposable palettes when doing nail art. The polish won’t stain the PE allowing you to simply dispose of the palette after use.

Polypropylene (PP) – used for yogurt containers, pill bottles

Polypropylene, abbreviated as PP, is another type of plastic known for resisting nail polish. Like PE, PP has a smooth surface that prevents polish from sticking effectively. PP is commonly used for yogurt containers, medicine bottles, plastic cutlery, and storage containers.

The impervious nature of PP stops nail polish from absorbing into the plastic, making it easy to remove any smudges. However, if left on for an extended period, dark polishes may stain PP slightly. But a little nail polish remover will take care of any residual staining.

Overall, PP is a great option when looking for a plastic surface that won’t hold on to errant nails polish.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – used for plumbing pipes, flooring

Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is also resistant to nail polish adhesion. The slick surface of PVC plastic prevents nail polish from bonding properly. PVC is commonly used for plumbing pipes, gutters, flooring, and shower curtains.

Its non-porous texture means that nail polish sits on top of PVC instead of sinking in and staining it. Any accidental nail polish marks can be easily cleaned from PVC using a bit of remover and a paper towel. The polish will lift right off the impermeable surface of PVC plastic.

This makes PVC a practical choice when looking for materials that won’t absorb or hold onto nail polish.

Conclusion

To summarize, nail polish can adhere well to certain plastics like ABS, polycarbonate and polystyrene. But other plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC tend to resist nail polish staining. With some care and preparation, nail polish can usually be used safely around plastic items and surfaces.

Knowing which materials are prone to sticking can help you avoid pesky polish stains. And acting quickly with removers like acetone can take care of any accidents.