It is absolutely possible to apply two coats of insta dry nail polish. In fact, most manicurists and DIYers recommend applying two thin coats of insta dry polish for the best results.
Why Use Two Coats of Quick Dry Nail Polish?
There are a few key reasons why two coats of quick dry nail polish are better than just one:
- More even coverage – With just one coat, you may still see visible nail underneath or uneven polish texture. The second thin coat helps ensure all areas are covered.
- Longer lasting color – Multiple thin layers help the polish adhere better and last longer without chipping.
- Smoother finish – Two coats tend to create a more polished, professional-looking manicure.
- Extra protection – The additional layer helps protect and strengthen nails.
- Brighter color – Often polish appears more vibrant when applied in two coats.
Tips for Applying Two Coats of Quick Dry Nail Polish
Here are some tips for successfully layering two coats of insta dri nail polish:
- Work quickly! With quick dry polish, you’ll have only a minute or two to apply each coat before it sets.
- Keep coats thin – Resist the urge to glop on one thick layer. Multiple thin coats look better.
- Allow the first coat to dry – Follow the bottle instructions, but usually this means waiting 60 seconds between coats.
- Wrap tips – Brush a bit of polish over the tips to help prevent chipping.
- Finish with top coat – Apply a layer of quick dry top coat for extra shine and sealant.
- Don’t overwork it – Too much brushing while the polish is wet can cause clumping or drag the polish.
How Long Should You Wait Between Coats?
It’s crucial to wait for each layer of quick dry nail polish to set before adding another. But how long is long enough? Here are some general guidelines:
- Read instructions – Bottle will indicate wait time, often 60 seconds between coats.
- Watch for dullness – After a minute or so, glossiness will fade indicating polish is set.
- Do a fingernail test – Touch a nail lightly to see if it smudges or dents. If not, it’s ready for the next coat.
- Thinner coats need less time – Try to apply polish thinly and evenly to shorten wait.
- Thicker coats require more time – If you do apply too thickly, allow extra time before adding more.
- Err on the long side – Better to wait a little too long versus not long enough between coats.
How Many Coats of Quick Dry Polish is Ideal?
We recommend:
- 2 thin coats – This is ideal for most insta dry polishes to get great coverage and color.
- 3 coats max – Going beyond 2-3 coats often leads to thick, gloopy polish that takes longer to dry and chips faster.
- 1 coat for sheer colors – More subtle nude and sheer polish often only needs one coat.
- 3 coats for darker colors – Deeper colors like black or bold reds may need an extra coat for opaque coverage.
Can You Apply Regular and Quick Dry Polish Together?
It’s not generally recommended to layer regular and quick dry nail polish together. Here’s why:
- Incompatible drying times – Regular polish takes longer to set, so quick dry layers may dent or drag.
- Adhesion issues – The layers may not bond properly leading to peeling and chipping.
- Thickness problems – Alternating thinner and thicker polish can create uneven texture.
- Cloudy color – Quick dry top coat applied over slow drying color can cause cloudiness.
Instead, choose all quick dry or all regular polishes when layering multiple coats. If using regular polish, finish with a quick dry topcoat for best results.
Quick Dry Polish Ingredients and How They Work
Insta dry nail polishes owe their speedy drying abilities to ingredients that help solvents evaporate quickly. Here are the key ingredients that make quick dry polish fast:
| Ingredient | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Nitrocellulose | A polymer that forms quick drying film once solvents evaporate |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | Fast-evaporating solvent that helps polish dry quickly |
| N-Butyl Acetate | Another fast evaporating solvent |
| Acetyl Tributyl Citrate | Plasticizer oil that allows flexibility as polish dries |
Conclusion
Applying two coats of instant dry nail polish is recommended for a salon quality manicure with even coverage, vivid color, and lasting shine. Allow each quick dry layer a minute or two to set before adding the next. While regular and fast drying polishes don’t mix well, you can safely apply two coats of insta dry color or even a quick dry top coat for extra protection and gloss. With the right technique, you can achieve a polished, professional manicure in record time.
