Best Nail Polish Thinners of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Feb 2, 2026

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Nail polish thinners are a must-have for any nail polish enthusiast. These products are designed to help thin out thickened nail polish, making it easier to apply and giving it a smoother finish. They can also help revive old, dried-out nail polish, saving you money on having to buy a new bottle. Nail polish thinners typically contain solvents that help break down the polish, making it easier to work with. It's important to note that while nail polish thinners can be incredibly useful, they should be used sparingly as overuse can compromise the integrity of the polish.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Seche Restore Nail Polish Cover #TOP 1
Seche Restore Nail Polish
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Seche Restore Nail Polish Thinner Cover #TOP 2
Seche Restore Nail Polish Thinner
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Tachibelle Nail Polish Thinner Cover #TOP 3
Tachibelle Nail Polish Thinner
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Nail Polish Thinners

#TOP 1

Seche Restore Nail Polish

10002914
Clear
Seche Restore Nail Polish Cover
Seche Restore Top Coat - Nail Polish Thinner, Revive Thickened Lacquer, Nail Lacquer Thinner, Extends Manicure Life, 0.5 Fl Oz

Seche Restore Nail Polish is a boxed item that adheres to the natural nail while providing a simple regimen for younger and more beautiful nails.

What We Like
Revives thickened nail polish
Works with various brands
Extends polish lifespan
Easy dropper application
Cost-effective and long-lasting
What We Don't Like
Strong smell
Slightly higher price
#TOP 2

Seche Restore Nail Polish Thinner

M66666
Clear
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Seche Restore Nail Polish Thinner Cover
Seche Restore Top Coat - Nail Polish Thinner, Revive Thickened Lacquer, Nail Lacquer Thinner, Extends Manicure Life, 2 Fl Oz

The Seche Nail Polish Thinner is designed to bring your thick or gloopy nail polishes back to life, making them easier to apply. If your favorite top coats or lacquers have become thick and difficult to spread, this product helps restore their smooth texture, so you get flawless nails every time. It’s perfect for thinning out gel formulas too, helping them glide on evenly without streaks or clumps. Plus, you only need a few drops to adjust the polish’s consistency, making the application smoother and more controlled. This means less waste and a better finish for your manicure.

What We Like
Revives thickened nail polish
Works with various polish brands
Cost-effective and long-lasting
Easy to use dropper
Maintains polish consistency
What We Don't Like
Strong paint thinner smell
Higher price than alternatives
#TOP 3

Tachibelle Nail Polish Thinner

1 Bottle
Tachibelle Nail Polish Thinner Cover
Tachibelle Nail Polish Thinner - Bring your old polishes back to life (1 Bottle)

Tachibelle Professional Nail Polish Thinner is manufactured in the USA using the highest quality ingredients. With just a few drops, you can bring your old polishes back to life. It comes with an exclusive dropper for easy application, and is made in the USA. Customers have found it to be a great product for reviving old polishes, but caution should be taken when using it as it can strip paint and finishes.

What We Like
Revives thick nail polish
Keeps original color and finish
Easy to use dropper
Extends polish lifespan
Small, convenient bottle
What We Don't Like
Potential evaporation issue
May lack included dropper
#TOP 4

Karlash Professional Nail Polish Thinner

GTJ94
Clear
Karlash Professional Nail Polish Thinner Cover
Karlash Professional Nail Polish Thinner 0.5 oz - Restore thick and sticky nail polish (1 Piece)

Karlash Professional Nail Polish Thinner is a premium product made with the highest quality materials, preferred by professional nail technicians for its consistent and high quality. It comes with a dropper for easy application and is used to keep thick and old nail polish at its proper consistency. Customers have praised its effectiveness in thinning out nail polish and extending the life of their colors.

What We Like
Restores thickened nail polish
Easy-to-use dropper
Extends polish lifespan
Affordable price
Works on various polish types
What We Don't Like
Evaporates if not sealed properly
Small bottle size
#TOP 5

Karlash Gel Polish Thinner

teal
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Karlash Gel Polish Thinner Cover
Karlash Gel Polish Thinner - Revival and Soak Off for UV LED Nail - 1 oz

Revive your old gel polishes effortlessly with Karlash Thinner. By adding a few drops, you can restore the smooth consistency of your gel polishes, making them long-lasting, easy to apply, and ultra-shiny. Say goodbye to thick and hard-to-apply gel polishes by extending their lifespan with this easy-to-use thinner. Simply add 2-3 drops to the bottle, shake well, and bring your gel polishes back to life. Compatible with all gel polish types, including UV and LED-cured formulas, Karlash Thinner is a must-have for maintaining your nail polish collection.

What We Like
Restores thick gel polish
Easy-to-use dropper bottle
Does not alter color or finish
Affordable price point
Extends polish shelf life
What We Don't Like
Possible evaporation if cap left off
#TOP 6

Kiara Sky Gel Polish Thinner

Nude
Kiara Sky Gel Polish Thinner Cover
Kiara Sky Gel Polish Thinner | Gel Polish Revival | Thinner for Gel Polish Soak Off + UV LED Nail Lamp Gel | 3.4fl oz

Revive your gel polishes effortlessly with Kiara Sky Thinner. Say goodbye to thick, hard-to-apply gel polishes by adding a few drops of this product. It restores the smooth consistency of your polishes, making them long-lasting and ultra-shiny. With an easy-to-use dropper, simply add 2-3 drops to your polish bottle and shake well to bring them back to life. Extend the life of your gel polishes and enjoy professional salon-quality results at home.

What We Like
Revives thick gel polish
Works with multiple brands
Large bottle size
Easy dropper application
Saves money on new polish
What We Don't Like
Strong smell
Potential evaporation if dropper left on
#TOP 7

Orly Nail Polish Thinner

OJ013
clear
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Orly Nail Polish Thinner Cover
Orly Polish Thinner, 2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Orly Nail Polish Thinner is a great product for restoring life to thickened polish. It comes with an exclusive built-in dropper and is made in the US. Customers have found it to be effective in thinning out old polishes, with some noting that it takes a few drops to get the desired consistency. It's a great value for money and will last a long time.

What We Like
Quickly revives thick polishes
Works on glitter and shimmer
No noticeable odor
A little goes a long way
Cost-effective alternative to name brands
What We Don't Like
Bottle may arrive partially filled
May require practice for easy use
#TOP 8

BEAUTY SECRETS Nail Polish Thinner

66522
Multi-colored
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
BEAUTY SECRETS Nail Polish Thinner Cover
Beauty Secrets Nail Polish Thinner, 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Thins Nail Polish for Even Flow

The BEAUTY SECRETS Nail Polish Thinner is a must-have product for nail enthusiasts. This nail polish thinner is designed to create an even flow and ensure a smooth and easy application. With this nail polish thinner, you can say goodbye to thick and clumpy nail polish. Its thinning formula helps to restore the consistency of your nail polish, making it easier to apply and giving your nails a professional finish. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, the BEAUTY SECRETS Nail Polish Thinner will make your manicures and pedicures a breeze.

What We Like
Restores thickened nail polish
Economical large bottle
Works with most polish brands
Easy-to-use nozzle
Well-packaged shipping
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging leakage
#TOP 9

Karlash Nail Polish Thinner 4 oz

GTJ100
Clear
Karlash Nail Polish Thinner 4 oz Cover
Karlash Professional Nail Polish Thinner 4 oz - Restore thick and sticky nail polish (Refill 4 oz)

The Karlash Nail Thinner is designed to help you restore thick and sticky nail polish to its ideal consistency. Just a few drops will make your nail polish easier to apply, providing a smoother finish. This product comes with a convenient dropper, allowing for precise application without any mess. Made from high-quality materials, it is trusted by professional nail technicians and used in luxurious salon spas. With proper storage, it will remain effective and ready for use whenever you need it.

What We Like
Restores thickened nail polish
Large 4oz bottle
Cost-effective
Works for gel and regular polish
Mild scent
What We Don't Like
No dropper included
#TOP 10

Artdone 5PCS Metallic Nail Art Pens

Black
Artdone 5PCS Metallic Nail Art Pens Cover
Artdone Metallic Nail Art Pens, Liner Brushes Set, 5PCS Black Color Nail Tools For Long Lines, Thin Details, Fine Drawing, Liner Brush UV Gel Polish Painting Nail Design Sizes 5/8/12/20/25mm

The Artdone Nail Art Pens set includes five metal brushes in various sizes, perfect for creating intricate nail designs. Each brush features an easy-grip handle that ensures comfort and control while you work on fine details. The seamless copper ferrules are securely attached, preventing any wobbling during use. With different brush sizes, you can effortlessly draw thin lines and add small details to your nail art, making it ideal for both professional salons and DIY enthusiasts at home.

What We Like
Precise, thin liner brushes
Bold metallic finish
Variety of brush sizes
Durable, non-shedding bristles
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Some caps difficult to remove
Could use thinner brush option
Buying Guide Image

Learn More About Purchasing the Nail Polish Thinners

Introduction

If you're looking for a quick fix to revive your old, gloopy nail polish, nail polish thinner is your answer. This magical solution can breathe new life into your old nail polish and make it usable again. However, choosing the right nail polish thinner can be daunting, especially with the wide variety of options available on the market. In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right nail polish thinner for your needs.

Types of Nail Polish Thinners

There are two main types of nail polish thinners: acetone and non-acetone. Acetone is a harsh chemical that can dry out your nails and cuticles, making them brittle and prone to breakage. Non-acetone nail polish thinners, on the other hand, are gentle and less damaging to your nails.

Ingredients to Look for

When choosing a nail polish thinner, it's important to look for certain ingredients that can help improve the quality of your nail polish. One of these ingredients is ethyl acetate, which can help dissolve and thin out thick polish. Another ingredient to look for is butyl acetate, which is a solvent that can help improve the flow of your nail polish.

How to Use Nail Polish Thinner

Using nail polish thinner is easy. Simply add a few drops of the solution to your old nail polish, and then roll the bottle between your palms to mix the two liquids together. Be sure not to shake the bottle vigorously as this can create air bubbles in your polish, making it harder to apply.

Brands to Consider

When it comes to choosing a brand of nail polish thinner, there are a few options that stand out. One of the most popular brands is Zoya, which offers a non-toxic, vegan-friendly nail polish thinner that is perfect for those with sensitive skin. Another great brand is OPI, which offers a non-acetone nail polish thinner that is gentle on your nails and cuticles.

Conclusion

Choosing the right nail polish thinner can help extend the life of your old nail polish and save you money in the long run. When selecting a nail polish thinner, be sure to look for non-acetone options with ingredients such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate. Consider brands such as Zoya and OPI for quality and effectiveness. Happy painting!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can I use to thin my nail polish?

To thin your nail polish, you can use acetone or nail polish remover. Add a drop of acetone or remover to the nail polish, swirl to mix, and check the consistency. Add more drops if needed. Keep in mind that acetone and nail polish remover are meant for breaking down nail polish.

2. Do nail polish thinners work?

Yes, using a professional nail lacquer thinner is an effective way to restore old nail polish. Add 2-3 drops of thinner to the nail polish bottle, screw the cap back on, and roll the bottle between your palms to mix them together.

3. Can you add thinner to nail polish?

Yes, you can add nail polish thinner to your nail polish to replace evaporated solvents. Just add a couple of drops, shake well, and your nail polish will become thin and usable again.

4. Why is my nail polish sticky and won't dry?

There are several reasons why nail polish may not dry properly, including applying overly thick coats, not waiting enough time between coat applications, or using too many layers. These factors can significantly prolong drying time.

5. How can I thin my nail polish without acetone?

If you don't have acetone, you can use hot water to thin your nail polish. Immerse the nail polish bottle in a bowl of hot water for about 3 minutes, then gently roll the bottle between your palms to shake the polish.

6. Can I use rubbing alcohol to thin nail polish?

Yes, you can use 2 to 3 drops of rubbing alcohol (91% alcohol) to thin out your nail polish. However, do not use nail polish remover as it will break down the formula of the polish.

7. Is it OK to thin nail polish with acetone?

No, it is not recommended to thin nail polish with acetone. Acetone can dissolve the varnish, make it look bumpy or dull, and even change the color. Nail polish thinner is the appropriate product to use for thinning nail polish.

Editor's Notes

During our nail polish thinner research, we found 48 nail polish thinner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 80,490 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nail polish thinners list. We found that most customers choose nail polish thinners with an average price of $8.00.

The nail polish thinners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nail polish thinners, including Seche, Tachibelle, Karlash, KIARA SKY, Orly. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,814 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Nail Polish Thinners Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Seche Seche Tachibelle Karlash Karlash KIARA SKY Orly BEAUTY SECRETS Karlash Artdone
Item Form - - Drop Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Drop -
Color - - - Clear teal - clear - Clear Black
Liquid Volume - - - 0.5 Fluid Ounces 1 Fluid Ounces - 59 Milliliters 118.29 Milliliters 4 Fluid Ounces -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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