Things You Never Knew You Could Fix with Nail Polish

In searching for some tips on fixing something totally unrelated, I happened upon this article by Juliana LaBianca in Reader’s Digest.

The beauty of nail polish

Nail polish can be used for a lot more than just adding a little color to your nails. If you have a few extra bottles lying around the house, check out these clever ways you can use them up.

Smooth out slightly splintered wood

Seal a wooden surface with a coat of clear nail polish (for stained wood surfaces, first find a color that matches the wood). The new finish will stop supplies such as wooden hangers from snagging clothes and keep fingers splinter-free.

Waterproof your garden labels

Make plant labels waterproof by coating them in clear nail polish. You’ll never have to Google how often to water your herb garden again. This trick also works for waterproofing address labels on packages.

Prevent rust stains

Coat the bottom of metal cans (think shaving cream and hair spray) with clear nail polish to prevent rust from developing and staining your sink or medicine cabinet.

Stop a run in tights in its tracks

Keep a small hole from spreading by dabbing the run with clear nail polish.

Prevent frayed fabric from getting worse

Tame frayed fabric, such as the wisps on the cuffs of a nylon-lined jacket or the tiny broken threads on the bottom of a well-worn wool pencil skirt, with clear polish.

Fix peeling pearl buttons

Coat (fake) pearls with clear nail polish to stop them from peeling.

Stop a cracked windshield from getting worse

Stop a small windshield crack in its tracks with clear polish. Working in the shade, paint the crack on both sides of the glass. Move the car into the sun to allow it to dry. You’ll eventually need to repair the windshield, but in the meantime, use polish to buy time and shop around for the best estimate. 

Treat an unraveling shoelace

Dip an unraveling shoelace in clear nail polish. Twist it back into shape and allow it to dry.

Protect tarnish-prone costume jewelry

Prevent costume jewelry from tarnishing by brushing over it with clear nail polish. This hack will also stop skin discoloration and irritation from cheap jewelry.

Seal an envelope

Seal an envelope with a brush of nail polish. For a fun letter, such as a party invitation or thank you note, use a bright color.

Hide scuff marks on a shoe or bag

Fill in a scuff with a dab of nail polish that matches the piece. No one will be any the wiser. (Note: If you plan to resell a vintage or designer item, the paint could lower its value.)

Hide a chipped tile

Color in a small chip on a kitchen or bathroom tile with a matching nail polish color. The small brush and variety of colors available will ensure accuracy.

Tighten a loose screw

Secure a screw by first painting it with nail polish, which will give it extra stickiness. Paint over the top of the screw to prevent it from developing rust.

Prevent chipped car paint from rusting

A small indent or piece of chipped paint could develop rust once the spot is exposed to the elements. Seal yours off with a coat of clear nail polish.

Organize a jumbled set of keys

Organize your mess of keys by painting the tops of the most important ones with different colored nail polish. You’ll always know that blue means home and red means gym locker.

Reattach a loose rhinestone

The ultimate wedding must-have? A bottle of clear nail polish. In addition to fixing any manicure fiascos, the polish can also be used to reattach a loose rhinestone or crystal.

Fix a window screen

Mend a torn window screen with a dab of clear nail polish.

Source: Reader’s Digest