# Nail polish-how to stop chipping? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 26, 2007, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nail-polish-how-to-stop-chipping/424053 "2007-10-26T00:50:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nail-polish-how-to-stop-chipping/424053/1 "2007-10-26T00:50:52Z")
No matter what kind of polish I use, cheap or expensive, no matter whether I use a clear base coat, whatever, it still chips. I had tips once, but I really can’t afford it all the time. Even after getting a manicure, they still chipped. Help? ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nail-polish-how-to-stop-chipping/424053/2 "2007-10-26T01:04:12Z")
I have found using this procedure helps. Not perfect, but it lasts longer. Do not use a base coat. Ensure your nails are fairly healthy to start with. Apply one coat to each hand. Wait a couple of minutes. Apply another coat to each hand, smoothing the texture. Wait a few minutes. Apply a coat of clear enamel. Wait fully half an hour - I mean, read, or something, but don’t even let them touch anything. I find this extends the time somewhat before it starts to chip. After this, wear gloves when you wash dishes. Watch when you slide your fingers in between files, you know, like in a drawer. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nail-polish-how-to-stop-chipping/424053/3 "2007-10-26T01:07:20Z")
“Bonder” base coat from Orly is very good. And I think chip avoidance is partially a matter of what you do with your hands–as you get used to wearing nail polish, you learn what not to do. ---
**Author:** ![lizardling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f4b2a3/32.png) [@lizardling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lizardling)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nail-polish-how-to-stop-chipping/424053/4 "2007-10-26T01:20:35Z")
I think it also helps to run the brush under the nail just a bit as well so you’re getting the tips. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nail-polish-how-to-stop-chipping/424053/5 "2007-10-26T01:22:07Z")
I’ve been wearing nail polish all my life, so I’m used to it. I’ll have to look into Bonder. I do like Orly-I’ve been using Sally Hansen. I’m also looking for a good dark blue-I got a little bottle of a darker blue from Sally’s Beauty Supplies, but I’d like something almost navy. ---
**Author:** ![Monstera\_deliciosa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monstera_deliciosa/32/109_2.png) [@Monstera\_deliciosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monstera_deliciosa)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nail-polish-how-to-stop-chipping/424053/6 "2007-10-26T03:23:24Z")
[QUOTE=Guinastasia] I’ve been wearing nail polish all my life, so I’m used to it. I’ll have to look into Bonder. I do like Orly- **I’ve been using Sally Hansen.** I’m also looking for a good dark blue-I got a little bottle of a darker blue from Sally’s Beauty Supplies, but I’d like something almost navy. [/QUOTE] bolding mine I think that might be part of the problem. In my experience, Sally Hansen chips if you look at it funny. Almost any comparably priced brand is better. ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nail-polish-how-to-stop-chipping/424053/7 "2007-10-26T04:00:34Z")
My experience is the opposite. I only use very light colors so chips are less obvious but I can go longer without touch ups since I started using Sally Hansen acrylic top coat. (clear bottle with grey top) .