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    10 ways to use clear nail polish you might never have guessed

    By Emily Hsieh, Shine staff | Haven – Thu, Mar 18, 2010 5:11 PM EDT

    We all know that clear nail polish is a great finishing coat for a manicure, and I'd guess that most have even heard that it can be used to keep a run in a panty hose from spreading, but there are scores of other uses for the stuff in and around your home. Some of the most surprising tricks-for everything from waterproofing matches to threading needles-are as follows:

    Making jewelry last. To extend the life of costume jewelry and to keep it looking bright and glossy, give beads a thin layer of polish. It helps prevent fading and tarnishing.

    Sealing envelopes. In lieu of licking the envelope flaps to seal them (not only can this be ineffective, but does anyone find that taste as gross as I do?) dab on a little polish to keep them glued nice and tight.

    Threading needles. Rather than get frustrated when attempting to thread a needle, run the cut side of the thread through the polish brush. Roll the thread between your fingers a couple times; the polish will dry pretty much immediately and the thread becomes stiffer (and much more easy to get through the eye of the needle).

    Keeping belt buckles pristine. To ensure belt buckles stay bright and shiny, shellac them with a coat of polish to prevent oxidation.

    Securing buttons. Brush on a dollop of polish in the center of your buttons to keep the threads from coming undone. If you have a sweater or dress with delicate pearly buttons, give the whole thing a coat of polish to keep them luminous.

    Fixing window screens or shades. If you have a tear in a window shade or screen, paint on some polish to keep it from worsening.

    Waterproofing matches. As any camper can attest, there are few bigger drags than a box of soggy matches. To waterproof them, paint the flammable tips with polish.

    Wood floor repairs. A bit of clear polish is fantastic to touch-up minor dents and little scuffs on wood floors.

    Avoiding rust stains. You know those rust rings that form on your tub if you leave shaving cream in the shower? Just varnish the underside of the can with a little polish to keep the metal from staining.

    Shoelace protector. To stop shoelaces from unraveling and fraying, dip the ends in clear polish.

    Find more household tricks and inspiration at Make Home A Haven.

     

    233 comments

    • Windmill
      Windmill  •  2 years 0 months ago
      All Of A Sudden I'm Looking Around For Some Ideas !!
    • Lj
      Lj  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Yea. for chiggers, since I was a kid. Occasionally, my white gold rings irritate my skin, so I apply it to the underside. And of course-pantyhose.
    • Barbara
      Barbara  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Thanks for the needle-threading tip!
    • Alma
      Alma  •  2 years 0 months ago
      iF THE SCREWS COME OUT OF YOUR EYE GLASSES PUT A DAB OF POLISH ON THE SCREW BEFORE YOU REPLACE IT. IT WILL STAY PUT FOR GOOD.
    • Alison R
      Alison R  •  2 years 0 months ago
      I use clear nail polish on hang nails and cracked finger beds
    • Laura B
      Laura B  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Elmer's glue does a lot of the same things
    • Shelby
      Shelby  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Waterproofing matches with nailpolish doesn't work as well in application as it does in theory. Sure, they don't get wet, but they don't light very easily--if at all. It's better to dip them in candle wax, because when you strike the match the wax flakes off and POOF: fire!
    • betty
      betty  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Interesting and informative
    • Springpad
      Springpad  •  2 years 2 months ago
      I would have never thought of the shaving cream can one, great idea! I also use it if any beads/sequins come off of my clothes as an adhesive. Not as permanent as super glue or sewing them back on, but great if you're in a hurry and want to wear that shirt/dress etc out!
    • Carol
      Carol  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Paint the back of a watch if it makes your arm turn green.
    • shirley
      shirley  •  2 years 0 months ago
      CLEAR NAIL POLISH WORKS GREAT TO KEEP T SHIRT KNITS EVEN SWEATERS FROM RUNNING WHEN GET A TINY HOLE BY ADD TOUCH OF POLISH AROUND THE INSIDE OF THE HOLE ALSO IT IS GREAT FOR POISON IVY OAK SUMAC RASH IF U WIPE CLOROX OVER EXPOSED AREAS SKIN TO THE PLANT RIGHT AWAY U SHOULD PREVENT THE RASH BUT IF U STILL GET IT DAB THE POLISH OVER THE SPOTS AND KEEP IT COATED FEW DAYS RASH GONE AND THE ITCH ISNT THERE EITHER. MUCH CHEAPER THAN ANY POISON MEDICATED LOTIONS!
    • Windmill
      Windmill  •  2 years 0 months ago
      All These Tips Just From One Product. Hmmmm !
    • CassieJ
      CassieJ  •  2 years 0 months ago
      all are good but the matches....wax works better....just a thought.
    • First
      First  •  2 years 0 months ago
      chiggers arnt actually under the skin its a myth...
    • JenniferP
      JenniferP  •  2 years 0 months ago
      it also works to stop runs in panty hose
    • Well...
      Well...  •  2 years 2 months ago
      The leather protector spray from Wilson's is the same but neater and in a can.
    • Liezel
      Liezel  •  2 years 2 months ago
      another good idea is if you have a ding/chip/scratch on your car. Use a little clear coat and it will protect it from getting bigger or even prevent it from being rusty. =)
    • Darlene
      Darlene  •  2 years 0 months ago
      If you have a small hole in your screens, cover with clear polish. It will keep tiny gnats from entering.
    • Pat
      Pat  •  2 years 2 months ago
      Nail polish is highly flammable so I would think that putting it on match heads would be dangerous. As a vintage jewelry dealer and collector I cringe at the idea of putting nail polish on any jewelry as it would kill any possible resale value.
    • CharlyG
      CharlyG  •  2 years 0 months ago
      my dad taught me this one: a little dab of clear polish on the new screw when repairing a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses will keep the new one from 'falling' out.
     Post a comment

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