We’ve all been there. That tiny crack near your windshield comes out of nowhere, and you start freaking out. Do I need to get the whole thing replaced? Is there an easy fix for this so it doesn’t get worse? This is exactly where people start we wondering, can cracks in the windshield be fixed with nail polish?
At first glance, it sounds like a brilliant idea. Nail polish is colorless, viscous, and dries quickly –what’s not to like? Wherever it is we want to guess that it was too good to be true and we aren’t going to use it the way it is supposed to be. Unfortunately yes it is now true that this is the case with nail polish. This holds true for Nail polish as it doesn’t really do the job when the windshield suffers damage. Yes, it can keep things secure for a while but it is not a permanent solution. Let’s untangle the reasons why.
What’s the Deal with Windshield Cracks?
Before anything else, let’s settle the controversy over using nail polish. First, let’s have a look at your windshield. Knowing how it functions and what’s happening under that glass is essential when trying to examine the problem as to why only a simple, cosmetic item simply cannot be enough.
How Windshields Actually Work
Your windshield is not one piece of glass. It is actually manufactured using two glass surfaces and a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sheet sandwiched in between. This structure prevents shattering of the glass into sharp edges during an impact. Therefore, when a crack occurs in the glass, it is not only a matter of looks. It has a safety issue. The thought of just slashing a little nail polish on there suddenly sounds a little less enjoyable, does it not?
Nature of cracks: There are a Few More Sorts
Cracks are grouped according to their size and location: Three are features in every category: bullseye, star breaks, and stress cracks. Of these indicators, some may be characterized as having certain forms, while others are dependent on external factors and dominant stresses. But this may change in the blink of an eye as the chip is subject to temperature variation and jarring from regular driving around. This is exactly the reason why nail polish should not be used.
What a wonderful thinking to assume about applying a Nail Polish
So, what’s nail polish have to do with fixing a cracked windshield? Now that’s a question that one should ask rather than using nail polish for making it look more attractive.
The Mechanism Behind the Application of Nail Polish
Nail polish was developed with the intention purposes of functioning primarily as a resistant coating on the surface of your nails. It’s applied and instantly fills in miniscule surface cracks so that dirt, moisture or pieces of debris cannot penetrate the gap and get in there, for the time at least. As a theoretical viewpoint, it is pretty close to being a sealant which prevents the subsequent extension of the crack, as stated – “for the time being, reasonably, five minutes.”
Nail Polish- the most effective solution where need be a savior in almost all circumstances
For What its Worth 7 Reasons Why Nail Polish Isn’t the Solution for Windshield Cracks
Nail polish in all probability has gotten one out of trouble from most situations—won’t be able to count the number of claws one has received out of messy circumstantial nail polish edges—mine was out page occupies a space, rightfully speaks volumes. Rosen wander burns on a pair – Nonscratch glasses and substituting with swimmy—nail polish! Yet there is a need to accentuate that as a multi-purpose tool it should not be regarded with plebiscite authority. If the specific category under review is a shattering windshield then nail polish should hold the inclination witches’ metaphysical portrayal merely decorated in irony. What also reeks in this conversational context is hypocrisy juxtaposed politely and portrayed around for nail polish.
7 Reasons Why Nail Polish is Not Magic Fix for your Windshield: Let’s Start with This Gel-off and That Gel The Storm off And Here Are the Reasons for its Use :
And what soon becomes a highlight amongst situations is purely demand that tends to engage with what nail polish gel off possible black gel claims. Nowhere nail polish is anywhere near competitive as far showcasing replacement is concern—appeared pulse of lacquer ears win on several metrics polish ability met expectations nails ultimately. For how remarkable can you go over just one serving the nail set, seventy-two eagle adheres drive potion hue atomic slather chime forehead heat. Nails remain fingers pose as all structures barriers nail short any ramaving twisting nail polish’s part apply layer holes into finger room can pretend as accommodating dimensions certain to get camouflaged ocular hook of sized onlookers unsuspectingly.
2. Nail Polish is Unfit for Outdoor Conditions
The situation for a windshield on a car is indeed quite extreme as it has to put up with scorching sun, rainfall, wind blows, and even debris and scratches. This is not what a nail polish is intended for. Once your car gets heated up due to sunlight, the polish is very likely to melt, degrade, or get modified in color which is a big no for everyone.
3. It Will Not Prevent the Growth of the Crack
When a crack is established, in very simple terms, it is in a vicious cycle of expansion. This is because your driving, coupled with temperature differences allow for movement of the glass in a back and forth manner, and this little dab of nail polish or any type probably won’t help prevent the movement of the crack at all. As a matter of fact the crack will get worse no matter how many coats of polish are put over it.
4. There is a Probability of Further Damage
Here’s the catch. Now and then, applying nail polish on a car windshield would not be a good idea as it can absolutely worsen the situation more than it already is. Lack of perfect accuracy in the application will result in air or moisture being trapped in the crevice which will make the crack worsen.
5. Expect to Fail the Inspection
Lastly, if there is an inspection scheduled pretty soon, and you have plans to cover the crack poorly with a coat of black nail polish, it is probably better just to keep quiet. Generally speaking, windshield inspections have sharp attention to detail and a badly covered crack is as good as not passing the inspection in the first place.
6. Professional Fixes Are Within Reach But You Are Just Not Ready To Embrace It Off
Do you think you are saving up some bucks while using nail polish? Well, there are chances that you could have spent less on a repair service instead. It is always better to be proactive than reactive and get small cracks repaired as soon as they show. For a small chip, repairs can cost from a little under to about $100 as opposed to a windscreen which is much more expensive.
7. Do Not Ignore A Chip In Your Windshield Again If You Value Your Safety
Lastly, and most notable, windshield chips are dangerous to your health and should be treated right away. Yes, windshields form a structural element of all automobiles. If it is not intact, then you are not safe. It is a good practice to use nail polish but it is not advisable because of safety concerns.
Why Not Just Use Nail Polish Remover?
So, if the adhesive provided by nail polish is not the solution, then what is?
Temporary Fixes That Do Not Help Anyone Except Yourself For A Brief Time
However, if a dire situation arises, there are a couple of temporary solutions that might suffice until you are able to seek professional assistance. Things such as tape or super glue can be used around the chip to help seal it but these are not recommended as they are not long term solutions.
When to Call the Pros
If aside from the above-mentioned factors there are cracks on your wind shield which are large than a quarter or close enough to the driver’s sight, get the specialist now. Most of the shops are able to repair small cracks within a short period of time so you will no longer have to worry about your windshield as it will be in its’ perfect condition.
Conclusion: Let’s Keep It Real
So, does nail polish work on windshield cracks? No, not really. It’s nothing more than a temporary measure, at best. One that could do more harm than good. You might be motivated to apply some polish, and leave it at that, but that would be the joy of avoiding the application of a more appropriate fix. In which case, it is likely that you will have spent some money and effort for no good reason and in the process, damaged or compromised your windshield.
FAQs
Will nail polish stop a crack from spreading permanently?
No, it won’t. People believe that a normal nail polish makes some kind of a permanent barrier, but this is not the case.
How long will nail polish be effective on the crack of the windshield?
If it is to last, then it can only do so for several days at the maximum and weather and the extent to which the vehicle is in motion will determine the upper limit.
Do you think nail polish is better than doing nothing?
In some extreme situations it is better than doing nothing but this will only be for periods during which time is of the essence. It is preferable to leave a fissure unsealed.
Can I put on more than one coat of nail polish in order to reinforce the crack?
That would not change much regarding the fortification of the crack. Such additional coats may make it look better on the surface but did the actual work of strengthening the crack.
What should I do if my windshield crack has already spread to a very big size?
In the event that there are already large cracks, then this is something that may require professional services. The larger this gap becomes, then the more it interferes with inversing or repairing.