Difference Between Nail Polish and Enamel
Main difference
The main difference between nail polish and enamel is that nail polish refers to the appearance of the nails while enamel refers to the specific color.
nail polish vs. polish
Nail polish is applied to decorate the nails or to make them attractive. Polish is applied to the nails to hide the scars on the nails. The composition of the nail polish is thick; That’s why it took time to dry. However, the composition of the enamel is thin like lacquer; that is why the polish is easy to dry quickly comparatively. Nail polish can be of different types, such as matte, shimmer, nude shimmer, glitter colors, etc. The polish can also be of different types, for example, metallic polish, glass polish, nail polish, etc.
Nail polish is always nail polish. But enamel is also said as nail polish, nail varnish, etc. In case of applying nail polish, a base coat is applied first, then a layer of nail polish is applied, and a top coat is applied third. While in the case of enamel, only the layer of enamel is applied with the help of the brush.
Nail polish is a type of nail paint. Enamel is a type of cosmetic lacquer. A wide range of different unique nail polish colors is available in the market. A wide range of specific colored enamels are available on the market.
During the use of nail polish, the polish is also used as a base coat in some situations. When the polish is used separately, it always acts as a top coat. Somehow the nail polish needs a top coat to add a shiny effect to the nails. By using only polish, you can add a shiny effect to your nails without using a specific top coat.
Comparison chart
| Nail polish | Enamel |
| Nail polish adds beauty to the nails to make them attractive. | Polish is added to the nails to hide dents and discoloration. |
| Purpose | |
| Apply on the nails to decorate them. | Apply to nails to make them shine |
| Hour | |
| It takes longer to dry | dry quickly |
| Effect | |
| presentable effect | Color or gloss effect |
| Durability | |
| Ephemeral | Durable |
| Nature | |
| non-specific color | Specific painting |
What is nail polish?
In China, during 3000 BC, nail polish was first discovered. In ancient times, at the time of the Ming dynasty, nail polish was made up of the mixture of egg whites, vegetable or fruit dyes, gum arabic, gelatin and beeswax. Royal women prefer gold and silver colored nail polish at that time of the Zhou dynasty, but over time these colors are replaced by red and black colors as royal favorites. However, in Egypt, the lower classes prefer pale colors and the people of high society prefer reddish-brown. Mummified emperors also have red or henna painted nails.
Nail polish is available in a wide range of different colors. Nail polish gives a bright and trendy look to fingernails and toenails. Nail polish is also known as nail varnish. Nail polish is a type of lacquer that is applied to human nails for the purpose of decoration and to prevent cracking or peeling. Organic polymers and other similar components are the components of nail polish that play a role in giving nail polish a unique color and texture. Different shades or colors of nail polishes also play an important role in manicures and pedicures.
At a young age, nail polish is formed from tin oxide, carmine, and lavender oil. Tinted oils, tinted powders or tinted creams are also used as nail polish to paint nails. Nail polishing is also in fashion for the finishing touch and to make the nails shine. In the 1920s, only one nail polish product was available on the market, namely Graf’s Hyglo nail polish.
What is enamel?
Word enamel refers to a vitreous substance that is usually opaque and is used for adornment and protective purposes. It is also applied on different metal surfaces, on ceramics, etc. Various types of glazes are used in different fields. Enamel is also said to be varnish, paint, polish, etc. Enamel is primarily used for a brilliant finishing touch with a brilliant luster. It is also applicable to those surfaces that are difficult to dry. Enamel is of different types, such as enamel paint, glass enamel, tooth enamel, decorative enamel, nail polish, etc.
Enamel acts as a protective layer on all surfaces. Enamel is also the popular name of nail polish. The nail polish is present in a small glass bottle with an attached brush and twist cap. The bottle of polish contains a liquid that is applied with brushes on the nails to add color. The polish dries in a few minutes and hardens the liquid forming a layer on the surface of the nails. The nail polish acts as an accessory to match the outfit. Polish is also used to cover all imperfections like nail discoloration, nail dents, etc. Such discoloration or dents in the nails cause discomfort or feelings of embarrassment.
The polish can be easily removed by using the nail remover to apply a new color or to remove it permanently. Enamel is made up of four basic components such as resins, coloring agents, film agents, etc. Each enamel manufacturing company has its formula for making enamel. There is a wide range of enamels produced by different brands.
Key differences
- Nail polish is of many types and may or may not give the nails a shiny look, while polish gives a shiny effect.
- Nail polish available in a variety of shades; On the other hand, enamel has specific shades.
- Nail polish is a less expensive product; on the contrary, enamel is an expensive product.
- Nail polish is easily removed; on the other hand, enamel is difficult to remove.
- Nail polish takes time to dry. However, the enamel dries quickly.
- Nail polish provides a better look to the nails, although the polish provides a thick coverage to prevent cracks, etc.
- Nail polish is for ornamental purposes; on the contrary, enamel is for imperfections.
- Nail polish is a temporary use product; On the other hand, enamel is a long-lasting product.
- Nail polish dries slowly, although polish dries quickly.
- Nail polish is made up of nail colors and other basic ingredients, whether or not the polish is mostly made up of acrylic colors.
Final Thought
It is concluded that the nail polish serves to decorate the appearance of the nails, and the polish serves to cover all the imperfections.