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How Long Does it Take for O.P.I Nail Polish to Dry?

Published Categorized as Beauty Tips

All of OPI’s products are paragons that are trusted and adored by ladies all over the globe. OPI is a subsidiary of Coty, a giant so familiar in the beauty world that it requires no introduction. OPI is driven by a commitment to providing high-quality products focused on pushing industry safety and innovation. 

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This brand creates extravagant formulas, exotic colors, and fashionable iconic names. What’s even better, it attempts to make the finest products and tag them with attractive prices. That way, even the most opulent products can line the vanity cases of every diva out there. 

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OPI Nail Polish Drying Time

Knowing the tender hearts of its supporters, OPI does not shy away from spending hard-earned dollars on numerous charities across the globe. What more reason do you need to support Coty and its OPI division? To further motivate you, here we will be talking about OPI nail polish and its innovative ability to dry much quicker than drug store products. 

Let’s be honest. You don’t have the time to wait hours before being able to use your hands after each coat. That is why OPI deemed it fit to provide you with convenience in their formulas. How long does it take for OPI nail polish to dry?

Let us find out.

How Long Does Nail Polish Usually Take to Dry?

In general, it will take one to two hours for nail polish to dry completely. Of course, this all depends on what nail polish you use, how you have applied it, and the number of coats you painted. 

Naturally, most women would like to use some sort of means to speed up the drying process. As is the nature of shortcuts, increased speed could reduce the quality of the art, so take care in how you speed up the process. With a base coat, thin coat of polish, and a topcoat, you could expect it to take up to two hours. With a certain drying method, it might be reduced to 15 minutes, at which time you are free to use your hands again.

OPI Nail Polish, Nail Lacquer, Bubble Bath, Neutral Pink Nail Polish, 0.5 Fl Oz

How Long Does OPI Nail Polish Take to Dry?

Now, we don’t all want to wait that long before we can use our hands again, do we? OPI developed its formula for all those impatient divas who need the use of their hands. As many of its supporters claim, unlike other brands, it only takes up to 5 minutes. 

Most claims state that it should be completely dry within 15 minutes, and this is without additional assistance from dryers. However, if you want to play it on the safe side, keep sticking to the 1 hour rule. 

Otherwise, you can test by the old odor test. If an odor is still present after applying a coat, it means it is still drying. When the smell is gone, it is as good as dry can get. 

Waiting for nail polish to dry in between coats only takes about 2 minutes. After that, the second coat should adhere perfectly without disturbing the prime coat.

OPI Nail Polish, Nail Lacquer, Strawberry Margarita, Bright Pink Nail Polish, 0.5 Fl Oz

OPI Nail Polish in Strawberry Margarita

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How Long Does Other OPI Products Take to Dry?

How Long Does it Take For OPI Gel Nail Polish To Dry?

It will take OPI gel nail polish usually about the same time as its lacquers to dry. This ranges between 2 to 3 minutes between coats, 5 minutes to free your hands, and 15 minutes in total for a complete dry.

OPI Gel Color, Can't Find My Czechbook

OPI Gel Color in Can’t Find my Czechbook

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How Long Does it Take For OPI Base Coat to Dry?

It only takes about 2 to 3 minutes for an OPI base coat to dry.

After that time, you should feel free to add the color coating.

OPI Nail Polish Base Coat, Natural Nail Polish Base Coat, 0.5 Fl Oz

OPI Natural Nail Base Coat

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How Long Does it Take OPI Top Coat to Dry?

Now, adding the all-important topcoat takes a lot more patience, but it is well worth it.

Many quick-drying topcoats contain alcohol that will dry out your nails and cause irreversible damage. With the OPI top coat, safety is important, so it takes 10-15 minutes before the topcoat will be dry enough for free use of your hands.

However, it will be well worth it.

OPI Nail Polish Top Coat, Protective High-Gloss Shine, 0.5 Fl Oz

OPI Top Coat

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Can You Speed Up The Process? Why Is My Polish Not Drying?

There are two possible reasons why nail polish is not drying. The first is that you could be using old polish. If that is the case, simply replace it with a new bottle. 

The second reason could be misapplication. In this case, you are probably applying coats that are too thick. Consult a pro to find the correct methods or use a polish thinner with your lacquer.

How to Dry Nail Polish Faster

There are plenty of methods to dry your nails quicker.

  1. One method is using an air-dry fan. Be careful that the force of air is not too great. This could cause the polish to form imperfections.
  2. A second method is to cure bake beneath a UV lamp or an LED lamp. These tools are incredibly useful, but if used wrong, they could cause imperfections. Now, a secret hack that many don’t know about is hairspray. 
  3. A third method is with hairspray. Use an aerosol version of hairspray and spray lightly over the finished product. Keep a distance of 6 to 8 inches so it will not cause imperfections. Alternatively, the non-aerosol versions of hairspray can be used to clean up nail polish spills or even mascara smudges on fabrics.

Nailed it!

OPI nail polishes are among the best you can find. Not only is it safe and trustworthy, it is also far more convenient to use than drug store versions. There are likely more hacks and products that can be used to speed up the drying process. 

However, as most professionals would agree, to achieve the best results, patience will be your master.

Always do your nails when you have the time. Rushing an art as fine as this will only result in undesired details that will annoy you and leave others unimpressed.

Good luck and have fun choosing from among OPI’s latest range of colors. 

Check out our other posts on nail polish and nail care on our blog!

What are your thoughts and advice on how long does OPI nail polish dry?

By Ellis James

We design luxuriously glamorous bags, organizers and life essentials for you. At Ellis James Designs, it’s all about YOU. Your bag, Your way. Our exclusive designs are timeless, indulgent and most importantly inspired by you. What will be your first Ellis James Design?

8 comments

  1. Oh such an interesting post.
    Thanks for sharing.
    I never know how long it’s gonna take before it dries.
    xx
    Margottroughthepasturesofthesky.com

  2. We hear that! Waiting for polish to dry can be an incredible test of patience. Thanks so much Charity!

  3. Love OPI nail polish, too! And we hear you, waiting for polish to dry can be grating!

  4. This is such a great and informative post. I never really know how long to let my nails dry and I am impatient and they usually get messed up because I don’t wait long enough 🤣

  5. I love OPI nailpolish! They have such great colours! I have never paid very close attention to how fast it dries. I’m so bad at waiting long enough, I know that though.

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