Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/753141
74 | NAILS MAGAZINE | 2016-2017 THE BIG BOOK >>> HOW TO DO EVERYTHING BETTER GUIDE: ... EVEN BETTER WORK Traditional Polish How you can tell if it's gone bad: Polish becomes stringy, thick, and unworkable. How to dispose of it: Dispose of at your local waste disposal facility. Or, pour small amounts (less than one-half bottle) into absorbent material, allow to harden completely, and dispose in trash. Optimal storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry area, out of direct sunlight. Average shelf life: Nail polish will last indefinitely, but if it's been sitting around awhile, you'll need to give it a good shake to get it back into prime condition. Once it's been opened, it eventually begins to thicken because of its exposure to air. Base/Top Coat How you can tell if it's gone bad: It becomes stringy, thick, and unworkable. How to dispose of it: Dispose of at your local waste disposal facility. Or, pour small amounts (less than one-half bottle) into absorbent material, allow to harden completely, and dispose in trash. Optimal storage conditions: Store in a cool, dark place away from sources of direct sunlight, heat, and flame; bottles can explode in temperatures above 120°. Average shelf life: 12-18 months at 60° to 72°; up to four years refrigerated. by moisture, you will see a discolor- ation or a change in texture. Very old powder may lose its ability to cause the monomer to cure. How to dispose of it: Powder can cause nose, throat, and eye irritation, so be sure to place unused powder in a sealed container and dispose according to local, state, and federal regulations. Do not flush down the drain. Optimal storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry area in a well- marked, tightly sealed container. Avoid excessive heat (120° F) and direct sunlight. Average shelf life: Normally up to three years, possibly longer. Gel-Polish How you can tell if it's gone bad: Gel-polish can begin to thicken or it can cure entirely in the bottle or on the brush. If it becomes thick, thinning agents can be added to reduce viscosity, but cured gel-polish must be disposed of. How to dispose of it: Hardened gel-polish can be thrown away since it's inert. If it's still in liquid form, cure the remaining polish on tinfoil or a paper towel until hardened. Optimal storage conditions: Store in cool, dry area, out of direct sunlight and away from intense heat. Average shelf life: Three years if unopened and properly stored; one to two years once opened. How to be Smarter About Product Storage Knowing how to store products safely and understanding their shelf life will cut down on product waste and spoilage — and save you money. Acrylic Liquid How you can tell if it's gone bad: Product will begin to gel, and may eventually become a solid. How to dispose of it: Qualifies as a hazardous product. Check local, state, and federal regulations. If less than one gallon, pour liquid into cloths or towels and dispose in a covered container. If more than a gallon, absorb with dirt or sand; shovel moistened earth material into a container and dispose according to hazardous waste regulations. If monomer has cured (polymerized) into a solid block, it is safe to throw in the trash. Do not put down the drain. Optimal storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry area. Keep out of direct sun and excessive heat. Flashpoints of some acrylic liquids could be as low as 60° F — so be sure to keep containers covered and away from any source of ignition. Average shelf life: Stored properly, liquid should last up to three years. Acrylic Powder How you can tell if it's gone bad: If the powder has been compromised