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Applying nail polish to protect your apple watch?

apple_iBoy said:
I hesitate to wade into this convo at all, but once upon a time I did get a degree in chemistry and then some time later I did get a doctorate in materials science, and there are a few misconceptions I think I can speak to.

First of all, organic solvents react with inorganic elemental solids and inorganic compounds all the time. The text quoted above seems to suggest a belief that chemistry doesn’t exist across that boundary, but it definitely and extensively does. This includes acetone, which has known chemistry with a number of divalent metals. Generally speaking, it would be non-reactive with aluminum (and is used to remove organic debris). But I would not assume it would be non-reactive with all aluminum oxide surface coatings.

Second, aluminum alloys that are heavy in Cu content will actually become photoreactive in the presence of light, acetone and moisture. The 7000-something series Al alloy in an Apple Watch shouldn‘t have this problem (I believe the alloying metals are zinc and magnesium). But still, the fact is that there ARE reactions that can occur between aluminum alloys and acetone.

Third, the acetone found in nail polish remover is not going to be any sort of reagent grade solvent. It’s going to be a low quality acetone that’s bound to have all sorts of contaminants, including potentially HCl. Chloride-contaminated acetone could easily lead to a corrosion situation with a metal that would normally be rather impervious. I would think raw aluminum could easily pit. The watch probably would be protected by its oxide coating. I wouldn’t care to try it, myself.

So, if I have fulfilled my quotient of useful information pertaining to the specific original question, let me now say that in my experience as an Apple Watch user since Gen 0, the unperturbed casing will long outlast the rapid obsolescence of the internal technological guts of the watch. I don’t think there’s much benefit from going to any extreme measures (any measures at all, really) to protect a sports watch from sports activities.

OP, there is not a lot to gain and quite a strong potential of a damaging oopsie for what you’re contemplating. If you’re determined, lucky and careful, it probably won’t make a difference in the durability but likely won’t do harm.

When it comes to science experiments of questionable utility, YMMV according to your own whims and tolerance for “oh ****” mishaps.
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Thanks, apple_iBoy for sharing your information. I read in an article that was comparing it to 7075 aluminum.

Although I don't have a doctorate in chemistry I didn't start this thread randomly. I did some successful research initially. Since the apple watch must be resistant to chlorine my conclusion from the articles I read was that it is very unlikely for the alloy to have copper in it.

Also, the acetone can be purchased in pure form. Now I'm not sure how pure it is but on the bottle, it says 100% pure acetone and the ingredients is also 100% acetone. It doesn't mention the impurities and this is not a dollar store brand acetone. The nail polish usually doesn't have acetone in it. Some for of acetate of sth or some form of resin. I highly doubt that there is HCL or any dangerous chemical substance in nail polish even in small concentrations. At least where I live. And as you may know, even H2CO3 can dissolve/corrode aluminum.

The results on my old MacBook as it matches what I was expecting. It doesn't mean that I will cover my apple watch with it. I just wanted to explore the possibilities.

I got my apple watch today and I'm disappointed with its build quality. The malaise loop is thin and flimsy and doesn't stay put. For $700, I was hoping to see a solid steel loop.
 
Abdol said:
Thanks, apple_iBoy for sharing your information. I read in an article that was comparing it to 7075 aluminum.

Although I don't have a doctorate in chemistry I didn't start this thread randomly. I did some successful research initially. Since the apple watch must be resistant to chlorine my conclusion from the articles I read was that it is very unlikely for the alloy to have copper in it.

Also, the acetone can be purchased in pure form. Now I'm not sure how pure it is but on the bottle, it says 100% pure acetone and the ingredients is also 100% acetone. It doesn't mention the impurities and this is not a dollar store brand acetone. The nail polish usually doesn't have acetone in it. Some for of acetate of sth or some form of resin. I highly doubt that there is HCL or any dangerous chemical substance in nail polish even in small concentrations. At least where I live. And as you may know, even H2CO3 can dissolve/corrode aluminum.

The results on my old MacBook as it matches what I was expecting. It doesn't mean that I will cover my apple watch with it. I just wanted to explore the possibilities.

I got my apple watch today and I'm disappointed with its build quality. The malaise loop is thin and flimsy and doesn't stay put. For $700, I was hoping to see a solid steel loop.
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You have 14 days to return it.
 
Abdol said:
I'm thinking of applying clear nail polish to protect my apple watch's body from scratches instead of buying a bulky protector.
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I bought this screen protector for my Series 5 and just put one on my Series 6. Zero bulk and 100x better than nail polish. If applied properly you can't even tell it's on. The screen protector and the watch display stayed in perfect condition the entire year.
 
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cbrand493 said:
Great idea!!!! Wish I’d thought of doing this!!! [/sarcasm]








OP can’t tell difference between corrosion and a dent on their macbook, yet seems to be an expert on chemical reactions.
In before inevitable “Apple won’t replace my watch under warranty” thread...
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This is corrosion. Dent is the spot near the right corner. The irregularity along the edge is a corrosion mark. This is where my right wrist sits. The edge is cleaned before applying nail polish. I have had this laptop since Jan 2009.

I'm not an expert in chemical reactions. I carefully read about what I want to do upfront. I also read relevant comments carefully and even search more to learn more about them.

There are plenty of articles about the aluminum:
mashable.com

How the Apple Watch is made

How the Apple Watch is made
mashable.com mashable.com

Chlorine and copper reaction:

Chlorine and aluminum:
www.hunker.com

Do Pool Chemicals Affect Aluminum? - Hunker

Proper use of chemicals is key to a safe and sanitary swimming pool. Chemicals are used to disinfect pool water, control algae growth and for several other purposes, so a healthy knowledge of how to use these chemicals is essential for any homeowner considering installing a pool.
www.hunker.com www.hunker.com

Aluminum and Acetone:
www.researchgate.net

What is the effect of acetone to anodized aluminium surface?

Acetone is an organic solvent to remove the organic contaminant from anodized aluminium surface. Does the acetone has any side effect to anodized aluminium surface?
www.researchgate.net www.researchgate.net
This also discusses the light sensitivity issue

What is nail polish made out of:
en.wikipedia.org

Nail polish - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
.

The scope of the problem isn't infinite. Even if we consider the impurities which may react.
 
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CE3 said:
I’m not an expert in chemical reactions either, but I can tell you with 100% certainty that putting nail polish on your Apple Watch display for protection is a seriously dumb idea.
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It is so surprising that after 3 pages of discussion there is still someone who hasn't even spent a min to read my first post. Yet feels so entitled and confident to make fun of me. Go read the first post: The watch display will remain untouched.

Seriously, if you don't want to read the topic and the posts why do you even involve in a discussion?

OldRhodie said:
Just do it. Because you’re in a minority of one doesn’t mean you’re wrong!
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I already applied nail polish to my MacBook Pro 2009 and nothing has happened. I will wait a day or two and remove it with acetone to see how the cleaning goes.
 
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Abdol said:
I appreciate your comment. Exactly! I asked a question and got all kinds of responses except an actual relevant answer.

I think you have mixed up the concept of having a clue and discussing something and arguing about something without having a clue...
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There's a scrollbar to the right of the page that allows you to move past the well meaning responses that you don't feel fit the template you're looking for. You don't need to reply to each one explaining that they aren't answering your question the way you'd like them to. People took time out of their day to read your request for help and contribute to the conversation-- show some gratitude.

What strikes me in particular is that most people are rightly focused on the fact that the polish, and the volatile remover, may get into areas of the watch you aren't intending for them to. They are also pointing out that you will have to maintain this scheme once you start which means repeated risk of error. That may not be a relevant response in your mind, but for the rest of us in the community that's worthwhile feedback. These aren't DMs, they're being viewed by others who may have a different idea of your intent but consider replicating your experiment, and it will be viewed by others in the future who may read the lack of response to mean that there's no danger.
 
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Abdol said:
It is so surprising that after 3 pages of discussion there is still someone who hasn't even spent a min to read my first post. Yet feels so entitled and confident to make fun of me. Go read the first post: The watch display will remain untouched.

Seriously, if you don't want to read the topic and the posts why do you even involve in a discussion?
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ok, Have fun painting your watch. I’ve owned an aluminum Apple Watch every year since Series 2 and Ive never had any issues with scratches on the body. It’s the screen that you might need to be concerned about.. and I linked you to you to a screen protector that I’ve personally used for over a year that protects the screen from scratches and looks practically invisible when properly installed.
 
Nail polish is just an acrylic varnish and that means it will gradually yellow with age particularly with sunlight producing free radicals. Also, sunlight will cause the acrylic to weaken and then it will start to flake off.
I suppose you can keep it under your jacket or whatever.
It's a product that's only supposed to last a month or so.
They want people to do their nails regularly not do them once and for ever so it isn't a particularly high grade varnish.
The strongest would be 2 part acrylic for high traffic flooring. That's much stronger.
Most high grade varnishes and paint contain things like para-amino benzoaic acid to mop up the radicals. (Yes I studied bio-chemistry a very long time ago) but nothing really lasts well against sunlight and pollution.
You could do better by buying a product that's designed to protect metal- you can buy varnish for silverware for instance, and I have had really good results with that on silver and brass. It also applies really well without streaks or bubbles because it's designed to be used on metal. It is almost impossible to tell it's there after it's applied- the metals are just a little bit less reflective but that's all. It still eventually breaks down though.
Similarly, acrylic varnish designed to protect paintings may be higher quality and be designed to last longer.

I varnished an Alfa Romeo once and it slowed down the rusting a bit- but not much. It still fell apart as I drove it.
We bought a house where someone had used polyurethane varnish on the bathroom floor tiles and they looked very yellow and had peeled off in stripes. It looked awful.
I had a friend at school who thought is would save him some time to varnish his shoes. They looked great for about a month then looked terrible.
I don't think you'll find a lot more real world experiences than that especially for watches. I doubt anyone has done it.
 
Abdol said:
I got my apple watch today and I'm disappointed with its build quality. The malaise loop is thin and flimsy and doesn't stay put. For $700, I was hoping to see a solid steel loop.
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I think they need to keep it thin so that it remains supple once the nail polish is applied...
 
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OP:

Please post pics. That way, others don’t believe you’re intentionally arguing for the sake of extenuating your thread. I personally would love to see what this looks like, so your next consideration should post pictures of what you obviously have claimed you want/will do.
 
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This thread - and similar ones - show why the stainless steel version is very much worth the additional cost IMO. Screen protectors, cases, nail polish... oh, dear.
 
Abdol said:
I'm thinking of applying clear nail polish to protect my apple watch's body from scratches instead of buying a bulky protector.

So if I only apply the nail polish to the aluminum body (and not the screen and the bottom ceramic and the speaker/mic holes), is it going to damage the watch? I can remove the nail polish with acetone and as far as I researched there is no chemical reaction between aluminum, anodized aluminum, and acetone/nail polish.
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Just my tuppence worth....

I know these are expensive items which we want to keep pristine, but a watch by its very nature is going to pick up marks & scuffs if you wear it as intended (which with the Apple Watch is pretty much all the time).

Unless you treat it badly or are just unlucky, you'll just get normal wear & tear on the watch which is fine. Its not ideal, but unless you keep it in a box or put a big bulky protector on it, that will happen. Just go with it and try not to worry about it.
 
Abdol said:
I got my apple watch today and I'm disappointed with its build quality. The malaise loop is thin and flimsy and doesn't stay put. For $700, I was hoping to see a solid steel loop.
Click to expand...

I can't help feel that if you apply nail polish to the shell of your Apple Watch it won't just be the strap that is suffering malaise! 😂

More seriously this is a bad idea for the reasons mentioned above. You can buy peel off protectors for the body of the watch if you really want to protect it at least you peel and replace without risk of damage/blocking the mic/speaker sockets or getting it in the mechanism of the Digital Crown and damaging it.



Something like this is probably more suitable for your needs and can be replaced whenever you want.
 
Abdol said:
It is so surprising that after 3 pages of discussion there is still someone who hasn't even spent a min to read my first post. Yet feels so entitled and confident to make fun of me. Go read the first post: The watch display will remain untouched.

Seriously, if you don't want to read the topic and the posts why do you even involve in a discussion?



I already applied nail polish to my MacBook Pro 2009 and nothing has happened. I will wait a day or two and remove it with acetone to see how the cleaning goes.
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should put the macbook in the sun and see how long that lasts as i dont think there is enough UV protection in it.
 
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Abdol said:
I'm thinking of applying clear nail polish to protect my apple watch's body from scratches instead of buying a bulky protector.

So if I only apply the nail polish to the aluminum body (and not the screen and the bottom ceramic and the speaker/mic holes), is it going to damage the watch? I can remove the nail polish with acetone and as far as I researched there is no chemical reaction between aluminum, anodized aluminum, and acetone/nail polish.
Click to expand...

What an amazing idea!!!!!!! you should use gummies too increasing the protection for casual or future shocks!!!
 
caelius said:
This thread - and similar ones - show why the stainless steel version is very much worth the additional cost IMO. Screen protectors, cases, nail polish... oh, dear.
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I think I've had three s/steel Apple watches and recently switched to aluminium. I've used all of them the same and I honestly haven't noticed a massive difference in how they stand up to daily use involving hill running, biking, swimming, DIY etc etc.

The glass and case on this aluminium watch is in just as good condition (if not better as it seems to hide or attract less micro-scratches) after 2 years to be honest.
 
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ascender said:
I think I've had three s/steel Apple watches and recently switched to aluminium. I've used all of them the same and I honestly haven't noticed a massive difference in how they stand up to daily use involving hill running, biking, swimming, DIY etc etc.

The glass and case on this aluminium watch is in just as good condition (if not better as it seems to hide or attract less micro-scratches) after 2 years to be honest.
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I’ve only owned aluminium watches and never had any issues either. Of course they are not as durable as the stainless watches if you’re smacking them into walls and hard objects but I’m not prone to doing that and have found the Ion-X Glass and frame to be plenty durable for the exercise and daily wear I put it through.

I know some here have really damaged their watches but some of the advice and scare stories about the aluminium watches do defy belief sometimes. I’ve known people being scared into spending more for the stainless due to exaggerated pieces of advice in this forum and that angers me somewhat
 
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apple_iBoy said:
So, if I have fulfilled my quotient of useful information pertaining to the specific original question, let me now say that in my experience as an Apple Watch user since Gen 0, the unperturbed casing will long outlast the rapid obsolescence of the internal technological guts of the watch.
Click to expand...

This gets my vote for Best Sentence of the Week.

What say y'all? :D
 
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