Silver Nail Polish Swatches: Must-Have Metallic Shades
Updated 2025.12.06. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Some products were gifted as PR samples, but all opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Silver nail polish is beautiful, isn’t it?
When I first reached for silver nail polish, it was during a catastrophic flood in my area.
Neighbors were stopping by to discuss the devastation and my cell phone really didn’t work because that’s apparently what happens during natural disasters.
We were without power for days and the bridges were out all around me so I couldn’t go anywhere, but I did have some shelf-stable food and my nail polish collection.
I decided to do my nails and I reached for my silver metallic nail polishes as a mood booster.
It worked!
While there were still lots of other things I needed to figure out, at least my nails were now done and I was in a better mood despite the chaos unfolding around me.
Because I was in a better mood, I feel I was then able to better help other people around me relax and make the best of the situation. I was also in a better position to absorb some of the stress around me, and most of all, I now looked cute while doing it.
That said, silver nail polishes aren’t just for when you need a mood boost.
You can wear them during the holiday season, for New Year’s and special events, as evening wear or anytime a platinum finish could complement your overall look.
Silver metallic nail polishes have become a favorite because they catch the light in a way that regular creams cannot.
Plus, from subtle shimmer to full-on mirror finishes, silver nails can be understated or dramatic depending on your mood.
Silver metallic nails are different from silver glitter nails in that, with metallic finishes, the pigment particles tend to be smaller.
The paint itself looks a little bit more like the type of paint you might find on automobile hardware, building hardware or in model airplane kits.
Metallic polishes can have a chrome or mirror effect, brushed effect or even a light glitter effect.
To give an idea of what’s out there, below you will find swatches of 3 different metallic silver nail polishes.
China Glaze Platinum Silver
Platinum Silver 627 / 77051 has an extravagant feel. If you’re looking for a silver metallic chrome nail polish, this one has a smooth, mirror-like shine and it is opaque in 2 coats.
I love it for evening events or holiday parties.
essie set in stones
Shown in 3 coats, set in stones is a reflective, eye-catching chunky silver glitter in a clear base that gives off a dazzling sparkle. It's meant to be a topper, but you can wear it as a full coverage polish.
I love it as a nail art accent.
Gifted by L.A. Girl
L.A. Girl Gunmetal Gray
Shown in 2 coats, Gunmetal Gray is part of the L.A. Girl Liquid Chrome collection and it’s a warm, sleek chrome metallic silver polish.
Each of these silver metallic nail polishes is very reflective and eye-catching.
Which one is best for you depends more on the finish you like than on which is most beautiful, they’re all lovely for different reasons.
Even though I first reached for silver nail polish during a natural disaster in my area, I now reach for this shade anytime I could use a little sparkle.
For best results with silver nail polishes, shake them before use. The pigments in metallic polishes tend to be heavier and settle more easily than other polishes.
To add any of these shades to your collection, follow the links above!
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