How to Replace the Polish on Acrylic Nails

Don't regret your patterned acrylic nails when you can repaint them yourself.

During an impulsive moment at the nail salon, you choose to have your acrylic nails painted Sour Apple Green. Don't panic. Changing the polish of your acrylics at home, whether you hate the original shade or just want a change, is completely doable. However, care is necessary during this color-changing process because the chemicals that dissolve nail polish also weaken the adhesive bond between your acrylic nails and natural fingernails.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swabs
• Cotton pads
• Nail polish remover
• Fingernail polish
• Clear enamel polish

Instructions

1. Soak a cotton swab in polish remover and pinch the cotton to remove any excess fluid. This prevents acetone from dripping under your acrylic nail and loosening the adhesive bond.

2. Massage the cotton swab over the acrylic nail beginning in the center and working outward toward the edges. Apply gentle pressure to the edges as it is better that your acrylics remain firmly attached than you remove every last fleck of previous polish.

3. Dry your acrylic nails with a clean, dry cotton pad. Pay particular attention to any stray drops of acetone along the edges of your nails.

4. Paint a base coat of your new color. Start at the cuticle and paint toward the tip of your fingernail. Let the base coat air-dry completely before applying additional coats.

5. Paint a clear coat of enamel over your acrylics to ensure the longevity of your new color.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your acrylics strong by changing the color only once between salon appointments.

• Never stick your acrylic nails in a jar or sponge of acetone as you would with your natural nails. Doing so will loosen the acrylic nail from your natural nail, causing it to fall off.

• Do not dry your acrylics under a hairdryer or any other heat-generating device as this loosens the adhesive.

References

• Nail Care by Cindy: FAQ
• Hooked on Nails: Home Care Guide