How to Remove Old Nail Polish Paint

Nail polish is beautiful; it becomes more like an accessory than just paint. Removing it after it has been on awhile can be quite a job. Acetone polish remover works best. However, if you have acrylic tips, you will be better off using nonacetone remover, because acetone can turn the acrylic a bit gooey. Use plenty of remover to prevent the cotton ball from sticking to the nail.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cotton balls
• Acetone and nonacetone nail polish remover
• Wooden cuticle sticks

1. Saturate a cotton ball with acetone nail polish remover. Nonacetone remover is preferable if you have tips on, but either will work.
2. Massage the cotton ball over your nail in circular motions. Massage away from the finger to prevent excess polish from staining the skin.
3. Remove resistant polish by holding a saturated cotton ball over the nail for 15 to 30 seconds before massaging.
4. Remove nail polish stuck between the finger and nail bed by wrapping a piece of cotton around a wooden cuticle stick to make a slender cotton swab. This technique allows you to remove unwanted polish from the creases without damaging the desired polish. You can also purchase polish removing pens for this purpose.
5. Repeat for all 10 fingers.
6. Wash hands immediately to remove any excess chemicals or color left on the skin or nail.

Tips & Warnings

• Nail polish and nail polish remover can stain. Put a towel down on the surface you intend to remove your polish over to protect against any mishaps.