Even the most careful painter is bound to make a few mistakes. Oil-based paints and enamels can easily be removed with acetone. Acetone can damage plastic, so it is best to use it only on non-porous surfaces such as concrete or metal. Acetone can also be used on vinyl, though it should be used sparingly, as too much will begin to eat into the surface. You can purchase straight acetone from hardware stores or you can use an acetone-based nail polish remover for small spills. more »

Using acetone to clean a vinyl fence is not a good idea except in the most extreme circumstances, since it can actually damage, or melt, vinyl. Acetone reacts with the chemicals used to make vinyl and can cause the surface to melt away, especially if you apply straight acetone to a vinyl fence and let it sit for any length of time. Damage to the fence from acetone, such as a melted area, can allow dirt, paint or other grime to permanently stain the fence, defeating the purpose of cleaning it with acetone. more »

Trying to find ways to remove your nail polish? Learn how to use acetone to remove old nail polish in this free nail art video clip. more »

The first step in knowing how nail polish remover works is to actually know what nail polish remover is. Acetone is usually the main ingredient in nail polish remover. Acetone is a chemical that is produced through bacterial fermentation. Ethyl acetate is another solvent that is often used in nail polish remover, as well. Acetone is such a powerful component that it has the capability of dissolving some plastics and is used as a cleaning agent, a super-glue remover and fiberglass-tool cleaner, in addition to fiberglass-resin thinner. Some nail polish removers boast that they are acetone-free. These removers contain acetate, instead. more »

Consumers are trying to find new ways to squeeze every bit of fuel economy they can out of their gas tanks. With this spotlight on gas, some have claimed that adding a small amount of acetone, or nail-polish remover, to your gasoline can help increase gas mileage. However, many have challenged this theory and no conclusive evidence has been found that acetone generally increases gas mileage. more »

Removing ink from paper can be a challenging task, especially if, for whatever reason, you cannot resort to the usual methods of white-out or erasable ink. Ridding ink from paper is possible with the appropriate solvents. Acetone is one solvent that will remove ink from paper, and if applied correctly, it does not saturate the paper as much as other solvents. Acetone can be purchased at many stores, including hardware and beauty supply stores. more »

Acetone is a highly flammable petroleum distillate used in the manufacture of a wide variety of materials. It's highly reactive, making it suitable as a general solvent. Acetone is the simplest ketone solvent, a group of chemicals that are highly effective in dissolving plastics, acrylics and glues--including epoxy and cyanoacrylate. Acetone is the primary ingredient in nail polish remover. It's less toxic than tetraclorethane, benzene and methanol and is frequently used in paint thinners and removers in combination with toluene and methanol. Although acetone is flammable, it's one of the less toxic solvents. Although vapors aren't deadly, use of any solvent should include good ventilation, use of eye protection and prevention of ingesting or swallowing any of the substance. more »

Paint thinner and acetone should only be used to clean a vinyl fence when all other methods have failed. Both chemicals will eat into and soften the vinyl if left on too long. Always try water and a mild dish detergent first to clean the fence. If you are trying to clean enamel or oil-based paint from the fence, you may need to use paint thinner or acetone. Test a small area before proceeding, and always rinse the fence thoroughly with clean water afterward. more »

Lace wigs can be worn for long periods of time due to the type of glue used to attach the lace wig units to your head. Every now and then, you will need to remove your lace wig unit so that your natural hair can breathe and be washed. When it's time to remove your unit, use 100-percent acetone. Because of the easy release of the lace from your skin, that is caused by the acetone, you can prevent skin irritation and damage to your lace. more »