How to Remove Nail Glue? Step by Step Instructions

If you’re planning to rock a set of press-on nails (or if you’re already doing so), learning how to remove nail glue is essential.

Nail glue is strong stuff — after all, it’s designed to keep press-on nails in place for up to ten days. It can stay put even after you’ve taken on your press-on nails, or it can get on your skin during the press-on nail application process. There are even horror stories of nail glue spills or fingers getting stuck together!

In this guide, we’ll explain all the ways you can remove nail glue from your skin, your nails, and even fabric. 

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Nail glue is a powerful adhesive that dries quickly, creating a strong bond between natural nails and press-on nails. It’s made of cyanoacrylate, an adhesive that’s used for everything from household and industrial purposes (e.g., Superglue) to medical ones (i.e., “liquid bandage”). 

Nail glue is typically very safe for the skin, especially once it’s completely dry. However, for a rare few, it may lead to skin irritation or allergic reaction. If that applies to you, you’ll want to remove it immediately if you notice any symptoms. 

When it’s time to take off your press-on nails, you’ll first need to break down the nail glue with some sort of solvent, whether it’s warm water and soap, oil, acetone, or a dedicated dissolver. You may still end up with some rough, dried glue remaining on your nails or the press-ons, which you’ll want to remove for a fresh start.

If you’ve accidentally gotten nail glue on your skin, you’ll want to remove it for your own comfort, as it can leave an uncomfortable residue. 

Before Removing Nail Glue

Depending on when and why you’re trying to remove nail glue, there are a few things you may need to do in preparation. If it’s simply time to change your manicure, then you’ll obviously need to remove your press-on nails first. 

Aside from that, consider how much glue you need to remove and from where. You may need to choose a more aggressive method if you’re dealing with a big nail glue spill, whereas removing a small amount of nail glue from your cuticles can be done with a gentler method. 

The fastest and gentlest method to remove nail glue is with a product designed specifically for the job, like our Exit Strategy Nail Remover. Made with special solvents and nail-nourishing ingredients, it’s a gentle option that breaks down adhesives while preserving the health of your skin and nails. 

Removal Steps

1. If you’re still wearing press-ons, use the remover to saturate the edges where your press-ons meet the nail.
2. If not, simply add a few drops of remover over the dried nail glue, whether it’s on your skin or nails. 
3. Let the remover sit for 1 minute. 
4. Use a cuticle stick or cotton swab to scrape away the dried adhesive. 
5. Finally, rinse your hands and apply moisturizer to the area. 

Removing Nail Glue With Acetone

Acetone is the main ingredient in most nail polish removers, and it’s the most powerful solvent for nail glue. It’s the best option if you’re looking for fast results, especially if you’ve accidentally spilled a lot of nail glue. It removes nail glue effectively from the skin or nails, but it can be harsh and dry. 

For this method, in addition to acetone or acetone-based polish remover, you’ll also need a cotton swab, cotton round, or even an old toothbrush. 

Pro tip: If you’re hoping to reuse your press-on nails, avoid using acetone for the nail removal. 

Removal Steps 

1. Pour a bit of acetone either directly on the cotton swab or pad, or in a bowl into which you can dip your removal tool. 
2. Rub your cotton or acetone-dipped toothbrush over the nail glue until it dissolves. 
3. Keep the acetone in contact with the glue-covered area for as long as necessary, depending on the amount of glue you’re removing. 
4. Finally, you should be able to scrape or peel off the nail glue easily. 
5. If the nail glue isn’t budging easily, you can place the cotton pad over the glue and then wrap it with foil. Leave for ten minutes, and the glue should dissolve thoroughly. 

Removing Nail Glue With Warm Water and Soap

This is one of the gentlest methods for removing nail glue. It’s also our go-to method for removing press-on nails, as it’ll allow you to reuse them effortlessly. 

Using warm water is key, as cold water simply will not break down the nail glue as effectively. You can also add a bit of oil to the soap and water mixture. 

Removal Steps

1. Soak the nail glue-covered area in a bowl of warm water mixed with soap for around 20-40 minutes.
2. Remove hands from water. 
3. Use a cuticle stick or toothbrush to scrape away the nail glue. 
4. Repeat as needed. 

Removing Nail Glue With Oil or Petroleum Jelly 

If you have dry or sensitive skin, using oil is one of the gentlest methods to remove nail glue. Any oil will work, from coconut oil to olive oil to mineral oil or petroleum jelly. You can use whatever you have on hand. This method works best for very small amounts of nail glue on the skin. It’s less effective for removing large amounts of nail glue or nail glue that’s on the nail plate. 

Removal Steps

1. Rub the oil over the area with nail glue. 
2. Leave it on for a few minutes. 
3. Continue massaging or use a blow dryer to add a little heat and help the oil dissolve the nail glue more effectively. 
4. Finally, work the nail glue off with a cotton swab, cuticle stick, or an old toothbrush. 

Removing Nail Glue From Nails With Nail Buffer

Still have a bit of nail glue left over on your nails after you’ve removed your press-on? Using a buffer is a great way to remove it, especially if you’ve already soaked your hands in soap and water to loosen up the glue. 

All you need is to gently and carefully buff away the glue using gentle, circular motions until all the glue has come off. Be careful not to overbuff your nails.

Removing Nail Glue From Clothing or Upholstery

Nail glue spills are not unheard of, especially if you apply your press-on nails in a rush. For upholstery, leather or faux leather, your best bet is to soak the area with the spill with mineral oil or petrolatum and then use a towel to carefully rub away the glue. 

Watch out for glue spilling on fabric, and especially cotton. The interaction between the two materials generates heat that can cause burns. Don’t let glue-covered fabric come in contact with your skin. If it does, rinse the area immediately with cold water and use soap to remove the glue. 

To remove glue from fabric, acetone will work best. Consider testing a small area first, as acetone can break down synthetic fabrics or lift dyes. If you’re worried about acetone damage, consider using petroleum jelly or warm water and detergent instead. 

From oil to acetone, there are plenty of ways to remove nail glue. Most of them require a little bit of patience and elbow grease, but the result is pristine skin and nails that are ready for their next manicure. If you’re still on the hunt for great press-on nails, our Lilac St nail collection features artistic, elegant designs and styles that are durable, lightweight, and perfect for any occasion!