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. We’ve even come across horror stories of nail glue spills or fingers getting stuck together!
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. In this guide, we’ll explain all the ways you can remove nail glue from your skin, your nails, and even fabric.
Table of Contents
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.
Step-by-Step Removal Methods
There are a lot of ways to break down nail glue — some are fast but a little drying, like using acetone, while others are slow but very gentle on the skin, like using oil or soap and water. Choose the best method for you depending on how much time and patience you have, as well as how much nail glue you actually need to remove.
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.
Removal Steps
- Pour a bit of acetone directly on the cotton swab or pad or in a bowl into which you can dip your removal tool.
- Rub your cotton or acetone-dipped toothbrush over the nail glue until it dissolves.
- Keep the acetone in contact with the glue-covered area for as long as necessary, depending on the amount of glue you’re removing.
- Finally, you should be able to scrape or peel off the nail glue easily.
- 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, and it’s also our go-to method for removing press-on nails. 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
- Soak the nail glue-covered area in a bowl of warm water mixed with soap for around 20-40 minutes.
- Remove hands from water.
- Use a cuticle stick or toothbrush to scrape away the nail glue.
- 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
- Rub the oil over the area with nail glue.
- Leave it on for a few minutes.
- Continue massaging or use a blow dryer to add a little heat and help the oil dissolve the nail glue more effectively.
- 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.
For clothing, acetone will work best, but consider testing a small area of the fabric 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.
Post-Removal Nail Care
Once you’ve removed the nail glue from your skin or nails, it’s time to give both a little bit of TLC. If you’ve used acetone to remove the nail glue, wash your hands with soap and water first. While your hands are still damp, apply hand lotion all over to moisturize them. Finally, apply a few drops of cuticle oil or balm to your nails and cuticles.
Safety Precautions During Nail Glue Removal
Leaving nail glue on your skin for too long can lead to skin irritation or allergic reaction, so you’ll want to get it off quickly. However, being too aggressive in your removal attempt can also cause issues. Here are a few safety precautions to keep in mind.
- If you have sensitive skin, try the removal methods from gentlest to harshest, starting with oil, then the soap and water soak, and finally, acetone if nothing else works.
- If using acetone, be careful not to spill, use too much, or inhale any fumes.
- Do not heat acetone.
- If buffing away nail glue, make sure to buff gently to ensure you don’t buff the actual nail plate.
- Don’t forget to moisturize your skin after removing the nail glue, as most methods can be drying.
Bottom Line
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!
