Wash hands with soap and water
Gather: acetone, cotton pads, aluminum foil, nail file/buffer, cuticle oil or petroleum jelly, paper towels, nail clippers (optional)
Trim long nails with nail clippers (optional)
File the topcoat and color until the shine is gone, without filing through to your natural nail
Apply petroleum jelly around the nails to protect skin
Soak cotton pads in acetone
Place acetone-soaked cotton on each nail
Wrap each nail tightly with foil to hold the cotton in place
Leave on for 20–30 minutes
Check progress; if acrylic is still hard, re-wrap and soak in 5–10 minute intervals
Remove foil and cotton
Gently slide off softened acrylic with a wooden cuticle stick or gently wipe with a cotton pad
If acrylic resists, re-soak and do not force removal
Buff the remaining residue lightly with a nail buffer
Wash hands and apply cuticle oil or a thick moisturizer
Let nails rest; avoid polish and heat for 24 hours