Gather supplies: acetone, nail file/buffer, cotton pads or lint-free wipes, aluminum foil, cuticle oil or petroleum jelly, paper towels, and a bowl or small container (optional)
Wash hands with soap and dry thoroughly
Protect skin around nails by applying cuticle oil or petroleum jelly
Trim long nails as short as possible
File the topcoat and color layer until the shine is removed (avoid filing to bare nails)
Cut cotton pads to fit over each nail
Soak cotton pads in acetone until fully saturated
Place an acetone-soaked cotton pad on each nail
Wrap each fingertip with aluminum foil to hold the cotton in place
Wait 20–30 minutes
Check one nail after 20 minutes; if acrylic is still hard, continue soaking in 5-minute increments
Remove foil and cotton pads one at a time
Gently push or lift softened acrylic with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick
Re-soak any remaining acrylic for additional 5–10 minute increments as needed
Remove all residue without scraping aggressively
Buff lightly to smooth the nail surface
Wash hands and remove any acetone residue
Apply cuticle oil and a moisturizing hand lotion
Avoid filing or picking at remaining acrylic; repeat soaking instead