# Is there a way to remove glitter nail polish that doesn't involve using a f-ing sander?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [August 27, 2013, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306 "2013-08-27T15:03:04Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/1 "2013-08-27T15:03:04Z")
Pros of glitter nail polish:
[ul]
[li]Can apply hastily and it will still look good.[/li][li]Chipping less noticeable.[/li][li]Sparkles.[/li][/ul]
Con:
[ul]
[li]Its removal necessitates the use of power tools and/or explosives.[/li][/ul]
Google says if I soak the nail in polish remover for a few minutes, it should be easier to remove. These are lies.
Thank you.
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### Author:  [@aNewLeaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aNewLeaf)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/2 "2013-08-27T15:09:35Z")
Are you using real acetone to remove it? Or the acetone-free kind of remover?
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### Author:  [@Draelin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Draelin)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/3 "2013-08-27T15:11:29Z")
Yes, I’m betting you’re using a non-acetone remover, which is less effective all-around, and is really only useful if you’ve got artificial nails. Go get yourself some of the full-strength stuff.
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### Author:  [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/4 "2013-08-27T15:12:14Z")
OMG yes I can’t believe I never thought to ask about this! LOL
I never paint my nails but I would do sparkle every day if I could manage to get it off when I’m done with it. I got some neato stuff a few weeks ago and slapped it on the fingers and ended up leaving it until it was tiny spots and the rest chipped off, because I couldn’t be bothered to wipe it off. Good question!!
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### Author:  [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/5 "2013-08-27T15:13:15Z")
Glad to hear the “use real acetone” tip, though I’ve also heard a “never use real acetone” tip in relation to keeping fingernails strong.
My tip is to use a LOT of it. Use a cotton pad and completely saturate the mofo.
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### Author:  [@gallows\_fodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gallows_fodder)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/6 "2013-08-27T15:13:41Z")
[The Foil Method](http://passionforpolish.blogspot.com/p/how-to-foil-method.html) – this really works. You don’t have to leave it on there for 5-8 minutes as directed, either – more like 3-5. (Although I never use a top coat.)
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### Author:  [@Motorgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motorgirl)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/7 "2013-08-27T15:14:03Z")
I find these [Cutex pads](http://www.amazon.com/Cutex-Polish-Remover-Pads-Regular/dp/B007ONF4OI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377616321) to work pretty well with glitter polish.
they’re slightly abrasive, so I put one on my toenail and rub, rub, rub, until the polish softens and the pad gets through it. I then go over the edges with regular polish remover.
They lie, BTW, about one pad doing all 10 nails. Though maybe with non-glitter polish it would work.
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### Author:  [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/8 "2013-08-27T15:14:05Z")
According to the internet, there’s acetone.
Ingredients: Acetone , Water , Propylene Carbonate , Dimethyl Glutarate , Dimethyl Succinate , Dimethyl Adipate , Glycerin , Gelatin , Fragrance , Benzophenone 1 , Propylene Glycol , Denatonium Benzoate , D&C Red 33 , Ext. D&C Violet No. 2.
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### Author:  [@aNewLeaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aNewLeaf)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/9 "2013-08-27T15:19:12Z")
> [@Sattua](#):
>
> Glad to hear the “use real acetone” tip, though I’ve also heard a “never use real acetone” tip in relation to keeping fingernails strong.
>
> My tip is to use a LOT of it. Use a cotton pad and completely saturate the mofo.
I don’t know whether it’s bad for the nails, but it is great for dissolving paints and such.
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### Author:  [@Snickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snickers)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/10 "2013-08-27T15:24:55Z")
Along with the foil method, there’s also a method that uses cotton balls (or pads or what have you; some ladies use cheap felt instead as it doesn’t allow the remover/acetone to evaporate so quickly) along with those rubber fingertip things you can get at office supply stores or in the office supplies aisle. Soak your pad in acetone/remover, put it on the nail, pop the rubber fingertip over the whole deal and let it work for 5ish minutes. It’s called the “Reesa method” on the nailboard; maybe give it a search for more details.
Yes, pure acetone works the best, but it’s also very drying. Removers that add a little glycerin to their mixture are less drying (but not as efficient at removal). Moisturize well afterwards - some people use cuticle oils or even plain olive or coconut oil.
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### Author:  [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/11 "2013-08-27T16:39:27Z")
I’ll try the foil method because that doesn’t involve buying anything. If this doesn’t work (and it’d better work considering what a pain in the ass it looks like), I’ll buy some Cutex pads. Every single time I attempt to remove the polish, I get some of the way through, grow tired, then just paint over it with another coat of glitter. To hell with it. Hopefully I’ve found a way to escape.
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### Author:  [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/12 "2013-08-27T17:25:01Z")
I usually soak the cotton ball in remover and let it sit on the nail for a while, but even that still takes forever. I’m ready to try real acetone next time I use glitter. I like it, but rarely use it for that reason.
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### Author:  [@delphica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/delphica)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/13 "2013-08-27T17:56:43Z")
Acetone also comes in different strengths. My local drug store has an acetone remover, but not the strongest on the market – for that, I go to Sally’s. You really need to ask the clerk to make sure you are getting the most acetone you can buy.
Yeah, it’s not great for nail strength, but I like to have some around to use strategically for tough polish. It will also remove gel manicures (with A LOT of soaking).
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### Author:  [@aNewLeaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aNewLeaf)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/14 "2013-08-27T18:06:01Z")
Lowe’s or Home Depot will have 100% pure acetone by the quart, for cheap. It evaporates cleanly and biodegrades pretty quickly, fairly safe stuff overall.
There is a fire hazard, read the label and follow precautions. But if it’s safe enough for the general public, y’all can handle it.
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### Author:  [@FrancisCastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FrancisCastle)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/15 "2013-08-27T18:13:34Z")
Not that it will help now, but for future use I’ve found that if I put a coat of regular polish (clear or color) under the glitter polish it’s easier to remove later.
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### Author:  [@Little\_Bird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Bird)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/16 "2013-08-27T18:17:21Z")
Foil Method using Acetone will take care of business.
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### Author:  [@Lukeinva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lukeinva)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/17 "2013-08-27T18:19:41Z")
If it helps a grinder wheel on a power drill can pretty much grind just about anything off any surface.
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### Author:  [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/18 "2013-08-27T18:25:06Z")
> [@Lukeinva](#):
>
> If it helps a grinder wheel on a power drill can pretty much grind just about anything off any surface.
Great for acne too.
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### Author:  [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2013, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/19 "2013-08-27T18:27:24Z")
> [@FrancisCastle](#):
>
> Not that it will help now, but for future use I’ve found that if I put a coat of regular polish (clear or color) under the glitter polish it’s easier to remove later.
Hmm, I might actually do this just because. Most of the reason I use the polish I do is because it’s clear with glitter in it, which makes it barely noticeable when it chips at the edges. I figured if I put color underneath, that wouldn’t be the case, but if a base of color will actually make it easier to remove, then no worries. I just didn’t want to be stuck with chipping nail polish that was impossible to take off.
> [@Lukeinva](#):
>
> If it helps a grinder wheel on a power drill can pretty much grind just about anything off any surface.
I’ll make note of this.
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### Author:  [@Morelin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morelin)
#### Post date: [August 28, 2013, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-glitter-nail-polish-that-doesnt-involve-using-a-f-ing-sander/667306/20 "2013-08-28T00:56:11Z")
You can also use Elmer’s glue as a base coat. It takes longer to dry, but it’ll peel right off in one sheet.
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