How To Reuse Your Press On Nails

an in depth written guide on a few ways to reuse your sets

I love expressing my personal style with flashy nail art, and I also strive to reduce my waste; professionally and personally!

At Uglie Nails, I aim to work as sustainably as possible within the nail art world. I prioritize non-plastic and unnecessary packaging. I avoid purchasing my equipment, tools, and supplies from unethical companies and instead opt for smaller companies I align with. I avoid overconsumption of supplies, and I seek to only purchase supplies I intend to fully utilize.

One of the many things I love about press on nails is the option to reuse the sets. With proper care, the press on nails can be worn upwards of 5 times (bonus, more bang for your buck)!

3 Methods

Manual File

using a standard nail file to sand away remaining glue

Pros:

  • very affordable

  • beginner friendly

Cons:

  • slow process

  • minimally effective at removing glue

Acetone Melt

using a small brush with acetone to melt the remaining glue

Pros:

  • affordable

  • beginner friendly

  • moderately effective at removing glue

Cons:

  • risk of damaging the press on nail

  • strong odour

Pros:

  • very fast (once comfortable with the tool

  • highly effective at removing glue

E-file (drill)

using an e-file to remove the remaining glue

Cons:

  • takes practice to safely use an e-file

  • purchase of e-file and necessary bits is required

Manual File

What you need:

  • 1 generic nail file (not glass or plastic)

  • Scissors

  • Patience

How To:

  1. Wash & dry press on nails with warm soapy water, as they will be oily from the soak-off removal method;

  2. Carefully cut your nail file vertically to create a narrow file; this will depend on your personal nail size

  3. Firmly hold the press on and begin filing off any excess glue from the inside

  4. Repeat for all 10 nails

  5. Wipe away dust

Acetone Melt

What you need:

  • Small glass container

  • Q-tip (cotton bud) or a clean nail art brush

  • Acetone or acetone-based nail polish remover

  • Gloves

How To:

  1. Wash & dry press on nails with warm soapy water, as they will be oily from the soak-off removal method

  2. Put on gloves, and in a well ventilated space, pour a small amount of acetone into the glass dish (approx. 1oz)

  3. Firmly hold the press on and dip the q-tip/brush into the acetone

  4. Slowly brush small amounts of acetone on to the glue on the inside of the nail, ensuring that acetone does not drip onto the top design as it will begin melting the gel design

  5. Once glue is melted, wipe with clean water, then wipe with alcohol

  6. Repeat for all 10 nails

E-file (drill)

What you need:

  • E-file

  • Mini mandrel bit & mini sanding bands (medium grit)

  • Face mask

How To:

  1. Wash & dry press on nails with warm soapy water, as they will be oily from the soak-off removal method

  2. Put on mask

  3. Set up your drill and insert the drill bit, follow the instructions for your drill

  4. Firmly hold the press on and begin filing away the glue using 4-6rpm

  5. Repeat for all 10 nails

  6. Wipe away dust

Removing glue with an e-file with cause small particles to enter the air. Always work in a well ventilated space with a face mask, and use a dust collector/extractor if possible

I do not recommend using an e-file for anything except removing leftover glue from the press on nail only

Without proper understanding and education of e-files, usage on the natural nail can cause pain and damage