Removing Nail Polish From Painted Furniture

Soapy Water Solution

• 1

  Mix a solution of mild dishwasher detergent and warm water. Make the water as warm as is comfortable when working with bare hands. Warm water softens the nail polish.

• 2

  Scrub the nail polish gently by dipping a cloth into the soapy water and gently rubbing at the stain.

• 3

  Dry the wood with a clean, absorbent cloth as soon as the nail polish is removed or it is obvious it will not come off using this method.

Sanding Solutions

• 4

  Bunch up fine (3/0) steel wool to a size no larger than the nail polish stain.

• 5

  Dip the steel wool into denatured alcohol, lift it up and allow it to drain. The denatured alcohol will damage the painted surface if it is left on for more than 2 to 3 minutes.

• 6

  Rub the steel wool gently on the nail polish stain in the direction of the wood grain. Do not abrade any more painted wood surface than necessary to remove the nail polish.

• 7

  Repeat the process if the stain is not removed. Continue to abrade the stained spot further if it has penetrated the painted wood.

• 8

  Apply touch-up paint to the abraded area if necessary, according to the manufacturer or furniture dealer’s specifications and directions.