How to Get Fingernail Polish Off Granite
From one-bedroom apartments in the city to high-end mansions in the suburbs, granite is the modern day material of choice for countertops.
While it’s a material typically selected for its appearance, granite is also often chosen due to its ease of care; the stone requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking beautiful. While granite is generally resistant to wear and tear, special and immediate care must be taken when a mess—such as a fingernail polish spill--occurs.
Things You Will Need
- Sponge
- Soapy water
- Granite cleaner
- Soft cloths
- Acetone
- Razor blade
- #0000 Steel wool
Tip
The nail polish may have caused damage to the protective layer of the granite that your eye may not see. Seal the granite after removing the nail polish to restore this layer.
Warning
Do not use fingernail polish remover on the granite as it will etch the stone, causing damage.
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Use a sponge to apply warm, soapy water to the nail polish to help loosen its grip. Allow the water to stand for five minutes; wipe away with a clean, dry cloth.
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Spray specially-formulated granite cleaner to the nail polish if soapy water does not adequately loosen the polish. Allow the cleaner to penetrate for five minutes; wipe away with a clean, dry cloth.
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Dip a soft cloth in pure acetone and dab at the fingernail polish to help remove both color and sediment. Continue dabbing at the spot until no more stain or residue is transferred to the cloth.
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Use a razor blade to remove any excess nail polish from the granite. Gently scrape off any raised polish, being careful not to scratch any surrounding granite with the razor blade.
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Sand off any remaining nail polish with a #0000 steel wool pad. Use small, circular strokes and even pressure just on the immediate area. As steel wool is very abrasive, assess the progress after a few strokes; take care not to continue rubbing the area after the nail polish is removed, as the granite underneath may get damaged.
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Clean and polish the granite to restore its natural sheen and luster. Repeat the process if any nail polish remains.
The Drip Cap
- From one-bedroom apartments in the city to high-end mansions in the suburbs, granite is the modern day material of choice for countertops.
- While it’s a material typically selected for its appearance, granite is also often chosen due to its ease of care; the stone requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking beautiful.
- Allow the cleaner to penetrate for five minutes; wipe away with a clean, dry cloth.
- Dip a soft cloth in pure acetone and dab at the fingernail polish to help remove both color and sediment.
References
- "Consumer Reports How to Clean Practically Anything"; Consumer Reports; 2006
- "Stone: Designing Kitchens, Baths and Interiors with Natural Stone"; Earl and Heather Adams; 2003
Resources
Writer Bio
Lauren Engelman has been writing professionally since 2006. She has been published in magazines such as "Parent & Child." While an Internet marketer by trade, Engelman enjoys co-teaching writing courses at a local university. A 2003 graduate from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in marketing, Engelman completed her Master of Business Administration at Florida Gulf Coast University in April 2010.
Photo Credits
- Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
- Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
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