"Acetone, toluene, and methanol are the basic ingredients of lacquer thinner. They are toxic and should be used in a well ventilated area." And some other hot solvents also, but these are the basics. Methanol is the most dangerous of the lot. It is easily absorbed through the skin and the body metabolizes it to formaldehyde. It preferentially damages the nerves in the retina. Acetone is the least harmful, with toluene not being very dangerous for short term exposure either. The biggest problem is they stink pretty badly. If the finish is actually lacquer you can probably just re-melt it by using an artist brush and some lacquer thinner. You will not use enough thinner to be a hazard. It will only take a few drops spread carefully on the finish and allowed to evaporate. It is unlikely you would be using more than ¼ teaspoon.

Patti I find that the professional pedi last a very long time, many weeks so is really worth it, plus the massage and pampering are wonderful. I have never mastered the art of polish if I do it you would think a blindfolded chimpanzee did it.... it ain't pretty! The pros make it look so simple and easy and fast. I have been waiting for my broken toe nail to grow out before getting one but I donâÂÂt think I can wait until then. I have no idea how I managed to damage my big toe nail but I did, I hope it doesn't grow in all funky looking.

I know this is an old thread but it makes me grin. Rosie, are you still able to keep numbers down? I was around here when you were just getting back into av plants, (remember shihtzu4su?) and I do believe we did a trade or two and you sent me some kcups! I went thru the same thing you did... I was expecting my third child in 2015, and - get this - even LOOKING at a violet gave me an attack of morning sickness! At that point I had six shelves full of African violets and babies, and I couldn't handle taking care of them. So I started pitching.. And giving away, and narrowed it down to three shelves and one narrow window sill for minis. That winter I started pitching even some of my mature plants because they looked so awful, and I was paranoid about non-existent bugs. I was down to maybe 10 standards and 10 minis! After my child was born, I still wasn't interested in violets much anymore, tho the poor things did finally get repotted and watered! This spring I finally started caring for them again. Put them on wicks, groomed them regular, and actually fertilized them! They are rewarding me with bowers of flowers! I have a total of around 60 av plants now... (That's 40 plants and 20 diff varieties with leaves down) Most are minis, because they seem to suit me better. :) I understand the throwing out stuff now too... Whew. Was hard on me then but I do it callously now! :D Anyhow thanks for the chuckles. the way this thread switched directions half way thru had me laughing.

Nope, no professional nail treatments for me, either. Way back, when I was young, I often wore polish on my fingernails, and occasionally on my toes if I was wearing sandals. I've worn only athletic style shoes for almost 40 years now, so nothing but necessary clipping of toenails. And fingernails I trim as needed while watching TV. Have any of y'all tried a glass emery board? They are great for leaving a smooth edge on your nails, it's all I use now. When I was young (and slim) I always wanted long fingernails. I have no idea why, it was just sort of 'the thing to have', I guess. But no way my nails would grow, they chipped, split, broke, anything but grow long. Probably because I did so much with my hands. But now that I am older, and have no desire for long nails, they grow long, strong and fast! But I keep them just a tad longer than the tips of my fingers. Anything longer is just a nuisance! Rusty