I file mine down as much as possible without getting to the natural nail, THEN i soak in pure acetone. i use a pusher or orangewood stick to help slough off the disolved product. I then usually follow up with a mani and some nail tek
I saturate a cotton ball with acrylic, place on top of the nail and seal the tip of my finger with aluminum foil....the aceton heats/react from the aluminum foil as it would if you were to place a bowl of aceton in the microwave for 15-25 seconds...