Acetone followed by isopropyl alcohol is OK, nail polish remover is not.
Cutex, the most popular nail polish remover contains: “Acetone, Water, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethyl Glutarate, Dmethyl Succinate, Dimethyle Adipate, Glycerin, Gelatin, Fragrance, Denotonium Benzoate, D&C Yellow No. 11.”
Obviously several of the ingredients should not come into contact with a CPU, heatspreader or heatsink. Glycerin, Gelatin and the Fragrance (an oil) will leave a residue in the microscopic surface imperfections and compromise the thermal interface.
Colin Thompson
Arctic Silver, Inc.