Nail enamel Colored coatings applied to the natural nail plate are variously known as polish, enamel, lacquer, or varnish. Nail enamel should be easy to apply, giving a good cover of the nail with two coats, and should not streak or apply unevenly. The polish should dry quickly to the touch and leave a high-shine finish film that will not stain the nail when removed. Nail enamel contains a solution of nitrocellulose in a mixture of volatile solvents, such as toluene or ethyl acetate. Once the solvents evaporate, a solid film is left behind to secure the color to the nail plate. The “drying time” is largely determined by the amount and type of the solvents used, as well as the temperature of the room and the hands. In general, products with a thicker viscosity will contain fewer solvents and appear to dry more quickly. Thinner viscosity products contain more solvents and are slower drying. Durability and wear should last for 4 to 5 days.
Enamel remover Removers are used to dissolve and remove nail polish. These products contain solvents of nitrocellulose such as acetone or ethyl acetate. Oil, emollients or other agents are sometimes added to offset the drying effect of the skin and nails.