The term “acrylic enamel” can be applied to two types of enamel. One is produced specifically for use on acrylic or false nails. The other is a water-based acrylic paint.
A woman with acrylic nails.
The Chinese are credited with inventing nail polish around 3000 BC. These original formulas were a combination of beeswax, gelatin, gum arabic, and egg white with flower petals mixed together to create a red color. The Egyptians were not far behind, using a mixture of henna for a red or orange glaze at about the same time. By 600 B.C. C., the Chinese used silver and gold to symbolize royalty, while only the aristocracy could wear enamel. Egyptians of that time also used the color to symbolize royalty, with red being the color chosen by Cleopatra and Nefertiti.
Some nail polishes are specifically designed to be used on acrylic nails.
20th century varnishes were largely enamel-based paints, much like today’s varnishes for acrylic or false nails. They are made by placing an acid nail polish remover together with alcohol. Tiny fibers, or resin, float in the enamel mix. A special solvent evaporates and cures the resin by oxidation. It left behind a tough yet flexible fiber-based color.
Water-based polish generally has a faster drying time.
In 2003, nail polish manufacturers developed a water-based formula based on an acrylic polymer emulsion. Just like nail polish, acrylic polish has tiny particles of acrylic resin. The difference is that they are suspended in water instead of alcohol. The watery part of the nail polish partially evaporates and is partially absorbed by the nail. The resin that remains melts and creates a strong polish.
There are some practical advantages to using water-based polishes. The odor is significantly less unpleasant than alcohol-based products and the drying time is generally shorter. Acrylic paints are usually easier to clean as they peel off most surfaces.
Environmental concerns have led to some investigations into claims that water-based acrylic nail polishes are safer than fingernail polishes. Enamel enamel is classified as hazardous material. Water-based products have been promoted as a safer, more non-combustible type of paint and can be considered more environmentally friendly. However, the ingredient list for many acrylic polishes is vague, listing “acrylic polymer emulsion” as one of the main ingredients. Since these emulsions are not always chemical-free, there is debate about how environmentally friendly they are.