How Is Fingernail Polish Made?
The origins of modern fingernail polish lie thousands of years ago when Egyptians used henna to dye their fingernails red and brown. Modern fingernail polish formulas are carefully guarded by manufacturers. While each manufacturer has its own fingernail polish recipe, all solutions contain some similar ingredients. The components include film-forming agents, resins, solvents and coloring ingredients. Does this Spark an idea?
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Nitrocellulose
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Nitrocellulose is the primary ingredient in most fingernail polish solutions. This ingredient is a liquid that has been mixed with fibers of cotton. When the liquid is mixed, the cotton fibers are ground into microscopic portions. The liquid acts as a film-forming agent, making it possible for a hard film to dry on the surface of the nail.
Resin
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In the manufacturing process, resins are added to the nitrocellulose to improve the flexibility of the dried film. This will prevent the dried fingernail polish from cracking or breaking easily, The resin will also improve the nail polish's resistance to water. Some resins used today are castor oil, glycerol, fatty acids and acetic acids.
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Color
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Pigment is the most important ingredient of the fingernail polish solution. High-quality fingernail polishes will mix thoroughly with the solution and will not separate as the fingernail polish sits. Manufacturers often suggest shaking the bottle of fingernail polish if it has been sitting and has separated. Color tones are also sometimes added to fingernail polish to increase a pearl or glitter finish. These tones are made of fish scales and mica minerals.
Process
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Though each manufacturer has its own way of mixing fingernail polish, the basic process is the same. The manufacturer puts the nitrocellulose, resin, pigment and tone through a speed mill to mix them. This mill grinds the liquids together and uses heat to evenly disperse the color. The solution is then put in large stainless steel drums where it is cooled to the proper temperature. Manufacturers then add optional fragrances or moisturizers to the solution. The solution is then ready to be pumped into small fingernail polish bottles.
Safety
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Fingernail polish is highly flammable, and consequently, manufacturers are careful to observe safety protocol. Fingernail polish is manufactured in buildings that are designed to withstand a possible explosion. In the event of an explosion, the walls are sealed and the ceiling will blow off without collapsing the building.
Quality Control
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Fingernail polish is tested for quality before it is sold. Quality controllers test the polish for the proper drying time, viscosity, gloss, color and resistance to abrasion. Fingernail polish is also tested in a laboratory to determine if the product is safe and usable.
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References
- Photo Credit Nail polish image by Alexandra Stukkey from Fotolia.com
