How to Make Nail Lacquer?

Aim: To prepare, evaluate and submit nail lacquer. 

Requirements: Test tube, glass mortar, 80# mesh, and a suitable container. 

Chemicals: Nitrocellulose, Resin colophony, Dibutyl phthalate, ethanol, Butyl acetate, Toluene, Butyl alcohol, Castor oil, Red ferric oxide and Titanium dioxide. 

Formulation Consideration: Nail lacquer is viscous preparation intended to decorate the nails of fingers and toes. 

Nitrocellulose: Film former is chosen as it adheres well to the nail surface and imparts excellent gloss. The ratio of nitrocellulose to resin = 2: 1, which gives the hard, tough and abrasion-resistant film to the nails. The film formed is waterproof and stable in normal atmospheric conditions. 

Diluents: These stabilize the viscosity of the preparation, dissolve the resin and also reduce the cost of the product. E.g. Toluene, xylene. 

Couplers: These with solvents enhance nitrocellulose solubility. E.g. Ethanol, butanol, and Isopropyl alcohol. 

Solvents: 

Active Solvent: These dissolve nitrocellulose and can be categorized based on boiling point 

  1. Low boiling: (Boiling point up to 100°C) e.g. Acetone, methyl acetate, ether. 
  2. Medium boiling (BP between 100-150°C) e.g. N-butyl acetate, Isobutyl acetate. 
  3. Very low boiling solvent: e.g. Acetone. 

They are too volatile to be used but these low boiling solvents and medium boiling solvents give mobility and increase spreadability. High boiling ones are vicious and give body to lacquer. 

Resin Colophony: Helps reduce nitrocellulose’s tendency to shrink and improve the hardness and gloss of the film. 

Pigments: Water-insoluble pigments are used to prevent staining and de-colourization of nails. 

Pearlescent Material: Tinnica (TiO2 coated mica), Bismuth oxychloride and coated mica. 

Plasticizers: Improves the flexibility of the film. E.g. Dibutylphtalate (20-50% of the nitrocellulose). Castor oil acts as a non-solvent plasticizer and is used to make colour dispersion/blend.

Formula: 

Sr.No.IngredientsRoleQuantity Given
1Nitrocellulose   
2Resin Colophony   
3Dibutyl phthalate   
4Ethanol   
5Butyl Acetate   
6Toluene   
7Butyl Alcohol   
8Castor Oil   
9Red ferric oxide   
10Titanium dioxide   

Procedure: 

  1. Mix ethanol, butyl acetate, butyl alcohol, and toluene in a test tube. 
  2. Take 3/4th of the mixture in a dry container and dissolve nitrocellulose with agitation.  Dissolve resin and dibutyl phthalate in the rest of the solvent mixture and add the solution to the nitrocellulose solution. Sift the colour and titanium dioxide through 80 #. 
  3. Mix the colour blend with castor oil in a glass mortar. 
  4. Add the entire lacquer to the colour blend and mix. Fill in the final container. 

Label: For external use only.  Storage: Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

Packaging: Packed in a suitable container with a cap carrying a brush to apply the nail lacquer. 

Use: To decorate and protecting the nail plates also gives elegance and strength to the nails.  Directions: Shake well before use. Take the appropriate amount and apply it to nails with a brush. 

Tests: 

1. Determination of Drying Time: (Limit 6 minutes.): Apply material on the nail of the thumb with the help of a nail polish brush in a usual manner. Start stopwatch. Touch the film with the finger at a frequent time interval. When the film becomes dry on touch stop the watch and note the time. The time recorded is taken as drying time. The test shall be conducted away from direct air. 

2. Adhesion Test: Take one drop of preparation and spread it as a film of 1 × 2.5 cm area on a glass slide with a nail polish brush. Place the slide in a horizontal position and allow it to dry at room temperature for 24 hrs. After drying place pressure-sensitive cellophane tapes on the film to cover the entire film. Pull the tape immediately. Material taken shall pass the test if not more than 10% film is peeled off. 

3. Blush Test: Pour the nail polish on the slide and allow it to spread into a uniform film. Drain the excess and dry plate over 24 hrs. at ambient conditions. Fill a beaker to half a fixed level with ordinary tap water. Dip the plate in water in the beaker such that half the coating is in water and the remaining portion is above the water. Let it stand for 4 hrs. Remove the plate and dry it with tissue paper. Allow it to further dry in ambient condition for 4 hrs. Check for blush. If the film tends to absorb water it will show a tendency to swell and come out easily. The material can be taken to have passed if it has no or slight whitishness. The film should not show any blistering or peeling off.

Quality Control: 

Sr.No. TestObservation 
1Colour 
2Viscosity  
3Ease of application  
4Smoothness of film  
5Gloss 
6Drying time  
7Adhesion Test  
8Blush Test  
9Drying time 
Make sure you also check our other amazing Article on : How to Make Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
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