Artificial fingernail and toenail surfaces comprising an cyanoacrylate

Abstract

A method is disclosed for the formation of artificial nail surfaces, whether natural nail coatings or nail extenders, which comprises first impregnating a fabric matrix with a cyanoacrylate monomer, forming the impregnated fabric matrix into an artificial nail surface shape and thereafter contacting the impregnated matrix with an organotin compound to cause the monomer to become polymerized and solidify in contact with the matrix and in the formed nail shape. In a preferred embodiment, the organotin compound is mixed with one or more additives in a liquid and the liquid is dispensed onto the monomer surface with an eyedropper, although, if desired, the additives can be incorporated separately prior to the contact of the impregnated matrix with the organotin compound. Also disclosed is a polymerizable nail surface formation system comprising a fabric matrix impregnated with a cyanoacrylate monomer and an organotin compound, the impregnated matrix being formed into an artificial human nail surface shape, wherein upon contact of the monomer and the compound, the compound catalyzes the polymerization of the monomer to form a solidified body in the nail surface shape. The polymerized material finds use as an artificial nail surface for application to natural fingernails or toenails to enhance the physical properties and appearance of the nails.