Abstract: A peelable human nail coating system comprises a water emulsion of polymer resin stabilized with partially acetylated poly vinyl alcohol. The resin includes poly vinyl acetate homopolymer and poly vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer. The composition is applied in a thin area coating drying rapidly upon exposure to air. A water impermeable clear plastic container has a restrictive wiping aperture for removing excess composition on an applicator stem to prevent dripping from the stem and caking. The composition is applied to human keratinous surfaces with a liquid absorbing applicator. After drying the coating may be removed by lifting the film at the cuticle and slowly pulling backward toward the tip of the nail. The composition is substantially odor free, contains no drying organic solvents, is generally non-toxic and non-flammable.