Abstract: This invention presents improved processes for applying artificial nails to natural fingernails and for applying durable protective coatings to the surface of natural nails. The improvements comprise applying a viscous cyanoacrylate adhesive to the nail surface and subsequently spreading the adhesive over the natural or combined artificial/natural nail surface using a solvent mixture containing a solvent capable of dissolving the adhesive and an effective amount of cyanoacrylate polymerization initiator. The use of this mixture permits easy spreading of the adhesive over the surface and causes polymerization of the cyanoacrylate on the surface. The result is a smooth coating over the entire surface to which polish can be applied.