Murray, I pick hard too. And no, not the gauze, the clear plastic, adhesive backed, TAPE kind. Don't use the undercoat, just the clear finish coat (or super glue if you're inclined).

Jed said he needed it on his index finger only. Works like a charm. I know acrylics are wonderful, but they ruin your nails - you must keep them up on a regular basis and they cost much more to do than the above method.

Since every method requires some upkeep (bare nails too), I think it boils down to how much, how long and by whom.

I've tried everything under the sun I could get my fingers on. Tomorrow, someone may find the instant cure for this problem. Great. Til then, when I need nails, I'll stick to the tape and/or super glue solution.

Oh - I've seen acrylics decimated - mine. If they aren't kept up they'll FLY off your fingers and ANY slips after that will literally erase your nail down to the skin underneath. And that hurts.