Striping Tape Mani - Valentine's Day Special (Tutorial)

Here is a quick nail art you can do on Valentine's day - you can swap the colors I used with a combo of red and white or red and black. Striping tape is a thin tape that is available at nail art supply stores. I will explain the basic steps for beginners (this is my first try with striping tape!)

Striping Tape Mani - Valentine's Day Special

1. Begin by painting your nails in the color you want to show up when you remove the tape. I alternated with a teal and a brown shade as a base. Let this dry completely.

2. Now cut out small strips of the striping tape and place on your nail in the pattern you wish. I have created a V shape with the tape. The important thing here is to remember the order in which you place the tape - last one placed MUST be removed first. Press down the tape firmly making sure there are no air gaps else polish will seep into it.

How To Use Striping Tape - Creating a V shape

How To Use Striping Tape - Creating the alphabet E

 3. Now apply the second color on top of this covering the nail properly. If your polish is sheer apply two coats in quick succession. Blow the nail twice (this is what works well for me) and then remove the tape gently. DO NOT let the top color dry otherwise you will get a messy streaky effect instead of clean lines and do not remove the tape when it is extremely wet - blowing on it or wait for like 5 seconds (count to 5) This step is the crucial step - too wet or too dry and your pattern will not come out well.

Striping Tape Mani - Valentine's Day Special

See how wet the polish is in the above picture - this is when I quickly clicked a pic and then removed the striping tape.

 4. Let the polish dry and then complete your manicure with a nice top coat.

Striping Tape Mani - Valentine's Day Special

This is my first attempt at using striping tape and as you notice the first two nails have areas which are not sharp because I was too quick at removing the tape.

I think this is a cool way of creating text and other patterns on your nails. I hope first time users of striping tape find this simple and easy to follow. Do share your own striping tape mani on the Facebook page of the blog!

So what are you wearing on your nails today?