Tutorial: Explosion design tape mani

Hi everyone, welcome to my 'explosion' shape tutorial! The first time I used this design was in my 4th of July mani , representing fireworks. You loved it and requested a tutorial, so here it is :) The taping technique I use for it is similar to the zigzag pattern, so it's not very hard but it does require some patience because there are two taping sessions. So to make the time this design takes reasonable, I recommend using one-coaters or a fast drying topcoat. Let's get started!

Start with the base color you like (if necessary with a basecoat underneath) and let it dry completely. To speed up the drying process you can apply a fast drying topcoat. The one I often use is Seche Vite, which enables me to place the tape strips on my nails after about 10 minutes.

Now cut some triangles out of tape to make the 'explosion' shape. The way I do it is by first cutting a little piece off the tape roll which I then cut in half diagonally, like shown in the picture(s).

I personally like to cut the strips while I let my base color dry. But I have to be careful then, otherwise the tape might get stuck to my nails and ruin the polish. So admittedly, it is safer to start with cutting before applying the base color. However, if you've learned how to cut the tape without having it touch your polished nails, it can save you a lot of time.

Now place the triangles one by one next to each other on the corner of your nail, in a slight curve. This will create the 'explosion' shape. It's your choice to make the shape at the cuticles or the tip, however my experience is that it's a lot easier near the tip, like shown in the picture. Because that way you're polishing away from the tape, reducing the chance of polish seeping underneath. Also you don't have to reckon with cuticles nearby.
Make sure all the pieces of tape are fully adhered to the surface (they tend to lift up near the edges of the nail), if not use your finger or a tweezer to push them down or reattach them if needed.

Then apply your first layering color with a thin coat and carefully peel off the pieces of tape right away. Try to peel them off individually, if you can, because most of the time your design will come out neater this way.
Then let the design dry for a while. Use a fast drying topcoat to quicken the drying if needed.

When the polish is entirely dry, you can start the taping process once again with your second layering color. Only this time place the triangles a bit more towards the tip, covering up a part of the first layering color like shown in the picture.
Apply your second layering polish and again remove the tape strips right away.

At last apply your topcoat, clean up and you are done! Don't forget to moisturize your cuticles afterwards, because pulling tape off your skin so many times can really dry it out!
Use this design for a full mani or cute accent nails. When you're going for a full mani, you can do the design on different spots on each nail for a playful look (example here).

Check out the tutorial page for some useful tips. Also I would love to see your attempt on my design, so feel free to leave a link to your creation in the comment section!

Polishes I used in this post are OPI Dim Sum Plum, Color Club Where's The Soiree? and China Glaze Millennium.