Tutorial: Studded V-gap


Hi everyone, it's time for a new tutorial! :-) This time I'll show you how to make the studded V-gaps I used in my third day of the 31 Day Challenge. What I like about this design, is that it goes well with both subtle and bold shades, adding an edgy element. Plus it's pretty simple to make. What you need is roll of tape, scissors, a dotting tool, and of course a couple of nice nail polishes.
Let's get started!

Start with cutting your tape strips. You'll need two for each nail you'll decorate. The way I cut the strips is by taking a small piece of tape off the roll which I cut in thinner strips lengthwise.

Please note that I only use the colored tape you see for the pictures of this tutorial. Normally I use regular stationery tape. The translucency can be a great advantage in some cases, but it makes the tape difficult to capture in photos.
Then apply your basecolor. This can be anything as long as it doesn't distract from the studded V-gap. So make sure your basecolor isn't too dark or has a too striking finish if you want the black of the design to really pop.
Let the basecolor dry and use a fastdrying topcoat if needed. (I like to use Seche Vite.)
Now place the tape strips one by one on the nail, forming a V-shaped hole at the cuticles. Let the top ends of the strips start on the nail just below the cuticles, rather than overlapping them. This way you'll prevent polish from seeping under.
When the strips are in the right position, press them down firmly so that they stay put.
Then apply a black creme polish over the V-gap you created and remove the tape strips as soon as possible (so when it's still wet), this will create crisper lines. Clean up excess polish on the skin in case needed.
Finally add your 'studs' along the edge of the V-gap with a dotting tool and a silver polish. Begin with the dot in the middle, to make even spreading of the dots easier. Once the design is dry, finish with a topcoat and your edgy look is done!
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 KOH Mediterranean Sea, Color Club Where's The Soiree? and Essence Romeo.

44 comments

  1. This looks really easy to do! :) Thanks for the tutorial!

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  2. Nice design but I don't think I have that much patience to wait til the base coat to dry :(

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    1. Sometimes I don't have the patience either, so that's why I often do my tape manis on a basecolor I applied the day before. It's a huge timesaver and you don't have to be affraid anything's still too wet. ^^

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  3. Thank you for this tutorial! I'll definitely have to try it! it's gorgeous for an accent nail :)
    Have a nice day!
    Sara

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  4. Thanks for that tutorial and I really liked your tipps! :)

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  5. Thanks for the tutorial, great tips at the end of the post. :D

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  6. It's so pretty and "simple", very lovely!

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  7. Thanks for the great tutorial! I'll definitely have a go at this. :)

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  8. After these tips, certainly, I'll try!
    I've copied your art before. The cloud design.
    See here http://jaquebelasunhas.blogspot.com.br/2012/04/nail-art-nuvens.html
    I don't think was very good, but it was the first attempt.
    Thank you for the inspiration!
    Kisses.

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    1. And your clouds look lovely, not just for a first attempt! I left you a comment on your blog about it. :-) And I'd love to see your studded V-gaps too once you've done them, so please do share. ^^

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    2. I'm glad you liked it.
      Thank you!

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  9. Thank you for the comments everyone, have fun with it! :-)

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  10. It's a great tutorial, thank you !

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  11. Wow! This is so neat & cute! I love the colors

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  12. Every time you do tutorials like this I'm surprised at how easy it looks and how crisp your edges are. I really need to practice this stuff but I'm too lazy. Guess I'll stick to eyeshadow. :) But I'm still going to try this some day!

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  13. This is a great option to recicle an "old" mani. Thank you!

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  14. This is a a really beautiful and easy design! Definitely going to try it out soon - I'll be back :-)

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  15. I've not tried this yet, but I definitely think I'm going to :-) I've used tape for manicures before, but this is a really nice idea.

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  16. Hey Jane.. :) nice art :) i re created it... have a look.. :)

    http://rajani-creativejunction.blogspot.in/2012/07/studded-v-gap-nail-art.html

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  17. I LOVE this idea. It looks so simple to do! Thank you so much for your tutorial, I will put this one on my "to do list". I'll make sure to tag your blog when I do.

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  18. Wow. Amazing. You have great ideas for naildesign! :)

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  19. This is fab - I love your tutorials! You always come up with such cool designs! I've nominated you for a Beautiful Blogger Award :) x http://caznpolish.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/beautiful-blogger-award.html

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  20. I have pretty short nails so I find it kind of hard to enjoy the way an embellished v-gap looks on me (tends to overwhelm my nail) so I tried this with the studs on the outside of the v, with one extra below the tip (looks a little like a "y") and I totally love it!! I wouldn't have thought to try it if I hadn't seen the post, thanks for the inspiration!!!=)

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  21. Just stumbled upon your blog. I like that you give tips! Very useful :)

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  22. Love this! Just found your blog from a pin on Pinterest and added you through Bloglovin. Looking forward to new posts!

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  23. What do you consider "stationery tape"? Not cellophane/Scotch tape I wouldn't think.......... washi tape? The tape in this tutorial is black and almost looks like a fabric tape.....??? I really want to try this but want to have the correct tape. Thanks! Love your blog!

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    1. With stationery tape I mean regular stationery tape. :-P The basic cello, translucent, cheapest one. And for this tutorial I'm using colored tape because it's more visible, though I usually use regular cello tape. It's more flexible than painters tape for example, plus the translucency is an advantage with certain designs. Thanks for commenting! :-)

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  24. Thanks for all those tips, they will be really useful in the future.

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  25. Hey,I m new on your blog, your blog is really good and useful. I am also nail polish lover, This technique is awesome and i will also try soon :-D

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  26. those r pretty but w/ different colors

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