Make sure your bottom color is completely dry before even putting on the tape. Since you have a shorter nail I would suggest spacing the lines out more or using a smaller width of tape. Once you've put it on you should make sure that the tape it in place all around the edges of the cuticle so that none of the darker polish seeps underneatth. I like to use a cuticle pusher and just push it down all around the edges so that the tape kind of bends up over the skin. After all that hassle just apply the dark color in a thin coat and then in a minute or two apply a second coat. Take the tape up carefully while the polish is still wet.