How To: Test Strip!

You've heard about it, you've read about it and you've been told countless times, "Make sure you do a test strip!" by one of us here at TransTape. Whether you're about to apply for the first time or you're curious as to why it's so important, you've come to the right place.

Hel-LO!

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Everyone is loved and respected here, inquiring minds, first-timers and veterans alike.

If you've ever read the user manual or follow TransTape on any social media, you've almost definitely heard or come across this thing called a test strip.

It is arguably the most important step for someone using TransTape for the first time.

Don't believe me?

Oh, well, this is my post and I'm going to tell you why I'm right anyways.

I'm only half joking.

In all seriousness, let's get to talking about the most important step to applying TransTape for the first time!

What's So Important About It?

I'm so glad you asked! Let's talk about it.

A test strip is a 2 inch by 2 inch square of TransTape that you wear for 24-48 hours.

And it's a one time thing too, we're only checking to make sure it's safe for our skin!

If your skin is good after you remove it, with removal oil of course, you're ready to start your first full application of TransTape!

This also helps narrow down any possible issues you may run into in the future like itching from overstretching or red, raised skin from improper removal. Those symptoms can often be confused with signs of an allergy.

In some cases these are just application accidents though, which happen to everyone!

Definitely knowing you're not allergic will also help the HelpDesk help you if you ever find yourself reaching out for help!

"But I just want to wear TransTape already, my skin isn't sensitive! It's my tape and I want it now!"

I get it, I really do. I also hope a few of you got that reference.

You may think that applying a test strip is only for people who have known allergies or super sensitive skin though, right?

Well, wrong.

You may not know about any skin sensitivities right now but that doesn't mean you won't have any issues when trying something new.

Everyone's body is different and you never really know for sure how something new will react with your body. So better to be safe than sorry, do a test strip!

If you experience any pain, severe discomfort, blistering or any other bad reactions while wearing your test strip, you are likely allergic to the tape and you should remove it immediately.

In some cases, skin irritation can also be caused by things like overstretching or other application accidents, so reach out to the help desk if you think this could be the issue or if you're ever unsure and have questions!

We are often dealing with sensitive and vulnerable parts of our bodies when applying TransTape so it is very important to know that our skin gets along with the tape.

Got it? Good.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies!

Application:

1 Pair of Scissors

1 Roll of TransTape

Optional:

Rubbing Alcohol

Tissue or Cotton Balls

Removal:

Removal Oil (or any common cooking oil like Olive or Canola)

Healing Salve

For the test strip, we only want to make sure you're not allergic so no nipple guards are needed for this step.

AKA, don't tape your nipples, please.

If you would like to be extra sure the tape sticks to your skin, you can also use rubbing alcohol and some tissue to wipe the area you plan on applying too.

This extra step helps remove any oils or sweat from the skin so they don't interfere with the adhesive.

If you do choose to wipe the area with alcohol, be sure to wait until it dries!

Step 2: Prep It!

We're looking for at least a 2" x 2" piece of tape.

If you want to use a larger piece, that's totally up to you!

But again, the goal is to simply check that your skin gets along with TransTape, that's all!

Since we're getting ready to stick it, let's get to cutting!

Take your roll of tape, unroll a couple of sections and envision it.

Envision your 2" x 2" square, become the square, be. the. square.

If you like to be precise, feel free to measure your square too!

No judgement here, we love a perfectly measured cut.

Secret Tip!

Round your corners, even for the test strip!

It's easiest to cut your strip first and then round the corners rather than trying to round them and cut your section at the same time.

Rounding the corners before applying your tape, for your test strip and regular application, will help prevent the tape from curling at the edges while you wear it.

When you don't round the corners, the pointy edges catch much easier, making the tape start to peel back.

For example, swinging your arms at your sides while you walk or run throughout the day could catch your pointy edges and irritate the tape and possibly cut your application time short.

So remember, the next time you tape up, round your corners!

No pointy edges allowed!

Step 3: Pick Your Placement!

To be safe, avoid taping over your nipples or any other known sensitive areas on your body.

Again, we're only checking for allergies or any other reactions.

You could place it on your side, your chest or even your arm.

But try to pick a spot that you are able to see so you can pick up on any changes.

You can place it on your leg if you'd like, but somewhere like that may not always be accessible or visible to you throughout the day.

I personally did my original test strip in the same area that I would be taping on my chest in the future.

Easy to monitor throughout the day and easy to see if I wanted to look at it in a mirror.

Important Mention

If you used the original TransTape a couple years ago and haven't ordered any recently, TransTape has had a slight change in the adhesive formula.

So it is very important to repeat the test strip process to make sure it's safe for your skin.

TransTape veterans aren't even allowed to skip this step!

Step 4: Apply!

Alright, let's do this!

You broke out your old elementary school ruler, mini scissors and compass to construct the perfect 2" x 2", rounded corner, square test strip.

Now what?

Now we apply it!

When applying the test strip, we don't want any tension.

Now, peel the backing paper half-way off the tape.

Do your best to avoid touching the sticky part of the tape when you're peeling and placing.

If you touch the adhesive too much, it may be less effective when bonding to your skin.

Once you peel it half-way, go ahead and place the exposed tape on your skin and rub it to activate the adhesive.

After you place that half, remove the rest of the backing and smoothly apply.

Don't stretch or pull on the fabric.