How to Apply and Replace Gold Nipplet Tape

By Bordelle | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: Tips & Care

A step-by-step guide to applying, replacing and safely removing adhesive tape for Bordelle gold nipplets, with checkpoints to avoid lifting the gold finish.

Quick answer

Apply a fresh strip to clean, completely dry skin, press the nipplet onto the tape rather than the tape onto the nipplet, and remove it slowly with warm water rather than pulling. Replace the strip whenever it stops holding or loses tack.

Why the tape, not the nipplet, decides wear time

The adhesive strip is the part that touches skin, so it collects oils and loses grip before the gold nipplet shows any wear. That is why Bordelle supplies the tape in packs of 18 strips, described as suitable for three wears, so you can swap the tape while keeping the nipplet.

Heat and moisture are the main enemies. Applying tape straight after lotion, powder or a hot shower gives it a slick surface to cling to, and it will lift at the edges within hours.

When to replace rather than re-press

Re-pressing a strip that has already slid or curled usually buys minutes, not hours. If the tape has touched the floor, picked up lint, or been worn through a full evening, start with a new strip. The same applies if the adhesive feels tacky to the touch but no longer grips skin.

Keep spare strips in the original packaging so dust and humidity do not degrade the adhesive between wears.

Step-by-step: apply, replace and remove

Prep the skin: Cleanse the area with mild soap and water, rinse, and let it dry fully. Do not apply lotion, oil, powder or perfume to the area afterwards. If the skin feels cool and completely dry to the touch, you are ready; if it is warm from a shower, wait a few minutes.
Peel one strip from the pack: Take a single strip and peel the backing gently from one corner. Handle the strip by its edges so your fingers do not coat the adhesive with oil. A strip that has been crumpled or touched repeatedly in the centre will lift early.
Position the strip on the skin: Press the tape flat against the skin where the nipplet will sit, smoothing from the centre outwards. Avoid stretching the tape as you place it. Stretched tape pulls back and creates a lifted edge within an hour.
Seat the nipplet on the tape: Press the Shell, Element or Triangle Gold Nipplet onto the exposed adhesive and hold for several seconds. Let the nipplet settle rather than sliding it into place. Sliding the nipplet can roll the tape edge under the metal and weaken the hold.
Remove the old strip safely: Soak the edge with warm water or hold a warm damp cloth against the tape for a minute, then peel slowly and parallel to the skin. Never rip the tape off dry. If you feel resistance, add more warm water rather than pulling harder.
Discard and replace: Throw the used strip away and fit a fresh one for the next wear. Do not try to re-stick a strip that has already been removed from skin. A strip that has been worn once will not hold reliably for a second outing.

Product facts

Tape for Shell/Element/Triangle Gold Nipplets: Hypoallergenic double-sided tape developed exclusively for Bordelle, with 18 strips per pack and suitability for three wears. Planning three wears per pack helps you budget replacements and avoid reusing a strip past its grip.
Tape for Shell/Element/Triangle Gold Nipplets