All the saturated Q-tip has to break is the top surface of either ink or coating, or even varnish.
1 stroke is a back and forth motion, even & slight pressure. The ideal breakage is "20". If you break in the teens you are undercured. If you going into the thirties or beyond you are overcured.
Throw your scotch tape away and cut your fingernails. You don't need these crude subjective methods any more.
MEK< > Do it every day!<>
D Ink Man