Try to overlap an average of half the width of the tape, and stretch it good as you apply it.

There's no limit to the pains you can take with this job... the top-down method you've used is less durable than bottom-up, and when doing so you should probably wrap forwards over the top rather than backwards for a better angle on the tape where it cops it hardest.

I go top-down cause it's neater, but I apply an extra strip of double-sided tape under what will be the exposed edge of the tape, before I wrap it on. Then I peel both backing strips as I wrap the tape. I also cut a long triangle off the start of the of the tape, so it doesn't bulge.