Frog Tape and Second Coat
Hello. I have a question regarding the use of Frog/Decorators Tape when cutting in a second coat of paint please. If I use tape to mask coving, skirting, and trim when applying a first coat of paint, when should I remove it? Frog Tape in particular states that the tape should be removed while the paint is still wet, but if I am going to apply a second coat of paint once the first one is dry, does that mean I would have to remove it after the first coat and re-apply more tape before the second? I can imagine it would be almost impossible to match the same line again if that is the case. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
45 Answers
J gibbons
2 Reviews, 100% Positive
FrogTape Delicate Surface during preparation can be removed without leaving a residue for up to 60 days. We recommend that you remove masking tape immediately after you are finished painting to reduce the risk of tearing fresh paint.
3rd Jul 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up 
+ 88
+ 88
Post your job & get responses from
local painters & decorators.
Read reviews before you decide to hire.
Most decorators will leave the tape on until all the coats are finished and once the second coat is dry then it's safe to remove .
24th Jul 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 76
+ 76
ANDREY RAZVAN LIMITED
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
I don't use tape for cuts, I have professional brushes
26th Jun 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 54
+ 54
CC Builders
0 Reviews
Hi .. Best thing is to remove the frog/decorators within 24 hour when it complete.
also if u going to re paint over it with a 2nd coat. I would re apply with new one best thing to do i would say if you don't. This will assist to prevent paint from bridging over the edges and splitting when you remove it after certain...
also if u going to re paint over it with a 2nd coat. I would re apply with new one best thing to do i would say if you don't. This will assist to prevent paint from bridging over the edges and splitting when you remove it after certain...
18th Jul 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 53
+ 53
Rui Teixeira painting services
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
Hello, to avoid having the paint from first coat inadvertently being removed as you take the frog tape you should do first coat and remove the frog tape as soon as possible. Allow the paint to be fully dried (please refer to manufacturer drying times on the paint tub) before applying the frog tape second time. I know it's time consuming but it's the best way to ensure you'll have a nice clean cutting in.
5th Oct 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 51
+ 51
Best builders
0 Reviews
You can keep tape for 2 coat, like you said ita impossible to keep same line if you remove tape after first coat
28th Jun 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 49
+ 49
Yes, you can leave Frog Tape on between coats. Frog Tape is a painter’s tape that is designed to be left on surfaces for extended periods without damaging the surface or leaving any residue. Make sure the paint is completely dry before applying the tape
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the tape is suitable for leaving on between coats
If you are using multiple coats of paint, remove the tape and reapply it to ensure it is still sticking properly
If the tape has been left on for an extended period, use a heat gun or hairdryer to soften the tape before removing it to avoid damage to the surface or leaving adhesive residue
Leaving Frog Tape on between coats can be a great time saver and ensure clean lines and edges on your paint job. Just be sure to follow these tips to avoid any mishaps.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the tape is suitable for leaving on between coats
If you are using multiple coats of paint, remove the tape and reapply it to ensure it is still sticking properly
If the tape has been left on for an extended period, use a heat gun or hairdryer to soften the tape before removing it to avoid damage to the surface or leaving adhesive residue
Leaving Frog Tape on between coats can be a great time saver and ensure clean lines and edges on your paint job. Just be sure to follow these tips to avoid any mishaps.
26th Jun 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 48
+ 48
No it should not be a problem. I have done this before and had no effect on woodwork when taking it off. As second coat can start to be applied a while later so once second coat is on, that's when I take it off.
Tanners Trades.
Tanners Trades.
3rd Jul 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 47
+ 47
George Builder
0 Reviews
apply the second layer of paint on top of the first, so after 40 minutes of waiting after applying the first layer. apply it to the second one. after another 40 minutes, take the tape off
4th Jul 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 44
+ 44
Joe Aitchison
0 Reviews
I would try to tape it once if I was going to use tape at all. As having decorated for over 20 years I would always suggest to use tape as a last resort
26th Jun 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 43
+ 43
Builder
0 Reviews
Apply the first coat of paint and cut in carefully along masked edges using Frog Tape or painter's tape.
Allow the first coat to dry completely before proceeding to the second coat.
Apply the second coat of paint without removing the tape.
Remove the tape while the paint is slightly wet after finishing the second coat for cleaner lines.
Peel off the tape gently at a 45-degree angle, pulling it back on itself to avoid damaging the painted surface.
Allow the first coat to dry completely before proceeding to the second coat.
Apply the second coat of paint without removing the tape.
Remove the tape while the paint is slightly wet after finishing the second coat for cleaner lines.
Peel off the tape gently at a 45-degree angle, pulling it back on itself to avoid damaging the painted surface.
28th Jun 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 43
+ 43
E.L.O Decorating
0 Reviews
Always remove it when its wet you will get a perfect lime then ????
3rd Jul 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 43
+ 43
An builders & refurbishment
0 Reviews
No I used frog tape and found
You can apply both coats to frog tap and when dry still comes away and leaves nice straight lines
You can apply both coats to frog tap and when dry still comes away and leaves nice straight lines
24th Jul 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 42
+ 42
Daventry fencing company
2 Reviews, 100% Positive
Remove after second coat
5th Aug 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 39
+ 39
Saffa Homecare
0 Reviews
I would leave the frog tape in place for both coats.
Once all the painting is dry use a sharp Stanley blade to gently cut the joint area with the tape and the painted area, peeling the tape away from the area at an angle
Once all the painting is dry use a sharp Stanley blade to gently cut the joint area with the tape and the painted area, peeling the tape away from the area at an angle
24th Jul 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 38
+ 38
Hi, I’ve used a variety of masking tape from the cheaper tape aswell as frog tape when getting the perfect edge round window and plug sockets, it’s best to do this while it’s starting to just go off this doesn’t mean straight after being painted or while it’s to dry where you will pull the paint work off the wall you have just finished. In regards to around the top where the wall meets the ceiling it would be the same procedure between coats with re-taping after first coat is applied you will never get the same line and you would have to be careful with the taping around before applying the second coat as you could pull paint of after taking the tape off. Your best bet will be leaving the tape on for both coats of paint and then using a shape Stanley blade to cut the tape and carefully removing the tape.
I hope this helps sorry for a long answer.
I hope this helps sorry for a long answer.
11th Sep 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 38
+ 38
Sykes Maintenance Services
0 Reviews
I would leave the tape down till I had finished the second coat and once touch dry it is safe to remove.
17th Aug 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 37
+ 37
A B BUILDING COMPANY
0 Reviews
Keep it there until the second coat is applied
31st Aug 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 37
+ 37
Adrian stolarek
0 Reviews
When using Frog Tape or any painter's tape for cutting in when painting multiple coats, you have a couple of options:
Remove and Reapply: As you mentioned, Frog Tape is designed to be removed while the paint is still wet. If you want clean edges between coats, you would remove the tape after the first coat has been applied but before it dries completely. Then, once the surface is dry, you can reapply fresh tape for the second coat. While this ensures clean lines, it can be challenging to match the exact line from the first application.
Leave It On: Alternatively, you can leave the tape in place between coats. This requires some precision in your taping to make sure the line is straight and clean initially. When applying the second coat, paint over the edge of the tape slightly to seal it. After the second coat is dry, carefully remove the tape. This method may result in a slightly thicker edge where the tape was, but it can be less hassle than re-taping.
In both cases, it's important to be gentle when removing the tape to avoid peeling off any paint. Additionally, always follow the specific instructions provided by the tape manufacturer, as different brands may have slight variations in their recommended usage. Ultimately, the choice between these methods depends on your preference and the level of precision you want in your paint job.
Remove and Reapply: As you mentioned, Frog Tape is designed to be removed while the paint is still wet. If you want clean edges between coats, you would remove the tape after the first coat has been applied but before it dries completely. Then, once the surface is dry, you can reapply fresh tape for the second coat. While this ensures clean lines, it can be challenging to match the exact line from the first application.
Leave It On: Alternatively, you can leave the tape in place between coats. This requires some precision in your taping to make sure the line is straight and clean initially. When applying the second coat, paint over the edge of the tape slightly to seal it. After the second coat is dry, carefully remove the tape. This method may result in a slightly thicker edge where the tape was, but it can be less hassle than re-taping.
In both cases, it's important to be gentle when removing the tape to avoid peeling off any paint. Additionally, always follow the specific instructions provided by the tape manufacturer, as different brands may have slight variations in their recommended usage. Ultimately, the choice between these methods depends on your preference and the level of precision you want in your paint job.
29th Sep 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 36
+ 36
Petar Georgiev
0 Reviews
Hi , you can leave the frog tape and remove once you are finished with your second coat, in case there is more paint stuck to it ,when removing it do it slowly and if you feel it is going to catch or peel in the critical place use Stanley knife and proceed. Once you've done it in a short run on the wall you will know. Start slowly,then you will get brave i promise ????
9th Oct 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 36
+ 36
Paul Collins
0 Reviews
You would be best to remove the frog tape while the paint is wet so it doesn't peel the paint off when removing the frog tape even though frog tape is low tack you don't want the paint to dry while the tape is still on.
4th Dec 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 36
+ 36
Decadent design solutions ltd
0 Reviews
When using tapes the first and most crucial part is selecting the right tape. Is the trim and coving already painted ? And if so has it only just been done? I ask because if you have used oil based products or even water base gloss’s they need to be allowed to fully dry before they are masked off , not just touch dry.
I think the orange frog tape is for freshly painted trim … it will tack to the surface better than say the wall one. It’s also designed not to pull the coating underneath off when removed .
If you want to get really crisp straight lines I would recommend after masking coating the top edge in the product used on what your masking over .
Once dry coat your wall allow to dry and re coat , as long as you have done it within a reasonable time it won’t effect the finish when removed , I wouldn’t remove while fully wet .I normally remove after it’s dry anyways this prevent paint splatters from wet tape hitting walls , any paint that has built up where masking line is running , and also any flakey paint on tape sticking to wet wall .
When removing pull nice and slow at a 90 degree angle
I think the orange frog tape is for freshly painted trim … it will tack to the surface better than say the wall one. It’s also designed not to pull the coating underneath off when removed .
If you want to get really crisp straight lines I would recommend after masking coating the top edge in the product used on what your masking over .
Once dry coat your wall allow to dry and re coat , as long as you have done it within a reasonable time it won’t effect the finish when removed , I wouldn’t remove while fully wet .I normally remove after it’s dry anyways this prevent paint splatters from wet tape hitting walls , any paint that has built up where masking line is running , and also any flakey paint on tape sticking to wet wall .
When removing pull nice and slow at a 90 degree angle
28th Aug 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 34
+ 34
Mostafiko
0 Reviews
It's alright to remove after the second coat it's will be no problems just need to remove it slowly.
8th Sep 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 34
+ 34
Hey, First we are just going to remove the tape when the paint is wet. If the paint is dry and we try to remove it then the paint will look bad. On the second hand, wherever we put the masking tape on we would have to leave some of the part of the wall and start a bit further from the masking tape then it would be easier to remove it from the skirting board. And where we left the wall we are going to put a second coat.
26th Sep 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 34
+ 34
Jmc decorating ltd
0 Reviews
You can put 2 coats without an issue then remove the tape.
27th Oct 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 34
+ 34
House services and maintenance
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
When using Frog Tape or any painter's tape for masking during a paint job, here's a general guideline:
First Coat: Apply the tape before you start painting the first coat. Make sure to press it down firmly along the edges you want to protect, such as coving, skirting, or trim. Paint your first coat as usual.
Remove Tape While First Coat is Wet: It's best to remove the painter's tape while the first coat is still wet. This helps prevent the tape from bonding with the dried paint, which can make it difficult to remove cleanly. Removing the tape while the first coat is wet also gives you a cleaner edge.
Touch Up and Second Coat: After removing the tape, you can make any necessary touch-ups along the edges if needed. Once the first coat is dry (follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations for drying times), you can apply your second coat of paint without needing to reapply the tape.
You don't typically need to reapply tape for the second coat. Just be careful when cutting in along the edges where the first coat meets the un-painted areas. Use a steady hand and a high-quality brush to create a clean and even edge for your second coat.
Matching the same line can be challenging, but with a bit of practice and a steady hand, you can achieve a seamless finish. If you're concerned about precision, you can use a paint edging tool or a small angled brush for more control during the cutting-in process.
18th Sep 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 33
+ 33
GAMA LTD
0 Reviews
Don’t remove it but make sure you touch the edge of the frog tape when applying second coat so the previous paint on the edges of the tape gets restored to the wet status
18th Sep 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 32
+ 32
QUOTE N COAT LTD
0 Reviews
Always take off first lot of tape and re apply new in order to not peel any of your paint work off.
28th Sep 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 29
+ 29
Joseph Bradley
0 Reviews
You should remove it after second coat but don't leave it on as it will be harder to remove and the paint can get in behind the paper and can tear the paint on the wall when pulling it the paper off
30th Oct 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 28
+ 28
PURE JOY DECOR
0 Reviews
You can keep the frog/decorators tape in place for both coats, i recommend using low tack tape, so yellow frog tape, not green on walls. Let the second coat become touch dry or just before to stop paint bleeding.
3rd Nov 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 28
+ 28
john luton
0 Reviews
Most decorators will leave the tape on until all the coats are finished and once the second coat is dry then it's safe to remove
6th Nov 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 27
+ 27
Ben hammond
0 Reviews
I would remove while wet as it can tend to peel once dry maybe try cutting in first with out the tape and tape the final coat so your only taping once I tend not to use tape for skirtings be patient take your time with a steady hand and you can get perfect results
8th Nov 2023
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 23
+ 23
Perfect Strokes
0 Reviews
You do have to remove tape before the paint dries otherwise you will almost certainly pull off some paint on the wall. Once you have got your line established after the first coat it is alot easier to follow the line for the second coat by hand...or at least get as close to it as it needs to be :)
22nd Jan 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 22
+ 22
The problem is leaving frog tape for long period such as few hours will lead paint getting dry in one block ( means on frog tape and on surface ) . This means if you will try to take down tape later on, corner flakes of paint ( corner of frog tape) will come off and this will give not nice finish.
4th Jan 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 16
+ 16
Damien nicholls
0 Reviews
Tbh I don't use frog tape I manually cut in so I'd advice sticking to guidelines to save trouble
8th Jan 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 15
+ 15
Decor perfection ltd
0 Reviews
In my experience frog is OK to leave in place and taken up after finishing second coat
29th Jan 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 12
+ 12
Milton Keynes Pink Painter
0 Reviews
I've used frog tape a lot and keeping it on for a second coat should not cause any issues. I've left frog tape on for a good couple of months with no problems (glossed my own doors with 15 panes of glass in) just leave the tape on until you've done both coats.
13th Feb 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 12
+ 12
Firstly if you're if you're masking on walls you'll be better using a low tack tape but if you're masking over the woodwork you'll be OK to remove the tape after your second coat is complete
31st Jan 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 10
+ 10
ATIF painter
0 Reviews
Using Frog Tape or any painter's tape when applying multiple coats of paint can be tricky, especially when trying to achieve clean lines between different coats. Here's some advice to help you navigate this situation:
1. **Timing of Tape Removal:** While Frog Tape recommends removing the tape while the paint is still wet to achieve clean lines, it's not always practical when applying multiple coats. If you're planning to apply a second coat of paint, it's best to wait until the first coat is completely dry before removing the tape.
2. **Careful Removal:** When removing the tape after the first coat has dried, do so carefully to avoid peeling off any paint along with the tape. Pull the tape back at a 45-degree angle and take your time to ensure clean lines.
3. **Touch-up as Needed:** After removing the tape, inspect the edges of the painted areas. If there are any imperfections or areas where the paint has bled under the tape, you can touch them up with a small brush or foam brush before applying the second coat of paint.
4. **Consider Freehand Cutting:** If you're comfortable with it, you may opt to freehand cut-in the edges between coats instead of using tape. This can save time and potentially provide cleaner lines if done carefully.
5. **Practice and Patience:** Achieving clean lines between coats of paint can require practice and patience. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right, and remember that minor imperfections can often be fixed with touch-ups.
Ultimately, whether you choose to reapply tape before the second coat or freehand cut-in will depend on your preference and comfort level. Experiment with both methods to see which works best for you and yields the cleanest results.
1. **Timing of Tape Removal:** While Frog Tape recommends removing the tape while the paint is still wet to achieve clean lines, it's not always practical when applying multiple coats. If you're planning to apply a second coat of paint, it's best to wait until the first coat is completely dry before removing the tape.
2. **Careful Removal:** When removing the tape after the first coat has dried, do so carefully to avoid peeling off any paint along with the tape. Pull the tape back at a 45-degree angle and take your time to ensure clean lines.
3. **Touch-up as Needed:** After removing the tape, inspect the edges of the painted areas. If there are any imperfections or areas where the paint has bled under the tape, you can touch them up with a small brush or foam brush before applying the second coat of paint.
4. **Consider Freehand Cutting:** If you're comfortable with it, you may opt to freehand cut-in the edges between coats instead of using tape. This can save time and potentially provide cleaner lines if done carefully.
5. **Practice and Patience:** Achieving clean lines between coats of paint can require practice and patience. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right, and remember that minor imperfections can often be fixed with touch-ups.
Ultimately, whether you choose to reapply tape before the second coat or freehand cut-in will depend on your preference and comfort level. Experiment with both methods to see which works best for you and yields the cleanest results.
4th Mar 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 7
+ 7
Cheap painting and decorating services
0 Reviews
You're correct that removing and reapplying tape between coats can be tricky and may result in difficulty matching the same line. Here are some tips to consider:
1. **Wait for the First Coat to Dry:** If you're using Frog Tape, you can wait for the first coat of paint to dry completely before removing the tape. Frog Tape is designed to create sharp lines even when applied to dried paint.
2. **Touch Up as Needed:** After removing the tape, inspect the edges and touch up any areas where the paint may have bled or where the line isn't crisp. Use a small brush to carefully apply paint where needed.
3. **Be Careful When Removing Tape:** When removing the tape, do so slowly and at a 45-degree angle to avoid pulling off any paint. If the tape is difficult to remove, you can use a utility knife to score along the edge of the tape before pulling it off.
4. **Consider Alternatives:** If you're concerned about reapplying tape for the second coat, you can try cutting in by hand using a high-quality brush instead. This may take more time and practice but can yield excellent results without the need for tape.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your preference and comfort level with using tape versus cutting in by hand. Experiment with different methods to see which works best for you.
1. **Wait for the First Coat to Dry:** If you're using Frog Tape, you can wait for the first coat of paint to dry completely before removing the tape. Frog Tape is designed to create sharp lines even when applied to dried paint.
2. **Touch Up as Needed:** After removing the tape, inspect the edges and touch up any areas where the paint may have bled or where the line isn't crisp. Use a small brush to carefully apply paint where needed.
3. **Be Careful When Removing Tape:** When removing the tape, do so slowly and at a 45-degree angle to avoid pulling off any paint. If the tape is difficult to remove, you can use a utility knife to score along the edge of the tape before pulling it off.
4. **Consider Alternatives:** If you're concerned about reapplying tape for the second coat, you can try cutting in by hand using a high-quality brush instead. This may take more time and practice but can yield excellent results without the need for tape.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your preference and comfort level with using tape versus cutting in by hand. Experiment with different methods to see which works best for you.
14th Mar 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 7
+ 7
Should always remove tape after fist cote. Then when doing the second coat retape the skirtin
12th Mar 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 6
+ 6
Most decorator's don't use tape,but on occasion I've found using it ok to leave until both coats are finished
28th Mar 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 6
+ 6
AAFaria
0 Reviews
It is not necessary to remove the tape to apply the second coat, this is not normal or correct, when I do this type of work I only remove the tape when I am finished and there is no problem and the work is of excellent quality.
6th Mar 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 5
+ 5
Robs Papering & Painting
2 Reviews, 100% Positive
Using frog tape involves a lot of expense and time having to place and remove and then replace and remove again if having to apply 2 coats.
I personally do a lot of cutting in work without tape, except for areas such as bottom of skirting boards, where a certain level of protection should be given to hard floors and carpets.
There can be a misalignment issue on frog tape using it in the same area twice for two coats, so I tend to use painters tape which is lower adhesion, and cheaper.
I personally do a lot of cutting in work without tape, except for areas such as bottom of skirting boards, where a certain level of protection should be given to hard floors and carpets.
There can be a misalignment issue on frog tape using it in the same area twice for two coats, so I tend to use painters tape which is lower adhesion, and cheaper.
4th Apr 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 4
+ 4
You give your answer already... Take out tape after second coat when paint is wet.
15th Apr 2024
Helpful Answer? Vote Up + 3
+ 3
Post your job & get responses from local painters & decorators.
Read reviews before you decide to hire.
