A: Tape technology has come a long way since the days when we only had beige tapes to choose from. When we think of how to improve performance for pros, there are three components that can be adjusted: the tape’s adhesive, its paper backing, and the release coating that allows it to come off the roll. As tapes have evolved through the years, there has been a big focus on dialing in adhesives in order to get a strong hold, yet quick release for clean removal. Meanwhile, the paper backing has been adjusted for strength and the ability to manipulate and get into corners and curves. That said, let’s look at a few advancements we’ve developed to help paint crews save time.

An edge treatment for sharp lines

A lot of pros are hesitant to even say they use painter’s tape, and take pride in cutting in cleanly with a brush. That is a skill that comes with experience, which may vary among crew members. On projects, crews are often balancing speed, consistency and multiple painters working side by side. Having tools like painter’s tape that help every crew member deliver the same high-quality result can make a real difference. Thankfully, certain tape advancements can help you avoid touch-ups, callbacks, and the wasted time and frustration that comes with them.

If your crew uses FrogTape® Multi-Surface, Pro Grade, Delicate Surface or Advanced™, the advancement is PaintBlock® Technology, a highly absorbent polymer edge treatment that forms a barrier when it comes into contact with latex paints. The barrier prevents paint bleed and guarantees a sharp paint line every time. PaintBlock Technology also expands and gets into small divots and crevices on inconsistent surfaces, another added protection against paint bleed that standard tapes can’t offer.

No wait-to-paint downtime

Most tapes require you to wait 30 to 60 minutes for them to fully adhere to a surface to prevent paint bleed. Today, performance adhesives like those found in our FrogTape Advanced, Delicate Surface, Multi-Surface, Pro Grade and Orange tapes are formulated to immediately bond to the surface. Not only are you guaranteed sharp lines with PaintBlock Technology in these tapes, but you have the added assurance of immediate tack, even with poly sheeting, on challenging and uneven exterior surfaces.

A strong backing that conforms

A premium paper backing can also help save time. Our FrogTape Delicate Surface and Advanced tapes use proprietary washi papers strength and shred-resistance for conformity in areas with considerable detail. The premium backing we use in our Advanced product is strong for better shred resistance and tear-free removal, which is one of the most common complaints from pros. Meanwhile, the unique washi paper backing used in FrogTape Delicate Surface is thinner to allow for the flexibility needed in corners and crevices.

Lower adhesion to speed up workflows

Another time-saver can be found with delicate tapes, whose adhesives are uniquely formulated so you can apply the tape to a freshly painted surface sooner. Our FrogTape Delicate Surface tape reduces extended curing wait periods, so you don’t need to stop workflow for a few days while the paint fully cures. Delicate Surface can be applied to a fresh paint coat in just 24 hour.

With advancements in adhesives and paper backings, FrogTape painter’s tapes give you the professional results you require—faster.

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Mary Kate Hearns is Senior Product Manager for Shurtape’s Masking and Painting Tape portfolio. She oversees the company’s FrogTape® brand of products and also manages a team overseeing Duck® Clean Release® Painter’s Tape and Painter’s Mate® Brand. And she often works directly with pros to educate them on product advances and their benefits.