Thread: Frog Tape

Originally Posted by ErrolFlynn

This masking tape is about twice the price of regular masking tape ($18 vs $9 for a 55 m roll). I've never used it. Actually, I seldom use masking tape when I paint. I just go carefully. But I'm going to need some soon. (Painting the timber surround that runs next to an aluminium window frame.) Is the Frogtape so much better than standard tape, as the TV ads boast?

Have used it and was happy with the results with water based paints, oil based is another story I assume it has to do with the paintblock technology and the solvents

Is it so much better ?

I have had good results with a quality fine masking tape as well.

Haven’t used frog tape, but I have compared the cheapo generic beige tape to Selleys blue tape. The blue tape is much stronger, less likely to tear when pulling it off. It also suffers less from paint bleeding under the edge. Worth the extra for painting in my opinion.

Haven't used frog tape either but the blue tape can be made bleed proof by rubbing the edge down hard with a finger in a rag (so it slides easy) or with a wooden wedge in a rag if it's in a corner. You can also run a tiny bead of gap filler along the edge of the tape and again remove all of it with a wedge in a rag, which seals off the tape.

The Frog people also suggest pressing the tape down firmly. They suggest something like a credit card over the tape.

I have seen plenty of professional painters use the green or blue painters tape but never seen the Frog tape used, doesn’t mean it isn’t any good though

I've used it and the blue tape. Latter good brand, not El cheapo.
I'd recommend and yes press down well.
Tearings not a real issue, more an inconvenience.
That said I did find the blue tape easier to install

Are these modern colourbond windows?
I was extremely concerned when faced with painting the timber surrounds of a whole house of new Monument colour aluminium windows in a very light colour.
Then my very helpful paint supply bloke told me water based paint doesn't stick to the powder coating. He was so true.
But I still masked and any bleeding, splatter just flicked off when dry.

I use old icecream sticks sharpened to chisel edges on 3 sides as a scraper. Belt sander or just a sharp chisel.
Works a treat, doesn’t scratch or leave marks. Easily sharpened
Those yellow tongues from flooring also make very good scrapers for this

I also learnt in the same build a copper knife wont scratch stainless steel and the installer demonstrated such on our new benches.

New windows. Fitted about 7 months ago. Colourbond - don't know. I asked for them to be in a particular colour. The company obliged. A very nice finish. There is a timber surround and that's what I want to paint.

Interesting that you found the blue tape easier to work with. And that water-based paint doesn't stick to powder coating. Whether that's the case with mine, I don't know. The company advertises powder coating but their website didn't list the colour I asked for. So, whether I got powder coat or something else, I don't know.

Thanks for your advice.