General Q&A

What is FrogTape®?

FrogTape® is a professional painter’s masking tape and the only tape treated with PaintBlock® Technology. FrogTape® was designed for use with emulsion paints. PaintBlock® reacts with the water in emulsion paints to form a micro-barrier along the edges of the tape. This makes FrogTape® more resistant to paint bleeding.

What is PaintBlock®?

PaintBlock® is a cross-linked, sodium-based Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP). Essentially, it is a polymer that can absorb and retain large amounts of a liquid relative to its own mass. Superabsorbent technology has been around for decades and is used in many everyday items, including nappies.

Where can I buy FrogTape® painter’s tapes?

FrogTape® is available at all good DIY stores nationwide, such as B&Q, Homebase, Wickes and Screwfix. Use the store locator, in the where to buy section, to find a retailer near you.

Why does FrogTape® come in a plastic canister?

We like to think of masking tape as a tool. You make your tools last longer by taking care of them, storing them properly, and keeping them clean. The canister FrogTape® comes in keeps the tape from being damaged (such as the edges being nicked), and keeps dirt and debris off the tape. Once you have finished your roll of FrogTape®, you can use the empty canister for storage of nuts and bolts, screws, or nails. It is also recyclable.

Is FrogTape® available in widths wider than 48 mm or narrower than 24 mm?

FrogTape® is currently only available in 24mm, 36mm, and 48mm.

I am a contractor - can I buy FrogTape® directly from you?

We only sell FrogTape® to retailers and through the wholesale channel.

ADHESION TIME

How long after I paint can I leave FrogTape® on my walls/trim?

FrogTape® Multi-Surface and FrogTape® for Gloss and Satin Paints during preparation can be removed without leaving a residue from most surfaces for up to 21 days (7 days in direct sun).

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.

How long should I wait to remove the tape from the surface?

Remove tape while the paint is still wet. If the paint dries and you notice that the paint is pulling up with the tape, or that the paint is cracking along the paint line as you remove the tape, score along the edge of the tape with a razor blade before removing. This breaks the seal between paint and tape, ensuring a cleaner line and easier removal.

Not sticking to walls?

If you have recently painted your walls, this usually indicates that the paint has not fully cured. Stretching the tape as you apply it can also cause it to lift off of the wall. It could also mean that the surface was not properly prepared. Proper surface preparation, such as cleaning the surface to be painted so it is dust free, and priming the wall with a compatible primer helps ensure that the paint coat will be well bonded.

Usage & Application

Can FrogTape® be applied to fresh paint?

For application to fresh paint (at least 24 hours old), we recommend you use FrogTape® Delicate Surface. FrogTape® Multi-Surface should only be applied to cured surfaces. In relation to paint, “cured” does not mean the same thing as “dry”. The curing of paint takes place on a chemical level and is not just the evaporation of liquid from the paint. A cured paint will be a solid state throughout, not just dry to the touch. An emulsion paint may feel dry within hours after painting but factors such as humidity, paint colour, and the number of coats will impact how long it takes it to actually cure. We recommend waiting at least 3 days and testing FrogTape® Multi-Surface in an inconspicuous area if you have concerns about your paint being cured.

Can FrogTape® be used with or on lacquer?

FrogTape® is not recommended for use with or on lacquer coatings. However, many end users are successfully using FrogTape® products with and on lacquer coatings. We recommend that you test before use.

Do I have to do anything special to my walls before I use FrogTape® products?

No, you do not have to use any special techniques when using FrogTape® painter’s tape. We do recommend the surface be clean, dust-free and dry before applying the tape.

Can FrogTape® be used in marine applications?

FrogTape® painter’s tapes are not recommended for use in marine applications. If you wish to use it for this purpose, you must test before use.

Can FrogTape® be used in automotive applications?

FrogTape® painter’s tapes have not been designed for automotive applications. However, we have received many reports of successful use. If you wish to use it for this, you must test before use.

Can I use FrogTape® to mask cabinets?

Cabinet manufacturers use a variety of substrates (solid wood, particle board, etc.) and finishes that range from urethanes, lacquers, vinyl and veneers on their cabinet surfaces. Due to the variety of substrates and finishes, it is always recommended that a test to replicate use be conducted in an inconspicuous area before masking. If there is a good bond, it is fine to use FrogTape® Multi-Surface. However, if there is an indication of a poor bond (e.g. tape lifting the finish off), we would suggest using FrogTape® Delicate Surface painters tape.

Can FrogTape® be used with spray paint?

FrogTape® painter’s tapes should work for this application. Due to the number of commercial manufacturers of spray paint and the variety of coating compositions we recommend that FrogTape® always be tested before use.

Can I use FrogTape® on a textured surface?

All tapes will have a tendency to leak on textured or irregular surfaces. It is virtually impossible to fill in the low spots unless you use some specialized procedures or a painter’s tape meant for this application.

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