Painting - When to remove painters tape

How long should you let the paint dry before taking off painters tape? Should I take it off right after the paint dries, or should I let the paint cure for a couple of days? Or does it Matter? I am going to need a second coat, so it doesn't make since to take it off between coats. Is there a problem with letting it stay on between coats? FYI - the kind of tape I am using is the low-adhesive blue painters tape. It says on the roll that it can be left on for 7 days. :confused:

To prevent bleeding use a putty knife to bed the tape. After letting the paint dry, score the edge of the tape line with a utility knife to avoid tearing the paint (when you've applied the second coat and it is dry).

Of course, you already have your first coat down, so the second part of this would apply.

Kay

Remove the tape the same day. The 7 days quoted on the roll applies to the glue, not the paint. After 7 days, the adhesive may leave residue.

What happens is after the paint cures, the paint film is strong enough there will not be a clean break between the paint on the tape and the paint on the wall. The film is stronger than the bond between the paint and the wall. The paint will pull off the wall until the bond becomes stronger than the film.

You could score the film along the edge of the tape. But that is a lot of work, too.

The best option: use a quality brush, quality paint, and good technique. Then skip the tape all together.

Ideally the blue painters tape should be removed within 15 to 20 minutes after applying the paint. If you have failed to do this and left the tape on for days, then I have found success in using a hair dryer on the tape and gently pull the tape away at a 45 degree angle. Hope you have success as well.