Masking tape can separate protected areas during furniture painting and finishing. Bare wood, veneers and newly applied coatings behave differently; a single procedure may not suit all of them.
Understand the surface
Assess coating integrity and curing against the coating manufacturer's instructions. Adhesion can be uneven on rough or porous surfaces; plan the time the tape will remain in place.
Test and removal
Trial the actual process and removal conditions on an inconspicuous area. Stop if the coating begins to lift during slow removal and consult the surface and tape manufacturers. Tape does not guarantee damage-free removal.