One thing to always keep in mind is do not apply tape on a newly painted surface unless it is a baked on finish. You will find tape tracks when you pull the tape. Let the surface cure if you are unsure of the surface try a tape test spot somewhere. Tape it then wait a day. Paint air drys according to weather conditions, thickness of paint, reducers used, etc. I always clear over the existing surface before applying stripes, flames, whatever... simply because its a good precaution if a problem occurs. Concerning when to pull the tape I usually pull it from 15 to 30 minutes after applying the color. This depends on the the paint mixture, (hardeners, reducers, etc)how you dry the paint, and the angle you pull the tape. I try to follow the existing taped line pulling down letting the tape almost touch the applied tape, this is hard to explain, (do not pull at a 90 or 45 degree angle). Practice on something. Good luck.