sometimes it's better before you assemble. I have read some articles that suggest that finishing the raw lumber before the joints are fashioned is even more efficient. Using a knife to mark a rabbet, groove or dado on finished boards then cutting the joints seems unusual BUT, no tape. There are a few members here whose methods of work most always dictate finishing before assembly. The URL is to a video of about 3 minutes long.
https://www.wwgoa.com/video/finishing-a ... ly-003128/Note that G V advocates pulling stain and finish away from the tape