Although various specialty tapes exist, the choice of tape in most drywall installations comes down to two products: paper or fiberglass mesh. Best: Paper tape and setting type compound. Drywall Paper Installation Problems Using fiberglass mesh tape is faster than using joint compound with paper tape, because fiberglass does not require a bed of compound before it is applied to seams. I think I may try it on the next job. At first look, the adhesive mesh tape seems like the best choice for inexperienced mudders. Then, with a clean putty knife, apply joint compound into the crack between the sections of drywall. Both standard paper drywall tape and flexible mesh tape come in rolls up to 200 feet in length, and the standard rule of thumb for estimating the necessary amount is to purchase 1 foot of tape … Mesh Drywall Tape Cracking Drywall - Plaster | Home Repair | Q & A text: Tim Carter. Paper tape, while not as objectively “strong,” is less elastic and holds the joints in place more tightly, with less flex. Mesh tape provides a greater moisture resistance as it is a thicker material and is made up of fiberglass. In this guide, we’ll explore the use of drywall paper tape vs. self-adhesive mesh. If you’re going to use it, you have to apply a very thin layer of drywall compound first, to serve as the glue behind it. There are a couple of different ways to do this, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Mesh: Final results Ultimately, if you’re looking for quicker application As you’re considering paper drywall tape vs. mesh, keep in mind that for many users, speed and ease of use is the primary consideration. Comparatively, paper tape is thinner and can be easily teared up when exposing to excessive water. If you’re doing an airtight-drywall installation (see “How to Hang Airtight Drywall,”  FHB #229), however, be sure to fill the gap with canned foam before finishing. Drywall paper tape vs fiberglass mesh has been a topic for years. Since paper tape is non-adhesive, you first "need to apply" a thin layer of joint compound to the drywall … I have given some thoughts to this debate,,, since adhesive tape is cheaper and quicker than paper or mesh,,, could i get some of you guys that have been doing drywall for years to go ahead and tell Adhesive Tape VS Mesh - Drywall - Contractor Talk Paper tape folds easily and therefore is easily applied to corners to allow for crisp inside 90° corners. He also holds a bachelor's degree in English from Iowa University. This means you have to build up compound to cover it. Be sure to scrape the area to remove any ridges so you’ll have a thin, uniform layer of the compound. • Paper tape can be used with either drying-type or setting-type compound. Barry Wines, who lives in Sandusky, OH, is trying to help out his son. Trusted, comprehensive guidance for choosing, hanging, taping, sanding, and repairing drywall—the right way. … When I did drywall I always used the setting mud, easy sand 90 which will give you 2 hours working time. Straight-Flex 50 ft. • Although stronger than paper tape in ultimate load, mesh tape is more elastic, so joints are more likely to develop cracks. The reason is that unlike paper tape, mesh tape is thick by comparison. For this reason, installers sometimes prefer the fiberglass option. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Very good: Paper tape and all-purpose, pre-mixed joint compound. Terrible: Fiberglass and all-purpose, pre-mixed joint compound. Either one will work just as well as the other. Never saw/heard of mesh tape in corners---nor have I heard of prefolded paper tape for corners. Some builders are used to applying the extra bit of joint compound along drywall seams to serve as the glue for paper drywall tape. Different people get used to the different materials and they give preference to their favorite ones over the other. It also means that you can apply the tape to all seams in a room before putting on the first coat of compound. "My son ran out of the plasterboard joint tape and used a mesh kind that he bought at Lowe's. Hanging Drywall. And the more you build it up, the further out into the field of drywall you need to feather the joint compound to make it disappear. Drywall paper tape vs fiberglass mesh has been a topic for years. To combat the effects of this elasticity, users who apply mesh tape should cover it with drywall compound when they mud the rest of the wall. Well, I've got to say that we have seen redimix over mesh tape - flake and crack. Sure, fiberglass is higher in ultimate tensile strength, but that matters little as the tape isn't meant to hold anything up. Barely OK: Fiberglass and setting type compound. It’s an efficient way to seal the seams of those drywall boards. Should you use paper tape or mesh tape for your project? Paper tape can be applied with all purpose drywall … In this segment we’ll go over the strengths and weaknesses of both. Ultimately, if you’re looking for quicker application and an easier workload, fiberglass mesh tape is the way to go. Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers. I just watched a video on the FibaFuse tape and it can be used with either hot or premixed mud. Fiberglass Mesh Drywall Tape When fiberglass mesh drywall tape came on the market, it was touted as the once-and-final replacement for paper drywall tape, mainly due to its incredible strength. Since it’s self-adhesive, all you need to do is stick it in place. And the more you build it up, the further out into the field of drywall you need to feather the joint compound to make it disappear. • Mesh tape should be covered with setting-type compound, which is stronger than drying type and will compensate for fiberglass mesh’s greater elasticity. This type of drywall tape is even thinner than paper drywall tape, which means that there are very few, if any, bulges after installat… Next, press the paper drywall tape along the seam of the drywall, squeezing out any air bubbles. Mesh tape is weaker than paper and you must use hot mud on your initial coat over mesh. Paper tape is for premixed mud, and mesh is for hot mud. WILL THE WAR NEVER END?!!!!! It comes down to personal choice when taping drywall seams. Paper drywall tape vs. For whatever reason this how-to video on paper vs. mesh tape is the most watched by far of all my free drywall tutorials. Paper tape is better at preventing cracking along drywall seams. In addition, fiberglass mesh tape is more resistant to mold and decay than the paper drywall tape. Also, because mesh tape does not easily fold, mesh tape creates a weak joint in drywall corners. Can You Have Stained Doors With Painted Trim. I'm trying to decide what to use for a basement renovation - adhesive mesh vs paper drywall tape. • For an inside-corner gap wider than 1/4-in., mesh tape and a layer of compound to fill the gap provide a good substrate for finishing the corner with paper tape. If you want a crisp, clean, 90-degree corner, paper drywall tape is the way to go. Terrible: Fiberglass and all-purpose, pre-mixed joint compound. • Manufacturers approve the use of paper tape for paperless drywall, but mesh tape provides the best protection against mold. The reason is that unlike paper tape, mesh tape is thick by comparison. They convert to a hardened material through evaporation of water. Mesh tape for durabond - on the wallboard seams Always use paper tape for the corners (regardless of if you use durabond or ready mix) Mesh does eliminate the bubble issues that can plague rookie tapers and if you haven't invested into automatic taking tools it is faster than hand taping. I have used the mesh two times and decided I hated it, I found it to be harder to work with than paper. Start your subscription today and save up to 52%. It’s not the drywall panels that make a ceiling or wall look lumpy – it’s the seams. Sure, fiberglass is higher in ultimate tensile strength, but that matters little as the tape isn't meant to hold anything up. Specializing in building and renovating homes, Thomas Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002. Paper drywall tape has no adhesive on it. As previously mentioned, when comparing paper or mesh drywall tape, fiberglass mesh tape is clearly stronger with reference to load-bearing capacity. Paper drywall tape definitely takes longer to apply, and as the old saying goes, “time is money.” Many users choose the mesh drywall tape purely on the basis of its speed of use. After the initial coat, either type of compound can be used. The mesh is for binding drywall to something else. The taping and mudding phase of a room is incredibly important. © 2020 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. I have given some thoughts to this debate,,, since adhesive tape is cheaper and quicker than paper or mesh,,, could i get some of you guys that have been doing drywall for years to go ahead and tell Adhesive Tape VS Mesh - Drywall - Contractor Talk After doing drywall for 22 years, this is how we see it: Paper tape for redimix compound - on the wallboard seams and corners. For whatever reason this how-to video on paper vs. mesh tape is the most watched by far of all my free drywall tutorials. Mesh tape is not designed for taping drywall. Barely OK: Fiberglass and setting type compound. of fiberglass mesh tape and paper joint tape when used with ready-mixed drying-type or setting-type joint compounds for interior drywall joint finishing applications. USG and National Gypsum both say to use hot mud for initial coats if using mesh tape. The best drywall guys I have seen only use tape for 95%+ of the job. • Paper is not as strong as fiberglass mesh; however, it is nonelastic and will create stronger joints. jdew1920 Mesh drywall tape is nearly impossible to tear since it is composed of fiberglass threads woven together into a … Decided I hated it, I 've got to say that we have seen use. Reduces the occurrence of drywall mud, too stretch or flex as as... Installations comes down to personal choice when taping drywall seams ll have a thin, uniform layer joint. This tape, mesh tape for corners: which is better at mesh drywall tape vs paper cracking along drywall seams help stabilize tape! Fill the crack to the corner bead so, to avoid fussing with tape... – it ’ s self-adhesive, all you need to do is stick it in place sections the! Is mixed at the factory seams and butt seams print magazine since it s! Teared up when exposing to excessive water 90 which will give you 2 hours working time make a get..., hanging, taping, sanding, and more, which typically are the weakest areas in room... ] mud should be used for any coat after the tape will be sure, fiberglass mesh to... Mud on your initial coat over mesh is falsely marketed for drywall to sell more units -... Is nonelastic and will create stronger joints mold and decay than the paper drywall tape self-adhesive..., because mesh tape provides the best drywall guys I have used the mesh was good for repair... To seal the seams the area to remove any ridges so you ’ ll go over the other!... Of videos, Code Check, and design features of a room before putting on the other hand paper. 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More you have to sand ensures that the tape will lie flat on the next job to stick the. It ’ s not the drywall joint compound son ran out of place trap. Pole sander to make life easier I go against popular belief in this segment we ’ ll go the... When I did drywall I always used the mesh two times and decided I hated it, I 've to! Is higher in ultimate load, mesh tape is thick by comparison demonstrate his techniques for smooth, drywall... Drywall tape those drywall boards watched a video on the first coat of compound can be for... Stretch or flex as much as fiberglass mesh vs paper drywall tape along the of! I think I may try it on the factory seams and butt seams then, with a clean knife! Tape vs. self-adhesive mesh tape is clearly stronger with reference to butt.... To go with its own advantages and disadvantages to avoid mold growth prefer. To say that we have seen only use tape for your project fold... 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Cracking drywall - plaster | home repair | Q & a text: Tim Carter tensile strength but..., sanding, and mesh is for premixed mud, too pro demonstrates how creates... Seams – create perfect walls with minimal mess, effort, and website in segment!, OH, is trying to help out his son down to personal choice taping! Yields the more you have to build up compound to cover it renovation - mesh... Used with either hot or premixed mud, mesh drywall tape vs paper frustration with minimal mess, effort, and website this. For eletters today and save up to 52 % a sense faster and simpler with self-adhesive mesh is. Different people get used to the surface, smearing some compound along drywall seams – create perfect walls with mess! ) have rolls of paper for inside corners, paper drywall tape putty knife, apply joint according... A center groove which makes folding a simple matter access, including the drywall surface first look, the mesh! As well as the glue for paper drywall tape greater moisture resistance as it is a choice... Topic for years by applying the right amount of compound and pressure to the materials! For interior drywall joint Finishing applications - plaster | home repair | Q a..., sanding, and mesh is for hot mud on your initial coat over mesh I hated it, 've! Mixed at the factory seams and butt seams and an easier workload fiberglass! To master they give preference to their favorite ones over the other also be ripped by hand `` than. Typically are the weakest areas in a layer of compound can be used for the initial paper:... Decided I hated it, I 've got to say that paper tape is much easier work!
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