Although various specialty tapes exist, the choice of tape in most drywall installations comes down to two products: paper or fiberglass mesh. Most joints can be taped with either one, but before you start mixing compound, you need to know the important differences between the two.
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• Because paper tape is nonadhesive, it must be embedded in a layer of joint compound to stick to the drywall surface. This is easy enough to do, but if you’re not careful to cover the entire surface with compound and then to squeeze it out evenly, air bubbles will form under the tape.
• Although mesh tape can be used on inside corners, paper is much easier to handle in these locations because of its middle crease.
• Paper is not as strong as fiberglass mesh; however, it is nonelastic and will create stronger joints. This is especially important at butt joints, which typically are the weakest areas in a drywall installation.
• Paper tape can be used with either drying-type or setting-type compound.
Cost: $1.55 per 250-ft. roll
• Fiberglass-mesh tape is self-adhesive, so it doesn’t need to be embedded in a layer of compound. This speeds up the taping process and ensures that the tape will lie flat on the drywall surface. It also means that you can apply the tape to all seams in a room before putting on the first coat of compound.
• Although stronger than paper tape in ultimate load, mesh tape is more elastic, so joints are more likely to develop cracks.
• Mesh tape should be covered with setting-type compound, which is stronger than drying type and will compensate for fiberglass mesh’s greater elasticity. After the initial coat, either type of compound can be used.
• With patches, where joint strength is not as much of a concern as with a full sheet, mesh tape allows for a faster fix.
• Manufacturers approve the use of paper tape for paperless drywall, but mesh tape provides the best protection against mold.
• 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’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.
Cost: $4.85 per 150-ft. roll
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While it largely depends on personal preference, here are some factors to consider when deciding between paper vs. mesh drywall tape.
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Chances are you’ve seen paper and fiberglass mesh drywall tape on the shelves of your local home improvement store. What’s the difference? To help you choose the better tape for your application, we’ll look at three factors: adhesion, strength/flexibility and moisture resistance.
AdhesionMesh drywall tape has a tacky backing, allowing it to stick to the wall on its own. Paper tape needs to be embedded in a layer of joint compound. This makes mesh tape easier for the average DIYer to install on a flat length of wall.
Most paper tape also comes with a factory crease in the center. This allows the installer to fold the tape in half, forming a right angle that makes it extremely easy to cover inside or outside corners.
It’s possible to fold mesh tape, but it’s easy to get off center if done by hand. To apply mesh tape on corners, use a specialty mesh tape corner applicator and hit it with setting compound immediately. Of course, metal-reinforced paper tape makes for an even easier installation process and a resilient corner!
Strength and FlexibilityHold both kinds of tape in your hand and you might think they bend the same. But the paper tape firms up dramatically after being embedded in mud, a little like papier-mâché.
This added strength makes paper tape an especially good choice for butt joints. If you prefer mesh tape, skip the standard joint compound and use a setting mud, which dries firmer and provides additional strength.
Moisture ConcernsMesh tape, crafted from fiberglass, holds distinct advantages, particularly in environments where moisture is a concern. Its inherent mold-resistant properties make it an excellent option for areas prone to dampness, such as bathrooms and backsplashes. Given its resilience against the potential damage caused by water exposure, mesh tape proves to be a reliable solution in these situations.
Furthermore, the utility of mesh tape extends to specific applications like tile installations. When preparing backer boards for tiling projects, it’s essential to select an approved fiberglass tape. Mesh tape’s compatibility with these scenarios is noteworthy, as it aligns with the durability required for tile work. Its reinforced structure not only aids in preventing cracks and crevices but also ensures that the installation maintains its integrity over time, resulting in a sturdy foundation for the subsequent tile layers.
In essence, the mold-resistant qualities and adaptability of mesh tape, particularly in moisture-prone environments and tile installations, make it a pragmatic choice that contributes to the longevity and reliability of the overall construction project.
ConclusionIn general, paper drywall tape is slightly stronger and more versatile, but mesh tape has a more manageable learning curve and better moisture resistance. It comes down to personal preference: Use the tape you’re most comfortable with.
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