Conclusion. In general, paper drywall tape is slightly stronger and more versatile, but
mesh tape has a more manageable learning curve
and better moisture resistance. At the end of the day, this contest comes down to personal preference: use the tape that you're most comfortable with!
Can I use mesh tape instead of paper 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.
Do you mud before mesh tape?
While it's fairly simple to position mesh tape over a dry joint and then
apply your first coat of mud on top
, mesh tape is thicker than paper tape and can result in more noticeable joints when the wall is painted.
Which tape is best for drywall?
- BEST OVERALL: Duck Brand 282083 Drywall Joint Tape.
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: LYLTECH Drywall Joint Tape.
- BEST FIBERGLASS MESH: Saint-Gobain ADFORS FDW6581-U FibaTape Drywall Tape.
- BEST MOLD RESISTANCE: FibaFuse FDW8201-U Paperless Drywall Tape.
- BEST FOR CORNERS: STRAIT FLEX SO-100 Original Composite Tape.
Do you need mesh tape for drywall?
Drywall contractors use paper tape, but if you're not an experienced taper,
mesh tape
is a better choice. … For inside corners, use prefolded paper tape, and for outside corners, use molded plastic or metal corner protectors. Mesh tape is not suitable for taping out corners.
Does mesh tape crack?
We have found mesh drywall tape to work well as long as it is bedded-in with hot mud. Using all purpose or lightweight drywall mud with mesh
tape can often lead to cracking
.
Is FibaFuse stronger than paper tape?
FibaFuse is stronger than paper tape
.
24 hours after applying a second coat of compound, FibaFuse's crack strength is 76% stronger than paper tape.
What happens if you don't use drywall tape?
What Happens if You Don't Use Tape on Drywall? If you don't use drywall tape when sealing drywall joints with “mud” then
your mud will crack and fall out of the joint
. Not only that, but it is much more difficult to get a clean, finished look by loading joint compound into a drywall joint without properly taping it.
Can I use masking tape instead of drywall tape?
Masking tape doesn't have the same qualities as drywall tape
– and isn't designed for what you're doing with it. However, your joints may last longer than I do…. you'll be the only one to ever know.
Can I use all purpose joint compound with mesh tape?
The mesh tape is bedded-in with a thin layer of quick-setting drywall mud and then feathered out with all purpose or lightweight all purpose drywall compounds. Most manufacturers recommend using
quick-setting compound
with mesh tape rather than all purpose pre-mixed mud.
What can I use instead of drywall tape?
Mesh Tape
.
Fiberglass mesh tape
offers a few advantages. First, it is easy to use. Just tear a piece off the roll and lay it on a layer of wet joint compound.
Should you wet drywall tape before applying it?
Wetting tape
Dampen, but don't soak, the tape in a bucket of water. Wetting the tape before you embed it in the joint compound can help eliminate troublesome bubbles that show up after the joint dries.
Keep a bucket of water nearby and quickly run each piece of tape
through it before applying the tape to the wall.
Can I use drywall mesh tape for cement board?
No. The
Mold-X10 fiberglass mesh tape
is made for drywall seams and intended to be coated with joint compound. FibaTape's Cement Board Tape is the product for cement board. The alkali-resistant coating protects the fiberglass from degradation that can occur with thin-set mortar.
How many coats of drywall mud do I need?
If your wall has distinct crevices, cracks, or textured areas, or if your brand of drywall mud isn't offering enough coverage, you may have to do a couple of additional coats of compound. However, in general, you'll need
one coat to fill in the seams
and three more coats after taping.
Do you sand after taping drywall?
SANDING Do not sand after applying tape
, remove small lumps behind with your knife before applying 2nd coat. … Then sand the rest of the joint lightly in order to make smooth. Be careful not to sand too much off. If too much is sanded off, you will need to apply additional coats of compound.
