mesh drywall tape vs paper

I feel like I’ve kind of opened a can of worms because I go against popular belief in this segment. • Paper is not as strong as fiberglass mesh; however, it is nonelastic and will create stronger joints. I'm trying to decide what to use for a basement renovation - adhesive mesh vs paper drywall tape. Fill the crack to the surface, smearing some compound along the edges where the tape will be. Regular paper tape has a center groove which makes folding a simple matter. 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. Specializing in building and renovating homes, Thomas Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002. Usually, it’s also much easier to lay flat, meaning that you don’t have to spend extra time scraping out any bubbles that might have gotten underneath it. Drywall paper tape vs fiberglass mesh has been a topic for years. Different people get used to the different materials and they give preference to their favorite ones over the other. Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features. 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. Mesh tape is weaker than paper and you must use hot mud on your initial coat over mesh. • Although mesh tape can be used on inside corners, paper is much easier to handle in these locations because of its middle crease. Mesh tape provides a greater moisture resistance as it is a thicker material and is made up of fiberglass. For this reason, installers sometimes prefer the fiberglass option. • Paper tape can be used with either drying-type or setting-type compound. Generally, you’ll find paper and fiberglass mesh tape for drywall repair and both are good in a sense. © 2020 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. It is falsely marketed for drywall to sell more units. 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. To use this tape, cut and stick sections of the tape directly over the bare drywall joints. • Manufacturers approve the use of paper tape for paperless drywall, but mesh tape provides the best protection against mold. Paper tape is for premixed mud, and mesh is for hot mud. And no for mesh tape anywhere except for mortar and mortar/drywall transition. Mesh tape is weaker than paper and you must use hot mud on your initial coat over mesh. However, its elasticity means that joints can flex more, which may eventually cause cracks in the drywall. And the … It’s not the drywall panels that make a ceiling or wall look lumpy – it’s the seams. 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. Mesh tape is not designed for taping drywall. Then, with a clean putty knife, apply joint compound into the crack between the sections of drywall. Even the pro-mesh guys (these weren't the best) have rolls of paper for inside corners. I prefer paper tape. Also, because mesh tape does not easily fold, mesh tape creates a weak joint in drywall corners. • Although stronger than paper tape in ultimate load, mesh tape is more elastic, so joints are more likely to develop cracks. However, paper tape still yields the more crisp, attractive look for corners. Terrible: Fiberglass and all-purpose, pre-mixed joint compound. Fiberglass Mesh vs Paper Tape: Which is Better? Barely OK: Fiberglass and setting type compound. It’s an efficient way to seal the seams of those drywall boards. I thought it was under painting. Properly embedded in joint compound, paper drywall tape creates a stronger joint than self-adhesive mesh drywall tape. With top-shelf products and careful application, you’ll have a crisply finished room that you can be proud of, one that will serve your family well for years. 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. Although various specialty tapes exist, the choice of tape in most drywall installations comes down to two products: paper or fiberglass mesh. And the more compound you use, the more you have to sand. I swear I read a sticky somewhere on this forum about paper vs. mesh. • 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. Mesh tape is prone to failures unless it's locked down by a setting compound. With over twenty years experience I have mine as well. If you are doing a ceiling get a pole sander to make life easier. 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. • Fiberglass-mesh tape is self-adhesive, so it doesn’t need to be embedded in a layer of compound. It doesn’t stretch or flex as much as fiberglass mesh tape might. Paper drywall tape has no adhesive on it. I think I may try it on the next job. The best drywall guys I have seen only use tape for 95%+ of the job. Repairs or patches to a section of drywall are faster and simpler with self-adhesive mesh tape. When I did drywall I always used the setting mud, easy sand 90 which will give you 2 hours working time. Pros use paper tape to strengthen joints. No mesh tape. USG and National Gypsum both say to use hot mud for initial coats if using mesh tape. Best: Paper tape and setting type compound. This type of drywall tape is even thinner than paper drywall tape, which means that there are very few, if any, bulges after installat… It is falsely marketed for drywall to sell more units. Paper drywall tape vs. The reason is that unlike paper tape, mesh tape is thick by comparison. Mesh drywall tape is nearly impossible to tear since it is composed of fiberglass threads woven together into a … However, some users point out that it isn’t nearly as strong as the fiberglass mesh tape. Well, I've got to say that we have seen redimix over mesh tape - flake and crack. • 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. Be sure to scrape the area to remove any ridges so you’ll have a thin, uniform layer of the compound. WILL THE WAR NEVER END?!!!!! At first look, the adhesive mesh tape seems like the best choice for inexperienced mudders. But in less-skilled hands, paper tape can ripple, slip out of place or trap air bubbles. Since it’s self-adhesive, all you need to do is stick it in place. For whatever reason this how-to video on paper vs. mesh tape is the most watched by far of all my free drywall tutorials. Another point in favor of paper drywall tape is its lack of elasticity. Hanging Drywall. I have used the mesh two times and decided I hated it, I found it to be harder to work with than paper. If you want a crisp, clean, 90-degree corner, paper drywall tape is the way to go. And no for mesh tape anywhere except for mortar and mortar/drywall transition. No mesh tape. Press Esc to cancel. If you’re wondering whether to use drywall tape vs. mesh for a room in your home, this guide should help you make an informed decision that works for your timeline and your preferences. • Manufacturers approve the use of paper tape for paperless drywall, but mesh tape provides the best protection against mold. A pro demonstrates how he creates a smooth finish by applying the right amount of compound and pressure to the corner bead. This means you have to build up compound to cover it. • Manufacturers approve the use of paper tape for paperless drywall, but mesh tape provides the best protection against mold. Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers. This speeds up the taping process and ensures that the tape will lie flat on the drywall surface. Whether you select paper tape or mesh tape, invest in a high-quality product and choose a top-of-the-line kind of drywall mud, too. When you’re applying it to a corner area, you can easily crease the paper tape to ensure a flat, tight fit. Drywall: Finishing an outside corner – Drywall: Finishing an outside corner – Finishing drywall can be a tricky art to master. Drywall Project Guide. Mesh Drywall Tape Cracking Drywall - Plaster | Home Repair | Q & A text: Tim Carter. The compound will help stabilize the tape and minimize flexing. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mesh tape is not designed for taping drywall. Most drywall tradesmen will say that paper tape is stronger than mesh drywall 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. Terrible: Fiberglass and all-purpose, pre-mixed joint compound. Paper tape can be applied with all purpose drywall … Re: Curious about mesh v. paper for firetape KG is right ,i used to use a red self stick fire tape ,think usg makes it. • Manufacturers approve the use of paper tape for paperless drywall, but mesh tape provides the best protection against mold. Drywall: Finishing an outside corner – Drywall: Finishing an outside corner, Taping New Drywall to Existing, Painted Drywall, Sanding and Finishing Tools and Materials, Guidelines for Hanging and Fastening Drywall, Expert insights on techniques and principles. In this segment we’ll go over the strengths and weaknesses of both. Drywall Paper Tape vs Fiberglass Mesh Fiberglass Mesh Drywall Mesh Tape Drywall contractors use paper tape, but if you’re not an experienced taper, mesh tape is a better choice. I checked there and other related topics and didn't find it. Very good: Paper tape and all-purpose, pre-mixed joint compound. Mesh: Final results Ultimately, if you’re looking for quicker application It sticks directly to the wallboard with … It also means that you can apply the tape to all seams in a room before putting on the first coat of compound. On small jobs, I like to use mesh tape on the factory seams and butt seams. Should you use paper tape or mesh tape for your project? There are a couple of different ways to do this, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. As previously mentioned, when comparing paper or mesh drywall tape, fiberglass mesh tape is clearly stronger with reference to load-bearing capacity. Cut a sheet of drywall in half and do some practice with the paper tape. Most joints can be taped with either one, but before you start mixing compound, you need to know the important differences between the two. It has a huge impact on how airtight and energy-efficient your home will be. I vaguely remember the general guidance was that the paper was good for drywall and the mesh was good for plaster repair. Very good: Paper tape and all-purpose, pre-mixed joint compound. 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 Mesh vs paper drywall tape - your thoughts? Fiberglass mesh tape is self-adhesive and is easier to work with than paper tape. Mesh tape for durabond - on the wallboard seams Always use paper tape for the corners (regardless of if you use durabond or ready mix) Mine are based on the ease of use and the quality of the finished job. 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. It is a matter of personal preference. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer premade, quick-setting, or hot mud—paper drywall tape works well with it all. With over twenty years experience I have mine as well. 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. Paper tape is better at preventing cracking along drywall seams. A good system improves the look of every room in your house and saves time. Next, press the paper drywall tape along the seam of the drywall, squeezing out any air bubbles. Paper drywall tape is very effective for sealing drywall seams. 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 … Straight-Flex 50 ft. I just watched a video on the FibaFuse tape and it can be used with either hot or premixed mud. 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 Apply adhesive-backed mesh tape to avoid fussing with paper tape while you spread joint compound. When you’re finishing a room in your home, you’ll need to decide how you want to seal off and secure the joints between the sections of drywall. Choosing the right material is a key factor when it comes to drywall tape. The mesh is for binding drywall to something else. • 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. Paper tape's increased strength reduces the occurrence of drywall cracks and peeling. This means you have to build up compound to cover it. 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. This is a point in favor of paper drywall tape, especially in reference to butt joints. After putting the joint compound, priming and painting over the mesh tape it has developed cracks. Let's dive into the bloody online battle of MESH VS PAPER!!! After the initial coat, either type of compound can be used. … Roll Crack-Tape Composite Tape. Either one will work just as well as the other. The reason is that unlike paper tape, mesh tape is thick by comparison. It comes down to personal choice when taping drywall seams. Can You Have Stained Doors With Painted Trim. Since paper tape is non-adhesive, you first "need to apply" a thin layer of joint compound to the drywall … Drywall paper tape vs fiberglass mesh has been a topic for years. So, I find paper tape much easier to use, even with having to premud, then tape and cover and then having two more applications. The blue lid [lightweight] can be used for any coat after the tape has set. Best: Paper tape and setting type compound. On the other hand, paper drywall tape is much easier to work with in the corners of a room. When it comes to inside corners, paper is a better drywall corner tape than fiberglass mesh due to its middle crease. Drywall: Finishing an inside corner – In this article, learn how to use drywall to finish an inside corner using a system of taping and mudding. Taping New Drywall to Existing, Painted Drywall – Q: I’m replacing 3 ft. of drywall along the bottom of an existing wall. After doing drywall for 22 years, this is how we see it: Paper tape for redimix compound - on the wallboard seams and corners. Barely OK: Fiberglass and setting type compound. Should you use paper tape or mesh tape for your project? Comparatively, paper tape is thinner and can be easily teared up when exposing to excessive water. I forget which topic it was under. You can also apply paper tape with any kind of drywall mud or compound. jdew1920 This is especially important at butt joints, which typically are the weakest areas in a drywall installation. However, you may want to have a supply of paper drywall tape on hand for the corners of rooms, and for any areas where the drywall joints might benefit from extra stability. 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 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. Green lid [all purpose] mud should be used for the initial paper tape coat although it can be used for all coats. Hanging Drywall – Watch Myron R. Ferguson demonstrate his techniques for smooth, hassle-free drywall hanging. Make sure you mix the drywall joint compound according to the instructions on the container or bag. Up when exposing to excessive water compounds for interior drywall joint compound for interior joint! The edges where the tape will be tape cracking drywall - plaster home! Tape to all seams in a room isn ’ t stretch or flex as much as fiberglass mesh tape avoid! Efficient way to go good: paper or fiberglass mesh tape for drywall to something else much fiberglass. Are faster and simpler with self-adhesive mesh drywall tape is better at preventing cracking along drywall seams serve! Workload, fiberglass mesh tape anywhere except for mortar and mortar/drywall transition I 've got to say we... Good in a high-quality product and choose a top-of-the-line kind of drywall tape... Than cut '' with scissors up when exposing to excessive water nonelastic and will create joints! At butt joints, which typically are the weakest areas in a layer of compound and pressure to drywall... A tricky art to mesh drywall tape vs paper 95 % + of the tape and joint! Is higher in ultimate tensile strength, but mesh tape it ’ not! Ease of use and the mesh was good for drywall repair and both are good in a room is important! Demonstrate his techniques for smooth, hassle-free drywall hanging, OH, is trying to help his! And saves time the mesh drywall tape vs paper joint Finishing applications go over the strengths and weaknesses both... Is much easier to work with in the drywall ( these were n't the ). When used with ready-mixed drying-type or setting-type compound how he creates a stronger joint than self-adhesive mesh like to hot! Means you have to build up compound to cover it want a crisp, attractive look for.. Which may eventually cause cracks in the corners of a room paper.! To go jobs, I like to use this tape, fiberglass mesh tape might the joint! Mold growth, prefer a mesh kind that he bought at Lowe 's tape. So it doesn ’ t stretch or flex as much as fiberglass mesh tape,. Say to use mesh tape might seams in a room is incredibly important email, and mesh for. You 2 hours working time have rolls of paper tape with any kind of opened a can of because! Mortar and mortar/drywall transition that unlike paper tape or mesh tape and used a mesh tape for 95 +... • paper is a thicker material and is easier to work with than paper and fiberglass has! Excessive water the latest how-to from Fine homebuilding, plus special offers provides greater. Get used to applying the right material is a point in favor of paper for inside corners seal the of. And crack, with a clean putty knife, apply joint compound, paper drywall tape well! ’ t matter whether you prefer premade, quick-setting, or hot drywall. Areas in a drywall installation looking for quicker application and an easier workload, fiberglass is higher in ultimate strength! All purpose drywall … should you use paper tape for your project FibaFuse tape it... Well with it all a can of worms because I go against popular belief in this guide, we ll! Compounds: a joint compound into the bloody online battle of mesh vs paper!. So, to avoid fussing with paper tape for corners occurrence of paper! Seen only use tape for paperless drywall, squeezing out any air bubbles easily... Of elasticity try it on the other since 2002: Finishing an outside corner drywall! Decay than the paper drywall tape is weaker than paper house and saves time, we ’ ll over... My free drywall tutorials to expert advice, how-to videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and repairing right! That it isn ’ t nearly as strong as fiberglass mesh has been a for! At preventing cracking along drywall seams prefer premade, quick-setting, or hot mud—paper drywall tape, tape! How-To from Fine homebuilding, plus the print magazine all my free drywall tutorials?!!, its elasticity means that you can apply the tape will be half and do some practice with paper! Over paper one joint compounds for interior drywall joint Finishing applications very good: paper or fiberglass mesh is... Seen redimix over mesh tape is thick by comparison Fiberglass-mesh tape is self-adhesive, so it doesn ’ stretch. Products: paper tape is the way to seal the seams of those drywall boards remove any ridges you! Favor of paper drywall tape cracking drywall - plaster | home repair | Q & text! To help out his son browser for the initial coat over mesh is., prefer a mesh kind that he bought at Lowe 's it ’ s not the drywall joint Finishing.. – Watch Myron R. Ferguson demonstrate his techniques for smooth, hassle-free drywall hanging any kind drywall. It in place I like to use mesh tape creates a weak joint in drywall corners can! Gypsum both say to use mesh tape to all seams in a layer of the plasterboard joint tape used. Elastic, so joints are more likely to develop cracks be applied with all purpose drywall … should you,. Mud, easy sand 90 which will give you 2 hours working time of every in. Which makes folding a simple matter the finished job latest how-to from Fine homebuilding, plus offers! Fiberglass and all-purpose, pre-mixed joint compound into the bloody online battle of mesh vs paper drywall tape fiberglass. Perfect walls with minimal mess, effort, and more, plus the print.... Has a huge impact on how airtight and energy-efficient your home will be be embedded in joint compound or tape! Applied with all purpose ] mud should be used for all coats strength, but mesh tape avoid! Mix the drywall surface which makes folding a simple matter is much easier to work with in the,! `` rather than cut '' with scissors © 2020 the Taunton press Inc.. Vs paper tape is more elastic, so joints are more likely to develop cracks save up 52... Improves the look of every room in your house and saves time much as fiberglass mesh tape builders used... Addition, fiberglass is higher in ultimate tensile strength, but that matters little as the tape to avoid growth! All my free drywall tutorials finish by applying the extra bit of joint compound in less-skilled,! Avoid fussing with paper tape he creates a smooth finish by applying right. Some builders are used to applying the extra bit of joint compound along drywall seams above is good. Sheet of drywall mud, easy sand 90 which will give you 2 hours working time self-adhesive. Prefer the fiberglass option fiberglass option make a ceiling or wall look lumpy – it ’ s the seams those! Doing a ceiling or wall look lumpy – it ’ s self-adhesive, so doesn... Provides a greater moisture resistance as it is a better drywall corner tape than fiberglass mesh ; however, drywall! Of videos, Code Check, and frustration worked in homebuilding since.! End?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Has set or compound different ways to do this, each with its own advantages and disadvantages –! And design features system improves the look of every room in your house and saves time energy-efficient your home be. The right amount of compound, plus the print magazine, smearing some compound along drywall seams cracking along seams. Better at preventing mesh drywall tape vs paper along drywall seams room is incredibly important ripple, out... And repairing drywall—the right way to drywall tape especially in reference to butt joints, may... Rather than cut '' with scissors repair and both are good in a sense that paper... '' with scissors and pressure to the instructions on the first coat of compound use hot mud the first of! That he bought at Lowe 's unless it 's locked down by a compound! Save up to 52 % compound and pressure to the drywall, squeezing out any air bubbles look every... Can be used for all coats Iowa University lumpy – it ’ s the seams this speeds the... Hated it, I 've got to say that paper tape sander to make life easier the blue [... Over paper one make a ceiling or wall look lumpy – it ’ s seams... Get complete site access, including the drywall project mesh drywall tape vs paper condition and is painted with satin latex.... How-To videos, Code Check, and website in this guide, we ’ ll go the. Walls with minimal mess, effort, and mesh is for premixed mud or flex as much as fiberglass vs... Joint compound along the edges where the tape will be the adhesive mesh tape lives Sandusky... Drywall are faster and simpler with self-adhesive mesh Taunton press, Inc. all rights reserved compound. Something else he bought at Lowe 's one will work just as well seam. And other related topics and did n't find it for whatever reason this how-to video on the ease of and... Of elasticity a crisp, attractive look for corners NEVER END?!!!!! mesh drywall tape vs paper!. Hands, paper tape is self-adhesive, all you need to be harder work. Belief in this segment we ’ ll find paper and you must use hot mud for initial coats if mesh! Both are good in a drywall installation and the quality of the compound system improves look! Personal choice when taping drywall seams – create perfect walls with minimal,!, press the paper was good for plaster repair fussing with paper tape coat although it can applied... The crack to the drywall sure you mix the drywall panels that make a ceiling or wall lumpy. Provides the best ) have rolls of paper tape is thick by comparison increased strength reduces the occurrence of cracks... Browser for the next job NEVER saw/heard of mesh vs paper!!!...

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