Tips for better drywall taping the family handyman. The framing lumber the drywall was screwed to could have had a high moisture content and that water is now gone. Matching joint compound with the proper joint tape usg receives many inquiries regarding what kind of joint tape to use with different types of joint compounds. However, if youre mudding a hairline crack in an existing drywall ceiling or wall, you may apply wet joint compound to the crack with a 6inch taping knife, and smooth it flush with the drywall without using tape. Definitely hides the crack, but because of the thickness of the cracktape, i found it difficult to use drywall joint compound to cover the tape and blend it into the existing ceiling without it being noticeable. When fiberglass mesh drywall tape came on the market, it was touted as the onceandfinal replacement for paper drywall tape, mainly due to its incredible strength. In the late 1980s and early 1990s drywall supply shops began providing self adhesive fiberglass mesh tape as an alternative to paper tape. Mesh tape or paper that is the question but whats the answer. Make sure you wear a mask when sanding, airborne fiberglass is not cool. What works better mesh tape or paper and what is stronger.
For the longest time, rays preferred method for drywall to plaster work and other small patches was fiberglass mesh tape. Should you use paper tape or mesh tape for your project. I specialize in drywall repairs and mesh tape is absolutely the best tape to use, for my application. It is stronger than most fastsetting compounds, but will crack. We carry a wide selection of drywall joint tape including. This white paper summarizes testing that usg research conducted on the attributes of fiberglass mesh tape and paper joint tape when used with readymixed dryingtype or setting. Question on meshfiber tape page 2 drywall finishing. Once the fiberglass tape is on the drywall, it may not be perfect. Since paper tape is nonadhesive, you first need to apply a thin layer of joint compound to the drywall for it to stick to the surface. As an amazon associate i make a small commission from purchases through. Paper drywall tape can also be ripped by hand rather than cut with scissors. Mesh tape or paper tape for beginners, find out when to use each. Matching joint compound with the proper joint tape white paper. Should i use drywall tape or drywall mesh for the seams.
Oct 15, 2017 mesh tape or paper that is the question but whats the answer. This stuff here is stronger than paper, its a fibre glass product. However, paper tape still yields the more crisp, attractive look for corners. Paper tape can be used with either dryingtype or settingtype compound.
To successfully use fiberglass mesh tape over existing cracks, the crack is first cleaned, then the mesh tape is cut into pieces about 3 inches long. Paper drywall tape because paper tape is nonadhesive, it must be embedded in a layer of joint compound to stick. Paper tape is paper, drywall is paper so i guess we cant use fibafuse in contact with drywall paper. Choose from our selection of fiberglass mesh drywall tape, paper drywall tape, drywall joint compounds, and more. Then, to hide the tape, additional coats of mud are applied. How to use fiberglass mesh to repair plaster walls home. It did the job paper tape couldnt and kept cracks away for a. The crease wheel folds into place and puts the tape right where it is needed to simplify and quicken tape application. We all know fiberglass or mesh tape is stronger than paper.
It isnt that people dont want to answer your question it is just that no one wants to have this debate again. Paper tape is better at preventing cracking along drywall seams. Moving from fiberglass mesh tape to fibafuse youtube. Fibafuse is a moldresistant glass mat drywall tape that is ideal for use with moldresistant and paperless drywall systems for highhumidity and moistureprone applications. Paper tape can be applied with all purpose drywall compounds. It did the job paper tape couldnt and kept cracks away for a longer time. This taping unit simplifies the application of drywall tape by assisting in application of tape on inside crevices. Support this channel by shopping on amazon through our link. Taping drywall can be a frustrating, gutwrenching experience. Most joints can be taped with either paper or fiberglass drywall tape. Shop drywall tape and a variety of building supplies products online at lowes. Although various specialty tapes exist, the choice of tape in most drywall installations comes down to two products.
Traditionally paper tape is used when finishing drywall. Your son should just get new paper tape and tape over all the places its cracked. Used the cracktape over a previously attempted plaster cracked ceiling, drywall repair with fiber mesh. Mesh drywall tape is nearly impossible to tear since it is composed of fiberglass threads woven together into a tape like form. In addition, fiberglass mesh tape is more resistant to mold and decay than the paper drywall tape. I use setting compound on both paper and fiberglass tape. I use paper in the corners mostly for sure, and meshfiberglass tape or paper tape over the flat spots and metal corners. Click to add item adfors fibatape cement board tape 150. There are different opinions as to what type of drywall tape to use when repairing cracks. The only times fiber mesh tape is used, and what its designed for, is with mortar and cement boarddrywall transition with real joint compound like a tub surround. Usg sheetrock brand joint paper tape is manufactured with a unique. Water also makes the paper slick, so your knife slides over the tape without creating ripples or creases.
Why do the pros use paper drywall joint tape instead of the fiberglass mesh tape. The paper tape versus fiberglass controversy youtube. It is best used on joints that may have more tendency to crack, seams with wider. Synko also makes a product called confill short for concretefill.
Fibafuse wall reinforcment fabric is ideal for large area repairs. The differences between paper and fiberglass mesh drywall tape. Paper tape or fiberfuse is generally preferred by pros because it works with. If there are slight movements due to settling, drywall tape will help to avoid excessive cracking. When this application has dried, the installer then glues drywall paper tape vertically over the crack and the fiberglass tape, using joint compound to glue it. Leah compares paper drywall tape to mesh drywall tape, and explains the advantages of each type. Its your choice really and if mesh is faster for you go for it after all its the finished result that matters. Although mesh tape can be used on inside corners, paper is much easier to handle in these. Due to factors beyond the control of the drywall doctor, we. I realize my experience is limited, but in every single house ive lived there have been spots where paper tape, done by so called professionals, peels up because not enough mud was applied to the back side. Is it better to use paper drywall joint tape or fiber tape. When taping drywall, one of these is much easier than the other for you to use.
Paper tape vs fiberglass mesh tape drywall instruction. The built in cutter does a good job of getting tape cut to the required length as well. As i said paper and fibafuse need mud to stick so how can they be in direct contact with each other. Wet paper tape is more pliable than dry tape, so it traps fewer air bubbles behind it. Adfors fibatape cement board tape 150 x 4 click to add item adfors fibatape cement board tape 150 x 4 to the compare list. When it comes to inside corners, paper is a better drywall corner tape than fiberglass mesh due to its middle crease. Paper is cheaper for a reason but is just fine when taping joints and inside corners, the drywall compound or mud dries like a brick and blends very well into the paper. Wetting doesnt eliminate the squeezeout problem, so you still have to be careful to leave a thin layer of mud between the tape and the drywall. Learn why, when it comes to drywall repair, paper tape is more of a material that an artisan would use, while fiberglass mesh tape is better suited to the average doityourselfer. Rather than being placed lengthwise along the crack, they are bedded in drywall mud on each side of the crack, then they are placed horizontally across the crack. Nail pops, cornerbead cracks and bad joints will plague your walls forever. Click to add item ez taping systems peel and stick drywall finishing tape 125 roll to your list.
Manufactured from straitflexs patented composite material, it. Do not use the fiberglass tape on walls at an angle. The porous design eliminates bubbles and blisters, allowing compound to flow through the tape for a stronger bond. I finished my basement and garage and have done a lot of drywall in the past. Fibafuse paperless drywall tapes new fibafuse max reinforced paperless drywall tape learn more the original paperless drywall tape fibafuse is the original paperless drywall tape that is easy to install and creates stronger joints compared to paper tape. Unlike paper tape, which requires mudding to adhere to the drywall, you cannot remove and adjust the. Paper tape folds easily and therefore is easily applied to corners to allow for crisp inside 90 corners. New drywall construction requires the use of tape for the best results. The fiberglass tape will most likely break, so use other taping solutions for this part. Crack tape repairs difficult cracks on flat surfaces and corners. Designed for professional renovators, remodelers and drywall installers as well as diyers, the 36 wide fibafuse fabric is engineered with a porous, open fiber design that allows joint compound to flow. Crack tape cuts easily with a utility knife or scissors, but also resists blisters, tears, shrinkage, and wrinkles.
Some will say that fiberglass mesh tape can be used to repair drywall cracks. Nagging flaws will show up right after painting and even months later. It is much stronger than paper tape, but more difficult to cover using straight tools. It is not a time saver or step saver in drywall contrary to what some people on. Cracks wider than 18inch benefit from the addition of. In this segment well go over the strengths and weaknesses of both. Nov 25, 2018 will the war never end lets dive into the bloody online battle of mesh vs paper. Fiberglass mesh drywall tape comes in rolls just as paper tape does, but unlike paper tape, is usually selfadhesive and can be applied directly to a seam without an undercoat of joint compound. Care should be taken to avoid overlapping the tape edges because of the uneven surface this will create. Now, i say that and its possible the cracks are related to simple lumber shrinkage. Ive never had a crack problem with this combination. Fibafuse paperless drywall tape drywall certainteed. Ten times stronger than paper tape, the tape repairs stress cracks and cracks due to truss uplifts. A slight lengthwise factorymade crease in the paper helps you fold it down the middle when using it for inside corners.
Most joints can be taped with either one, but before you start mixing compound, you need to know the important differences between the two. Start with a 40 or 20 minute setting compound until you are really proficient and want t. However, we have found that paper tape makes for a slightly stronger joint. Fibafuse paperless wall repair fabric do you have large areas of damage from cracking, old plaster or wall paper removal. And ive never had a call back because of tape failure, joint cracks, etc. Recently i came across fibafuse, which is somewhat different to paper tape and is apparently believed to be much stronger, it feels more flat to me when your bedding the tape. Since the goal of adding tape is to strengthen the joint. This is especially important at butt joints, which typically are the weakest areas in a drywall installation. Repair drywall cracks step 2 how to tape drywall cracks. Submittal sheet sheetrock fiberglass drywall tape unique cross. Paper tape i have been using fiber tape for the last 3 years only on the flat joints, and have not seen a problem or crack in it yet. When fiberglass mesh drywall tape came on the market, it was touted as the. Its an efficient way to seal the seams of those drywall boards. I used normal joint mud all purpose with the mesh tape and some joints have cracked, but only a few.
Will the war never end lets dive into the bloody online battle of mesh vs paper. I specialize in drywall repairs and mesh tape is absolutely the best tape to use. Ultimately, if youre looking for quicker application and an easier workload, fiberglass mesh tape is the way to go. Fiberglass has advantages, but as you seem to understand, those advantages are ease of use on flats, at least and speed, not strength or resistance to cracking. Does that mean it can never crack, of course not, any tape can crack, and ive fixed thousands of cracks, and have seen both types of tape crack. How to put on fiber drywall tape home guides sf gate. Matching joint compound with the proper joint tape white. Fibafuse is an innovative paperless drywall joint tape designed for professional renovators and remodelers.
360 1023 1204 1285 470 54 127 1450 844 1120 1335 302 576 199 1504 1069 1175 451 1347 1248 1064 1292 792 1240 335 35 121 1044 1061 196 954 612 533