fiberglass tape vs. paper tape for drywall joints
#1
10-27-11, 01:23 PM
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fiberglass tape vs. paper tape for drywall joints
I have over time used both types. The fiberglass is more expensive but less effort. Anyway, out of curiosity is one really "better" than the other? I've heard so many conflicting stories from the old timers it's confusing. Use premixed ONLY with fiberglass, never use
setting type compound. Use that on paper only. Only use paper at corners and ceiling. Fiberglass okay on wall seams. Conflicting info from the Mfg as well, especially the fiberglass tape folks that advise any seam, any type compound. Any thoughts from folks?
setting type compound. Use that on paper only. Only use paper at corners and ceiling. Fiberglass okay on wall seams. Conflicting info from the Mfg as well, especially the fiberglass tape folks that advise any seam, any type compound. Any thoughts from folks?
#2
10-27-11, 02:02 PM
Unless you use a setting compound over the fiberglass tape - it's prone to fail 
There shouldn't be any issues with paper tape no matter what type of compound you install/finish it with. As a painter, I mostly do drywall repairs and a setting compound speeds the process up. I bought 1 roll of 'sticky' tape when it first came out, none since. Paper tape isn't that hard to work with [once you learn how] and you never have to go back and fix a cracking or bubbling tape joint
There shouldn't be any issues with paper tape no matter what type of compound you install/finish it with. As a painter, I mostly do drywall repairs and a setting compound speeds the process up. I bought 1 roll of 'sticky' tape when it first came out, none since. Paper tape isn't that hard to work with [once you learn how] and you never have to go back and fix a cracking or bubbling tape joint
#3
10-27-11, 02:27 PM
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Marksr. So you recommend setting compound over the fiberglass
tape? Why do you feel the pre-mix will fail over fiberglass tape ?
BTW, I tend to always use setting as my first coat. I believe it is
stronger
tape? Why do you feel the pre-mix will fail over fiberglass tape ?
BTW, I tend to always use setting as my first coat. I believe it is
stronger
#4
10-27-11, 03:30 PM
I've seen the fiberglass sticky tape fail more times than I can count so I figure it's best not to use it. It does seem to do ok if it's covered with a couple of coats of setting compound.
#6
10-29-11, 09:53 AM
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I use paper tape set with a banjo. I get WAY better results when I use a banjo so I use on all but the smallest repairs.
I only use fiberglass tape to re-enforce the edges of metal corner bead where it meets the drywall. The pros do this on the commercial jobs I've worked on and I have see what a PIA it is to take off demoing it out years later. It really holds well.
I only use fiberglass tape to re-enforce the edges of metal corner bead where it meets the drywall. The pros do this on the commercial jobs I've worked on and I have see what a PIA it is to take off demoing it out years later. It really holds well.
#8
10-29-11, 10:07 AM
I swear I read a sticky somewhere on this forum about paper vs. mesh. I forget which topic it was under. I thought it was under painting. I checked there and other related topics and didn't find it. I vaguely remember the general guidance was that the paper was good for drywall and the mesh was good for plaster repair.
#10
10-29-11, 10:14 AM
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My advise to anyone is NEVER use mesh tape. It will crack out no matter what. I know that commercial guys will use it on corner bead but they use spray glue to hold it on. Use paper tape with all purpose to bed it and you won't have a problem.
#11
10-29-11, 01:46 PM
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I learned about mesh tape the hard way. About 25 years ago I did a major renovation and I used mesh tape 'cause it was so much easier - or so I was told. It was my first big drywall DIY job. Within a year or so every inside corner joint had cracked along with many of the ceiling and wall joints. Over a period of 5-6 years I redid every joint in two bedrooms and a hallway.
I still use mesh tape but only for small repairs.
I still use mesh tape but only for small repairs.
#12
10-29-11, 03:12 PM
I've never understood how someone could use mesh tape in a corner..... although I've seen Mike Holmes do that on TV. He claims the 'sticky tape' is better but I think he always uses a setting compound. Paper tape with the preformed crease down the middle makes inside corners easy to do. I was painting new construction when they 1st came out with the 'sticky tape' but the finishers still used the paper tape in the corners. My recollection of dates and time frames might be a little fuzzy but I think all the pros quit using sticky tape within 6 months - too many call backs!
