Fiberglass Sheet Rock Tape Vs Paper Tape

However paper tape still yields the more crisp attractive look for corners.

Fiberglass sheet rock tape vs paper tape.

My experience as a drywall repair guy has provided me many experiences to see failed repair jobs of which the majority were done with fiberglass mesh. Most paper tape also comes with a factory crease in the center. Fiberglass mesh drywall tape creased lightning. Fiberglass tape when coated with drywall mud is not as rigid or tough as paper tape is with that same mud.

Paper tape can be used with either drying type or setting type compound. Paper tape needs to be embedded in a layer of joint compound. Fast and easy application without the need of a bedding or taping coat of joint compound. It can also be used to patch holes and cracks in drywall and plaster interiors.

Ultimately if you re looking for quicker application and an easier workload fiberglass mesh tape is the way to go. 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 you. This means that mesh tape is easier for the average person to install on a flat length of wall. Paper tape folds easily and therefore is easily applied to corners to allow for crisp inside 90 corners.

Paper tape is better at preventing cracking along drywall seams. When it comes to drywall joint tape there are a few options available. My experience shows that the vast majority of professionals use paper tape. Mesh drywall tape has a tacky backing allowing it to be self stuck to the wall.

Mesh drywall tape is nearly impossible to tear since it is composed of fiberglass threads woven together into a tape like form. Problems arise when the installer lays two coats of mud over the fiberglass tape mistakenly thinking this will be strong enough to hold the bond. Sheetrock brand fiberglass joint tape is made with a unique cross fiberglass construction that provides greater joint strength than conventional fiberglass mesh tapes. 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.

Several companies sell applicators for mesh tape that work like packaging tape dispensers on flat seams and include a wheel that pushes the tape into inside corners for a fast tight fit. And it doesn t bond as well to surfaces that are flat. In addition fiberglass mesh tape is more resistant to mold and decay than the paper drywall tape. Contrary to popular belief in my opinion paper tape actually adds more structural strength than fiberglass mesh.

Fiberglass mesh tape disadvantages. Paper drywall tape vs. Fiberglass mesh drywall tape.