Which is better, drywall tape or mesh?

Paper Drywall Tape

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• Paper tape, lacking adhesive, must be embedded in a layer of joint compound to stick to drywall. This can easily result in air bubbles if not applied correctly and evenly.

Fiberglass-Mesh Drywall Tape

• Fiberglass-mesh tape is self-adhesive, eliminating the need for an embedding layer. This speeds up the taping process and ensures the tape lies flat on the drywall surface.

• While stronger than paper tape in terms of ultimate load, mesh tape is more elastic, which can lead to cracks in joints.

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• Mesh tape should be covered with setting-type compound, which is stronger and compensates for the fiberglass mesh's elasticity. After the initial coat, either type of compound can be used.

• For patches where joint strength is less of a concern, mesh tape allows for a faster fix.

Applying paper tape takes more time as it requires an adhesive layer, embedding the tape, waiting for it to dry, and then applying a second coat of mud. This process can be challenging, and improper application may result in air bubbles that weaken the joint. However, a perfectly finished paper tape joint is less likely to crack due to the non-elastic nature of the paper and the extra mud layers.

Fiberglass tape is easier to work with as it is self-adhesive, allowing for single-pass application without the need for an additional adhesive layer, thus preventing air bubbles. This makes mesh tape especially suitable for non-experts and patch jobs. The downside is that it requires setting-type compound for finishing, and without the proper tools, it can be difficult to apply, especially for inside corners. The setting compound helps protect against cracks caused by the tape's higher elasticity.

Bottom line: Paper tape provides a stronger joint but requires more time and skill. Mesh tape is easier and quicker to use but may need additional tools and materials for proper application and can result in a slightly weaker joint.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for Drywall Mesh Tape. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.