Dry wall paper tape vs. mesh self stick
BudBaker
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I need to tape a small room with new gyp board and find it easier for this novice to use self adhesive tape mesh rather than paper tape. If I use paper, I just don’t seem to get enough mud to bed the tape into for the first coat.. and I get parts of the paper tape lifting away from the wallboard. The mesh is in place already and I apply liberal mud and blade smooth without disturbing the mesh tape. I have read that mesh is not highly regarded for lasting results. I’d appreciate any advice on mesh vs. paper and advice on using either. (especially corners).
Replies
The mesh tape is fine for a DIY, I've used it on several rooms. It is a little tough to make sure you don't get the mesh telegraphing through if you end up sanding alot or have trouble getting just the right amount of mud on. Corners work fine too, but there again you can get mesh telegraphing through when you bear down on the knife or corner tool. First coat will show the mesh through, but your second and maybe third coat should cover it fine.
Its been thoroughly discussed here, you can search past threads if you're interested. Opinions run the gamut. I recommend laying a coat of mud before the tape, whether paper or mesh. Otherwise you don't get as much mud in the wider gaps.
Paper tape will be less likely to bubble if you drop it in a pail of water just before bedding it in your mud. It's rare, but I've had both paper and mesh form hairline cracks in the inside corners. Some people say it happens more often with mesh. I use both frequently, but mesh more often than paper. I do small remodels and repairs, no production work.
"I have read that mesh is not highly regarded for lasting results."
Bud,
I've experienced the same. doubling up the mesh helps, but you are better off using paper IMO.
WSJ
I recently saw a self-adhesive paper tape at Lowe's. I tried it on one job, and it seemed to work well.
I've also used mesh tape with good results. Its best if you use either the green compound or a setting-type compound for the first coat.
But I only use paper tape for corners. It makes a better crease and looks better in the long run.
Edited 7/12/2005 10:11 am ET by Shep
Yeah, I used the self-adhesive paper on a small job at home here and it seemed to work well. Haven't tried it on a whole room.
i thought that was called " 2" masking tape"
p
Yer right, I like the 3M red tape best. It's easier to spot where you're a bit thin on the compound.
Joe H
it wouldn't be so funny if i hadn't seen used once... i was watch'n a guy "tape a wall" and thats exactly what he was use'n 2" masking tape... I even asked him about it and he said "it's all i ever use" went on to explain the cheap $1 store stuff was the best.... whatever works.... I saw he finished wall months later and it looked like ur standard jackleg drywall job... no better no worse..
p
Around here they tell me the mesh tape does not count as a fire barrier. I use the mesh for patching but tend to stick with paper for most of my G.W.B work.
Owen Roberts Group
10634 East Riverside Drive # 100
Bothell, WA 98011
http://www.owenrobertsgroup.com
I'm really a novice at taping and have struggled with the adhesion problem you mention with paper. Wetting (then "squeegeeing" the water out) the tape does help. I also found in my limited experience that the bubbling problem seemed to occur if the mud under the tape was too spare, or I pushed too hard with the knife and squeezed all the mud out.
Years ago it was common to see perforated paper tape. I've only seen it rarely today, I think it was in a Lowe's.