May. 06, 2024
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Achieving a smooth, flat finish on interior walls that lasts can be tricky. The joints between drywall panels must be filled with wet joint compound, smoothed out, and then sanded to remove bumps and ridges. However, when drywall tape is used to hold the compound in place, it is less likely to crumble away when shifting occurs. The right drywall tape also provides an optimal surface for creating a smooth look, repairing walls and fixing drywall cracks, and resisting humidity.
This guide outlines various types of drywall tape, some key considerations to consider, and some top products currently available.
Photo: depositphotos.com
The purpose of drywall tape is simple: It helps hold the joint compound in place. Without the tape to support it, the wet joint compound is more likely to sag out of the joints. But installation differs depending on the type of tape you choose. Some types of tape are embedded in a coat of compound that goes on the wall first. Mesh tape, on the other hand, is positioned over a wall seam, and compound is applied over the tape, allowing it to ooze through perforations in the tape and into the seam beneath. To select the right type of drywall tape, check out these variations and characteristics.
In the world of professional taping, paper drywall tape is king. Paper drywall tape comes in rolls about 2 inches wide and anywhere from 50 to 200 feet long. Paper drywall tape is the thinnest tape, and the thinner the tape, the less visible the finished seam. This means that paper produces the smoothest possible seams—but only if used correctly. Paper tape is applied over a layer of wet joint compound used to fill a joint between drywall panels. The tape is embedded in the compound using a taping knife, and additional compound is smoothed over the tape to cover it.
Pro drywall installers often only use paper drywall tape, but it can pose a problem for DIYers who may use too little or too much compound. Such errors can result in the tape shifting or wrinkling or bubbles to appear on the tape’s surface. For speedy installation, rolls of paper tape are often fitted into drywall tape dispensers to allow installers to apply compound and tape at the same time.
Note that standard paper drywall tape comes with an embossed line down its center to create a crease to form a 90-degree angle for use in an inside corner. Use this same paper tape flat as described to tape joints in the center of the wall. As with flat seams, joint compound first must be applied to an inside corner, after which the tape is folded and embedded in the compound.
Embedding tape smoothly in compound takes practice and experience, but self-adhesive drywall tape may make it easier. Rather than applying the tape over a layer of compound, self-adhesive tape features a sticky backing that lets the user position it directly over a dry joint between panels.
The tape is made with an open-weave mesh, so the joint compound can flow through and fill the seam beneath. This type of tape is much simpler to use than paper, but take care to smooth enough compound through the surface mesh to fill the seam beneath. If too little compound is used, the joint is more likely to develop cracks later. Fiberglass mesh tape is the most common material used for self-adhesive options.
Since some areas are exposed to more moisture than others, some may need a moisture- or mold-resistant option.
Moisture-resistant drywall tape may contain fiberglass or other water-resistant components; pair it with moisture-resistant drywall panels. This type of tape is typically used in bathrooms, basements, or any other rooms in which humidity is probably high. It’s usually self-adhesive with an open weave, so users can attach it over the seam before they apply the compound. However, it’s also available in a non-stick version, which should be embedded over wet compound like paper tape.
Most moisture-resistant brands of drywall tape are also mold and mildew resistant, and they may contain fiberglass or other components that naturally resist mold growth. It’s a good idea to use mold-resistant tape in areas with high humidity.
Local building codes may require some walls, such as connecting walls between attached garages and homes, to hold a 1-hour fire rating. This rating means the wall is constructed so that it can prevent fire from spreading from one side of the wall to the other for at least an hour. In some cases, regular drywall tape and joint compound can be used in conjunction with fire-resistant (Type X) drywall on a fire-rated wall. In other situations, the local building authority may require a special fire-resistant tape, which features a foil backing that won’t burn.
Be sure to check local codes before starting a project—they differ from one community to another. When fire-resistant tape is required, the entire wall must be constructed to meet fire codes, including the installation of special electrical outlets and doors that seal to slow the spread of fire.
Choosing the best drywall tape for a project depends on how many seams installers have to tape, their skill level, and if the seams appear on a flat portion of a wall or in a corner. When purchasing drywall tape, consider roll length (to determine how much is required) and the application method.
Both standard paper drywall tape and flexible mesh tape come in rolls up to 200 feet in length, and the standard rule of thumb for estimating the necessary amount is to purchase 1 foot of tape for every 2 square feet of wall. For example, if the room is 8 feet by 10 feet and the walls are 8 feet high, that equals 640 square feet of wall, so purchase 320 linear feet of drywall tape. While taping out a joint or seam requires two or more thin coats of compound, the tape itself is used only once—with the initial application of compound—so there’s no need to buy more tape than required for one application.
The main difference between adhesive and non-adhesive drywall tape is how the tape is applied. Non-adhesive tape, such as paper tape, must be embedded in a layer of wet joint compound applied to seams between panels before the tape goes on. Self-adhesive drywall tape, on the other hand, is positioned over the seam before the application of joint compound.
Pros employ the first method, and for them, it’s faster. However, DIYers may find the non-adhesive tape slips around too much on the wet compound, making it difficult to position directly over the seam. Also, wrinkles may form in the tape that are difficult to smooth out. DIYers may prefer self-adhesive tape, because once it’s applied over the seam, it stays put. After that, installers smooth the compound over it, pushing the compound through the mesh surface and into the seam beneath.
Creased paper drywall tape is usually used only on inside corners. There, flexible tape will likely fail to hold a sharp crease down the center. Outside corners are typically formed by installing rigid plastic or metal corner pieces over the drywall (called a “corner bead”), which are then attached with compound, adhesive, or even nails, depending on the type of bead.
A handful of reinforced creased tape is labeled for use on both inside corners and outside corners, and this type should be embedded in compound. However, for novice tapers, a corner bead probably offers the best results on outside corners.
Most drywall tapes, with the exception of paper, are slightly flexible, which means they can be smoothed over a rounded wall corner without gaping. Flexibility, however, doesn’t mean that the tape should be stretched; doing so could cause it to pull away from the drywall later and leave a gap. Flexible tape is not recommended for use on inside corners, because it lacks rigidity and will not hold a sharp crease down the center.
To qualify as a top pick, each type of drywall wall tape should be durable, with the ability to stick securely to wet joint compound. While ease of use varies by type and the user’s taping skills, each of the following drywall tapes are good choices.
Novice tapers or even those with some experience may appreciate the convenience of Duck Brand Self-Adhesive Fiberglass Mesh Drywall TapeFiberglass Mesh Drywall Tape. It comes with an application of adhesive on its backside, so users often have to measure, cut, and apply the tape right over a dry seam.
This thin yet strong fiberglass mesh tape allows the joint compound to ooze through and fill the seam beneath. This Duck Brand tape is 1 7/8 inches wide and comes in a 180-foot roll—enough to tape out a 90-square-foot wall. If desired, cut the tape into smaller pieces to apply over existing cracks in walls.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime and start saving today with
fast, free delivery
Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Achieving a smooth, flat finish on interior walls that lasts can be tricky. The joints between drywall panels must be filled with wet joint compound, smoothed out, and then sanded to remove bumps and ridges. However, when drywall tape is used to hold the compound in place, it is less likely to crumble away when shifting occurs. The right drywall tape also provides an optimal surface for creating a smooth look, repairing walls and fixing drywall cracks, and resisting humidity.
This guide outlines various types of drywall tape, some key considerations to consider, and some top products currently available.
Photo: depositphotos.com
The purpose of drywall tape is simple: It helps hold the joint compound in place. Without the tape to support it, the wet joint compound is more likely to sag out of the joints. But installation differs depending on the type of tape you choose. Some types of tape are embedded in a coat of compound that goes on the wall first. Mesh tape, on the other hand, is positioned over a wall seam, and compound is applied over the tape, allowing it to ooze through perforations in the tape and into the seam beneath. To select the right type of drywall tape, check out these variations and characteristics.
In the world of professional taping, paper drywall tape is king. Paper drywall tape comes in rolls about 2 inches wide and anywhere from 50 to 200 feet long. Paper drywall tape is the thinnest tape, and the thinner the tape, the less visible the finished seam. This means that paper produces the smoothest possible seams—but only if used correctly. Paper tape is applied over a layer of wet joint compound used to fill a joint between drywall panels. The tape is embedded in the compound using a taping knife, and additional compound is smoothed over the tape to cover it.
Pro drywall installers often only use paper drywall tape, but it can pose a problem for DIYers who may use too little or too much compound. Such errors can result in the tape shifting or wrinkling or bubbles to appear on the tape’s surface. For speedy installation, rolls of paper tape are often fitted into drywall tape dispensers to allow installers to apply compound and tape at the same time.
Note that standard paper drywall tape comes with an embossed line down its center to create a crease to form a 90-degree angle for use in an inside corner. Use this same paper tape flat as described to tape joints in the center of the wall. As with flat seams, joint compound first must be applied to an inside corner, after which the tape is folded and embedded in the compound.
Embedding tape smoothly in compound takes practice and experience, but self-adhesive drywall tape may make it easier. Rather than applying the tape over a layer of compound, self-adhesive tape features a sticky backing that lets the user position it directly over a dry joint between panels.
The tape is made with an open-weave mesh, so the joint compound can flow through and fill the seam beneath. This type of tape is much simpler to use than paper, but take care to smooth enough compound through the surface mesh to fill the seam beneath. If too little compound is used, the joint is more likely to develop cracks later. Fiberglass mesh tape is the most common material used for self-adhesive options.
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