drywall paper tape?

Question

what is the proper way of installing paper dry wall tape or should i use mesh tape instead

Answer 1

the tape doesnt peel if you put it on properly

to put it on all you do is take your drywall mud and mix it with water to get it like a pudding thickness then if you dont have a taping machine then youll have to do it by hand which sucks you only want to mud one side of the tape and stick it to the wall then go over it with a 3 or 4 inch putty knife hold the knife at about 30 degrees and slide down the tape start in the middle and go to the outside

make sure the tape has mud behind it if not it will bubble up and eventually peel if this happens just put some mud behind it and go over it again with your knife

any more questions or if you need help with the finishing feel free to email me

Answer 2

Mesh will keep you from having air pocket bubbles but, i prefer paper. Using a 4 inch drywall knife spread a generous amount of joint compound on the seam where you are putting the tape. Put the tape up from left to right, at the end put the knife in the corner and pull back on the tape to cut it. Start in the middle and work your way out to the edges. Remember you have another two coats after this one,block coat w/ a 6 inch knife then a skim coat usually w/ a 10 inch knife allow time to dry between coats. I finished drywall 2yrs. for a living, this is the right way to do the job, i hope this helps.

Answer 3

Ive done drywall for almost twenty years not one professional I know uses mesh tape on the job paper tape is what we use always.

Answer 4

I prefer the mesh, it is stronger and easier to work with.

as for how you do the paper tape, you put a thin layer of joint compound on the joint, then starting at the top if it is a verticle joint, you imbed the tape in the compoud with your drywall knife. once imbedded, you come back over it with more compound, layer after layer, widening each layer untill the wall looks smooth.

with the mesh, it is self stick, tape up the dry joint, then mud over it, it is so much easier and is stronger .

Answer 5

Just make sure when you tape to get the drywall mud under the tape, and make sure to use the right kind of mud.there are two kinds; one for when your taping and one for the top coats.

Answer 6

mesh tape is great, but I find paper tape to be best for inside corners.
See link for great drywall advice and application instructions.

Answer 7

I do drywall repairs all the time and use the mesh

Answer 8

Drywall tape is usually fixed with jointing compound (US mud) why not use self adhesive fire tape

Answer 9

Mesh, the paper stuff peels over time.

Answer 10

ive just drywalled my living room...the mesh is perfect