is it really nessasary to use tape in the "tapeing and mudding " process of sheetrock hanging? Why?

Question

..Cant you just use the compound and sand it?

Answer 1

acutally the purpose of tape, is exactly that it tapes the seams together and keeps it from cracking. Kinda like butterfly bandades on the skin. Without the tape the drywall WILL CRACK i bet everything I own on this fact.

Answer 2

Drywall is designed with compressed edges on its long sides for the purpose of more grip when screwing into studs, and a place to apply tape and MUD to bring the joint FLUSH with the adjacent wall sections.

MUD cracks when applied too thick, and would eventually fall out of the seam.

I use strictly the mesh tape with a modest self adhesive on the back. I also MUD in 3 stages, unless I'm using Hot Mud. 1. Fill the seam and cover the screw depressions or hammer dimples if you Must use nails.

If you've applied the first coat properly, you may not need to sand, but you will notice that MUD also shrinks as it sets; Hence the need for at least one more coat. Certainly the proper tools will aid in the process.

Sand the second coat, gently, without tearing at the paper of the drywall, check it for flush, and repeat if neccesary. I often roll a light coat of primer or celing white over the final coat and sand to check for any issues that still need to be addressed.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

The paper tape, and the mesh tape, too, help the 'mud' to stick to the wallboard seam...imagine no tape on a seam and how thin the 'mud' would be...maybe 1/32' or so, MAYBE 1/16" ...not much, compared to the 1/2" or 5/8" of the wallboard itself. I've heard different ways to use the mesh tape: inside corners only, or anywhere/everywhere. I prefer the paper tape in all applications except the corner...that's where 'I' use mesh.

Answer 4

Use the tape. It helps hold things together and gives the mud something to hang on to. You don't want cracks later on, so do it right now and be done with it. good luck.

Answer 5

totally agree with kraze on this one. if you dont tape your joints your wall will look like crap. even if you just use one coat of mud over a tape joint it will look like crap. good things come to those who wait. im always curious to see what thosehouses look like on Extreme Home Makeover 3 months later. since they put them together so fast. those guys cant put more than one coat of mud on since they hang the rock and paint in the same day or the day after

Answer 6

The tape is to cover the seams and give the mud something to hang onto.

Answer 7

here my thoughts ,on tape/beding the mesh or paper. lets the cement ,move, and it moves, a little, it also holds the mud in place ,and make it stronger.
it contracts when cold,and expands when hot

you can use mud, but it wont stay up for long

Answer 8

The mud will sink into the wall if that makes sense.