Drywalling Paper Tape, or the fiberglass mesh tape?

Question

If I am taping several walls, is it best to use the paper or fiberglass mess tape. I seem to recall that I used this mesh tape in the past, and the walls cracked. Then again, it was a new garage structure. Also, If you ARE using mesh tape, do you have to use a special setting compound mud?

Any opionions on how to best use the mesh tape would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

mesh is usually the easiest tape to use for a first timer .... paper tape takes a little more skill and exp.... if its your first time its proberly the way to go... keep in mind most drywall manufacturers recomend the paper tape and will not warranty cracking/defective mesh tape ... ps if your walls are timber ensure they are they are properly dry or this can cause cracking

Answer 2

Paper tape is best. You still shouldn't have had cracks with the mesh, though. Since it was a new structure, you may have had some settling or too much temperature extremes. Drywall doesn't like to get hot/cold, hot/cold. There is no special setting compound for mesh tape. It is critical however, to use the right joint compound consistency when you are finishing. Tape coat should be thinned. Second coat should be fairly thick. Third coat should be thinned.

Answer 3

Paper tape gives the best finish, but is harder to work with. It is also a lot cheaper than the mesh. If you are doing a lot of drywalling and feel you can get a good result with the paper tape, then use the papertape.

Answer 4

I like to use mesh tape on the flat seems and paper tape in the interior corners and of course metal corner bead on the exterior corners. You can wet, then fold the paper tape on the preformed crease in the middle and then lay it in the corner, or the cieling to wall corner (pre muded) then skim it out. With mesh tape when you skim the corners if any is showing it will catch the corner of your drywall knife and make stuttering marks in the mud. I also think when your previous walls Cracked it was probably due to settleing as this is very common.

Answer 5

Mesh tape is the way to go. The cracking you experienced had nothing to do with the tape. In fact, mesh tape has superior holding qualities over paper. And it's easier to work with.

Answer 6

The cracking had nothing at all to do with the tape.

After installing thousands of sq. ft. of drywall, and hundreds of gallons of MUD; I haven't used paper tape in years.

Cracking is an issue or result of an application too thick, in spaces too wide or deep; most often.

If it's FRESH; the modest adhesive back allows that one need not hold it and have a knife full of mud immediately handy; for one thing.

In any/every application I use a Poly blend Mud.

Steven Wolf

Answer 7

The mesh tape is a lot easier to work with. It sticks to the surface of the drywall without mud. And it's easier to mud over, in my opinion.

Answer 8

go with the mesh tape alot easier to work with and you don't have to mud the joints before tapeing them, then mud over with either a 8" or 12 " broad knife

Answer 9

Mesh tape is better. Any joint compound is fine; followed by a primer and paint.

Also, if it is a small crack, try looking into a type of silicone tube. I don't know it off hand; just talk to your nearest improvement store to help you with that. You just squeeze it in and wipe off, then paint!

Answer 10

One word answer: MESH!!