When it comes to finishing drywall, a choice presents itself: drywall mesh tape or paper tape. But which of these two options is superior? Drywall tape offers its own set of advantages, but is mesh tape the solution to your taping needs?
Let’s delve into the topic.
When Should I Opt for Paper Over Mesh Drywall Tape?
Here, we’ll make a compelling argument for why paper drywall tape should be your top choice when taping walls and ceilings.
However, there are certain situations where mesh drywall tape is the more suitable option.
Why is Drywall Tape Preferable to Mesh Tape?
Let’s examine numerous reasons why paper drywall tape outperforms mesh tape.
1. Paper Tape is Stronger
Drywall tape boasts superior tensile strength compared to mesh tape, making it less prone to stretching, rolling, or tearing.
Another reason paper tape is more robust than mesh tape is that it necessitates a layer of joint compound beneath it to adhere to the wall. This additional mud layer helps prevent future cracks.
Unlike mesh tape, which comes with adhesive applied at the factory for direct attachment to drywall during installation, paper drywall tape is sturdier due to the compound underneath.
The strength of paper tape is especially crucial for butt joints, where cracks and imperfections are more likely to occur.
2. Paper Drywall Tape is Ideal for Inside Corners
Although mesh tape can be used for inside corners, it is not the optimal choice. Mesh tape does not fold easily, whereas paper tape can be folded in half with ease.
Using paper tape on inside corners requires coating them with joint compound before applying the tape. However, you’ll have straight, easily foldable paper tape rather than challenging, wavy, wrinkled mesh tape.
All paper tape rolls come with a crease down the center, designed for easy folding when creating angles and corners at wall and ceiling intersections.
3. Paper Drywall Tape is More Cost-Effective
Paper tape is notably more affordable, costing roughly a third of what mesh tape does. If you’re working with a tight budget (and who isn’t when it comes to construction projects?), paper tape is the way to go.
Even if it’s a material you don’t usually think of in terms of budget considerations, every bit of savings counts.
4. Drywall Tape is Compatible with Taping Tools
One significant advantage of using paper drywall tape is the ability to load it into production-type taping tools.
Taping bazookas and banjos can both feed paper drywall tape through the tool while applying taping mud to each side of the paper.
In contrast, mesh tape cannot be loaded into a taping bazooka or a banjo. If you’ve ever seen someone attempt this, please share photos or videos – it would be remarkable.
Why Use Mesh Tape?
Mesh tape does not require a bedding coat, as its self-adhesive adheres the mesh directly to the drywall. This eliminates one step in the taping process. Mesh tape is ideal for small repairs, holes, and patches.
While paper tape might bubble when spanning small holes in drywall and needs backing, mesh tape maintains a flat, even surface, providing better results by covering the entire patched area without wrinkling.
Drywall Mesh Tape Vs. Paper Tape, What’s the Verdict?
On the whole, paper tape is more user-friendly and economical. It also offers greater longevity, helps prevent drywall cracks, and has a longer shelf life compared to mesh tape.
The adhesive on mesh tape can deteriorate over time, especially when stored for extended periods, while paper tape remains unaffected.
What Type of Drywall Joint Compound Should I Use for Mesh Tape?
When using mesh tape, opt for durabond or quick-set mud due to its fast-drying properties and the strength it provides upon drying.
Fiberglass mesh tape can be the better choice in certain situations, such as bathroom and kitchen remodels. Fiba Tape is mold-resistant, making it suitable for areas with moisture exposure where drywall paper tape may not be the best option.
Fiba Tape also has self-adhesive properties on one side, ensuring easy and rapid installation. Once applied to the drywall, it can be conveniently cut with a taping knife and torn by hand.
Should I Choose Drywall Mesh Tape or Paper Tape for Butt Joints?
When taping butt joints on drywall, the choice between paper and mesh tape might cross your mind.
While using mesh tape may seem like progress, it’s often a step in the wrong direction. Opt for paper tape for butt joints. The bedding coat, as the name suggests, involves applying an initial coat of joint compound to the joints to bed the drywall tape onto the wall. Ensure complete coverage with bedding mud to avoid air bubbles in the paper tape.
The additional layer of bedded mud, combined with the paper tape and extra finish taping coats applied over it, provides the strength needed for drywall butt joints and seams.
Drywall Mesh Tape or Paper Tape for Inside Corners?
As previously mentioned, the clear choice for inside corners is paper drywall joint tape. The crease in paper tape allows for easy folding and straightforward installation to achieve perfect 90-degree straight corners or angles. Just remember that even at corners and angles, a layer of taping mud is essential behind the paper tape.
How to Properly Sand Drywall Mesh Tape
If, while sanding taping compound, you start seeing mesh tape, an error has occurred. Mesh tape should be completely concealed by taping mud and should never be exposed during the sanding process.
Here’s a valuable tip: when your sandpaper encounters mesh tape, stop sanding immediately. Instead, coat the mesh tape with an additional layer of joint compound and allow it to dry thoroughly.
When applying the new mud coat, take care not to apply excessive pressure with the taping knife to ensure the fiberglass mesh remains fully covered. Remember that if mesh tape is exposed during sanding, it will remain visible even after painting the wall, creating an undesirable appearance.
Where Can You Purchase Paper Tape and Mesh Tape?
Drywall paper tape and mesh tape are readily available at various retailers, including Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, and most hardware stores. Paper tape is sold in different lengths, with 250′ and 500′ rolls being the most common.
While fiberglass mesh tape may be slightly more challenging to find in certain hardware stores, it’s typically located on the same shelf as paper tape.
Drywall Mesh Tape Vs Paper Tape – Which One to Choose?
With the information presented, it’s clear that paper drywall tape is the preferred choice in almost every scenario. Except for minor patching and repair tasks or projects in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, paper drywall tape is the superior option.
You can acquire a full 250-foot roll of paper tape for approximately $3, a rare bargain in today’s market. When it comes to affordability, ease of use, and overall performance, paper tape is the answer.
Additional Resources:
– UL Wall Assemblies – USG Handbook
– USG Taping Products – Home Depot
tag: # Drywall Mesh Tape vs Paper Tape
