Metal drywall tape: Ideal for inside corners, metal tape contains metal strips that make it strong and easy to shape and apply. It is the most expensive option though, and can only be cut with strong snips, and leaves a clear texture under drywall compound. Fibafuse is a newer product that was made to be stronger than paper tape, which it is. It is composed of glas mat fabric, which is basically a woven fiberglass. It eliminates possible bubbles just like mesh tape – but it is applied like paper tape. This means you have to first apply your joint compound, then your tape, then press it into the joint to “bed” it into the wall. Another perk of using Fibafuse is that because it is made of fiberglass, it is naturally mold resistant; which makes it a good choice for bathroom/kitchen repairs. To any average person who doesn’t do drywall, you wouldn’t know the difference at first. Any time there is a joint in drywall (where two pieces of drywall meet) either paper tape, or mesh tape has been used with joint compound to bond them together. Fibafuse was created to be in the middle of paper and mesh, but is said to be stronger than paper. 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. Inside vs. Outside Corners 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. Length per Roll

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.Mesh tape is another type of drywall tape that was created to eliminate the need to apply a coat of joint compound before applying the tape. Mesh tapes are self-adhesive, meaning you are able to apply it to the joint first, then apply your mud. This is the second most widely used drywall joint tape in the industry. It is typically used for repairs or new construction. In the installation manual, it says there is a center crease for applying to corners – it even shows images of this. But from my personal experience using Fibafuse, it does not have a center crease. If you do try to apply it to a corner, it will be uneven and have a good chance of ripping.

It’s also easy enough to apply for beginners who find it simple and straightforward to use. One shopper wrote, “It worked so well that I didn't really need to do a second coat after the taping coat.” 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. No standard deliveries are made during the weekend but it is possible to pay extra for a Saturday AM delivery, at extra cost. In my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with paper tape. It is still the most widely used by drywallers. However, if you are a beginner at taping and mudding joints – there’s a good chance you may get bubbles behind your paper tape. Taping drywall is the application of both joint compound and drywall tape to smooth out joints and make the wall have a flat, solid surface.

It’s not quite as rigid as corner bead, so if applying it to outside corners poses a problem, consider using regular corner bead in those spots. Like paper tape, this corner tape should be embedded in drywall compound. But, the slotted holes on the edges hold onto adhesive easily. It comes in a 100-foot roll. Since some areas are exposed to more moisture than others, some may need a moisture- or mold-resistant option. It’s only natural for first-time drywall DIYers to have some questions. Find some of the most frequently asked questions—and their answers—here. Q: How do you mud and tape drywall corners?

Ideally mark the delivery as damaged with the courier and have them returned straight to us. We would expect to hear from you within 7 days of signing for the items to confirm any damage. Returning Goods For projects that need a thin coat of tape, this paper-thin FibaFuse tape is a top choice. While feathery thin, it’s durable and difficult to tear. It’s also better to use than paper tape for ceiling repairs as it requires less joint compound, leaves fewer lines and bumps, and offers a more even finish. Bathrooms and kitchens that need drywall repairs require mold-resistant mesh tape like this FibaTape product. It’s also versatile enough to be used to fix a corner bead and should only be used on drywall. We hope our review of top drywall tape products has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including self-adhering tape, drywall hangers, wallboard joining, and drywall equipment consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform. Paper tape still trumps this product by far on new construction. They do boast that it can reduce time repairing bubbles and blisters. But any experienced drywaller out there knows at this point how to avoid them. Paper tape is usually 50% cheaper than a roll of FibaFuse, and can be used on all phases of drywall taping. This is why I rate FibaFuse low for new construction.Thin drywall tape: Stronger than mesh drywall tape, thin tapes have self-adhesive and are a good option for larger jobs as it’s harder to tear and doesn’t leave the texture that mesh tapes tend to. It’s especially useful on butt joints and as it leaves a smooth junction. Here are a few of our common questions, hopefully they'll help you out. I'm not a tradesperson can I use your trade counter? 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.