Drywall tape is a critical component in finishing drywall seams and corners. Choosing the right type of tape can make a big difference in getting professional looking results. There are several types of drywall tapes to consider for both durability and ease of use. This guide will overview the four best options and provide tips for selecting the right drywall tape for your next drywall project.
What is Drywall Tape?
Drywall tape is a specially engineered paper or fiberglass mesh tape used to reinforce joints and corners in drywall. Tape provides strength and flexibility to prevent cracks from developing. There are several types of drywall tape designed for different applications:
- Paper tape – The most common is paper tape made of perforated paper coated in a bonding compound. It is easy to use with joint compound.
- Fiberglass mesh – Fiberglass mesh tape is a self-adhesive fiberglass scrim that adds strength. It resists cracking better than paper.
- Metal corner bead – Metal or plastic corner beads reinforce outside corners and provide a clean finish.
- All-purpose – Some tapes are designed for both joints and corners.
Using the right tape for each application is important for proper adhesion and preventing future cracks. Factors like thickness, flexibility, and adhesive backing determine suitability. This guide covers the top tape options.
Benefits of Using Drywall Tape
Applying drywall tape during the finishing process provides major benefits:
- Reinforces seams – Tape spans joints and corners to reinforce them against movement and cracking. This prevents unsightly cracks from forming.
- Smooths transitions – Tape helps feather out transitions for a seamless finish between sheets. The tapered edges disguise variations.
- Strengthens corners – Corner bead protects vulnerable outside corners from damage while allowing a crisp finish.
- Reduces joint compound use – By reinforcing with tape, less joint compound is needed to achieve smooth results.
- Saves time – Taping is faster than applying multiple coats of joint compound alone to shore up seams. The tape action reinforces in one application.
- Enables solo finishing – DIYers can achieve professional-looking, crack-free results without drywall pros by using quality tapes.
Choosing the right tape allows DIYers to efficiently achieve smooth, durable drywall finishes.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Drywall Tape
With several types of drywall tape available, it’s important to assess which option is right for your particular drywall finishing needs:
- Application – Matching the tape to its intended use is crucial. Some are multi-purpose while others are designed solely for corners or high-strength reinforcement.
- Thickness – Paper tapes come in various thicknesses from thin bond types to more rigid 90 and 150-weight tapes. Thinner tapes are more concealable while thicker ones provide more strength.
- Adhesion – Many fiberglass tapes are self-sticking, while paper tapes require joint compound for adhesion. Ease of application varies.
- Crack resistance – Fiberglass mesh is highly crack-resistant, while lightweight paper is more prone to cracking over time. Durability needs factor in.
- Finish – Paper offers the smoothest finish for vivid paint colors while fiberglass can show some texture. Aesthetic goals affect tape selection.
- Budget – Prices vary significantly from inexpensive paper tapes to higher-priced fiberglass and metal corner beads. Overall cost is a consideration.
Analyzing these factors will guide you to picking the optimal tape for flawless drywall finishes.
4 Best Drywall Tapes
With a variety of options on the market, here are four top-performing tapes perfect for most drywall projects:
1. Strait-Flex Pres-On Premium – All Around Performer
- Overview – Strait-Flex’s Pres-On tape is a lightweight fiberglass mesh perfect for both seams and corners. The adhesive backing bonds firmly without joint compound.
- Application – Suitable for joints, interior corners, and exterior corners. The flexibility makes wrapping corners easy.
- Key Features – Extremely thin for easy concealment. Self-adhesive backing. Mold and mildew resistant. 500 foot rolls available.
- Benefits – Lightweight yet high tensile strength. Bonds tightly without compound. Resists cracks and damage. Mold proof.
For an all-purpose fiberglass tape that tackles any drywall project with ease, Strait-Flex Pres-On is an excellent option. The thin profile and self-adhesive application make it a great fiberglass tape choice.
2. SHEETROCK Brand Paper Drywall Tape – Classic Paper Option
- Overview – SHEETROCK’s paper tape is a perforated, creased paper tape coated for strong drywall joint adhesion. A proven performer for decades.
- Application – Designed for papering drywall joints. Thick 90-weight paper provides durability. Not for corners.
- Key Features – Industry-standard paper tape. Perforated for joint compound adhesion. Creased for easy folding. 90-weight thickness. 500 foot rolls.
- Benefits – Trusted bonding and crack resistance. Applies smoothly with joint compound. Ideal thickness for concealment. Professional strength and results.
For a classic paper tape that offers time-tested results, SHEETROCK’s rolls are the number one choice of professionals. The perforated design and sturdy paper make applying with joint compound completely effective.
3. Fibafuse Premium FibaTape – Advanced High-Strength Option
- Overview – Fibafuse FibaTape is an ultra high-strength fiberglass mesh tape engineered for maximum durability and bond strength.
- Application – Made for heavy reinforcement of joints and corners. The dense weave adds powerful reinforcement.
- Key Features – Proprietary dense fiberglass weave. Coated in a bonding compound. Ultra rigid profile. Alkaline resistant.
- Benefits – Unmatched tensile strength. Won’t stretch or tear. Greatest crack and damage resistance. Ideal for high movement areas.
For the ultimate in reinforcement for heavy-use drywall areas, Fibafuse FibaTape’s dense fiberglass construction provides the strongest durability insurance. It’s the choice for maximizing stability.
4. Trim-Tex Drywall Corner Bead – Ideal Metal Corner Reinforcement
- Overview – Trim-Tex’s corner beads are thin galvanized metal L-beads that protect and finish outside drywall corners.
- Application – Installs over outside corners by embedding in joint compound. Use for exterior and high-traffic corners.
- Key Features – Low-profile 1/2″ x 1/2″ flanges. Available with perforated or non-perforated flanges. Corrosion resistant galvanized metal.
- Benefits – Crisp, durable corner finishes. Resists corner damage. Applies quickly over corners. Provides long-lasting reinforcement.
For keeping outside corners pristine in the highest-traffic areas, Trim-Tex’s corner beads deliver crisp aesthetics and durability that’s unmatched. The thin metal profile also enables easy application for perfect corners.
Drywall Tape Buying Considerations
When selecting drywall tapes, here are key factors to consider:
- Measure joint lengths – Measure linear feet of joints and corners to buy enough tape. Buy extra since torn tape becomes unusable.
- Calculate corner bead – Measure corner lengths to determine amount of corner bead needed. Buy extra for scrap pieces.
- Assess application area – Consider durability needs and whether joints or corners will require more strength. Buy appropriately strong tape.
- Consider finish needs – For visible areas like accent walls, thinner tapes offer better concealment of seams. Prioritize bond strength for less visible areas.
- Buy from reputable brands – Trusted brands like SHEETROCK and Trim-Tex ensure optimal performance. Avoid no-name products.
- Compare prices – Prices range widely based on materials, thickness, brand reputation and packaging. Find the ideal balance of quality and affordability.
Doing the math, assessing use cases, and comparing top products will make it easy to select the perfect drywall tapes for your project.
How to Apply Drywall Tape
Applying drywall tape properly ensures it adheres correctly to provide maximum seam reinforcement:
Step 1: Apply Joint Compound to Joints
Cover joints with a layer of joint compound using a drywall knife. Thoroughly coat both sides of the seam.
Step 2: Center and Apply Drywall Tape
For paper tape, press the tape into the wet compound and smooth it centrally over the joint. Fiberglass tapes can be stuck directly without compound.
Step 3: Cover Tape with Joint Compound
Using a drywall knife, cover the tape with another layer of joint compound to fully embed it and secure the bond.
Step 4: Apply Corner Bead to Corners
For corner beads, press bead wings into slightly wet compound on each corner edge so the nose protrudes. Embed evenly.
Step 5: Feather Out Excess Compound
Once dry, feather out any ridges and excess compound with additional thin, smooth coats for a flawless finish.
Following these proper application techniques ensures your tape reinforces joints completely and minimizes visible seams.
Drywall Taping Tips and Tricks
These pro tips will help you achieve perfect results applying drywall tape:
- Lightly dampen paper tape before applying to prevent wrinkles and bubbles as it adheres.
- Ensure joint compound fully covers the tape edge to prevent air bubbles and bonding issues.
- Fold fiberglass tape to make inside corners neat and maintain strength. Don’t overlap excessively.
- Cut corner bead flanges at exact angles so they meet precisely at corners without gaps.
- Embed corner beads while compound is still moist for superior adhesion. Feather for a smooth finish.
- Apply enough pressure when smoothing tapes to force out excess compound and prevent raised seams.
- Fill any bubbles or cracks that appear once compound dries with additional thin coats to create a flawless finish.
- Avoid placing joint seams at corners or intersections. Offset seams from openings and corners.
Following these tips will guarantee professional looking results and prevent cracking or weak seams down the road.
Drywall Tape Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most common questions about selecting and applying drywall tape:
Is paper or fiberglass tape better?
Fiberglass tape offers greater strength and crack resistance but requires more skill to use without showing through finishes. Paper tape conceals easily but is more vulnerable to cracking over time.
Does self-adhesive drywall tape work well?
Yes, self-adhesive fiberglass tapes create very strong bonds without needing joint compound under them. They save application time.
Can you use drywall tape on ceilings?
Yes, paper and fiberglass tapes properly embedded in compound work very well for reinforcing ceiling seams and preventing cracks.
Why do my drywall seams bubble?
Bubbles most often occur when joint compound is not fully worked under the edges of the tape during application. Proper adhesion prevents bubbles.
How much gap should be between drywall panels before taping?
Leaving a gap of 1/16 to 1/8 inches between panels allows space for joint compound and tape without excessive buildup.
Should corner bead go over or under drywall?
Corner beads are installed over drywall corners after they are installed. The flanges embed into finish coats of compound.
How long does it take for drywall tape to dry?
Depending on compound thickness, drying times range from 24 hours for initial coats to 2-3 days for finish coats. Faster with fans.
Should I use hot or cold mud for taping?
Hot mud sets faster but can shrink more over time. Premixed cold mud dries slower but finishes smoother for taping.
Using the right techniques and materials ensures drywall tape can work its joint reinforcing magic for an enduring and flawless finish. With the options overviewed here, you can select the best tapes for your next drywall project.
Conclusion
Drywall tape is essential for properly finishing and reinforcing seams between panels and vulnerable outside corners. Choosing the right type of quality tape for each application is key to preventing cracks and achieving professional looking results. This guide provided the top tape options, from the all-purpose Strait-Flex Pres-On fiberglass to the high-strength Fibafuse FibaTape. Armed with application tips and buying considerations, you can now confidently tackle any drywall project using the best tapes for durability and aesthetics. Your finished drywall will have invisible, crack-free seams for years to come.