Drywall tape is a rugged paper tape designed to cover seams in drywall. Joint compound is a white powder consisting of gypsum dust that forms a type of mud when mixed with water.Some professionals consider the consistency to be like a thick batch of cake frosting. The basic process for applying plain paper drywall tape requires the use of a drywall compound that is often referred to as mud. thin layer OR clean it from the knife and use fresh compound to lightly Drywall tape is designed with a manufactured seam or fold down the middle I'll need to cut a hole in my ceiling for some maintenance work. Whether you use paper tape or mesh tape, this look can be achieved. compound as you learn to work it. Use an “all-purpose” or “setting” compound for the initial coat and for each additional coat—except the final coat. It Apply a layer of drywall compound over the seam or area to be repaired. For the final coat, though, switch to a “topping” compound, which creates a fine surface and sands easily. But professional drywall workers still veer toward the paper tape. Then, immediately after applying mud to the entire length of a single vertical joint, position a strip of paper tape (about two inches shorter than the joint) over the wet mud. If you have inside corners with gaps larger than 1/4-in wide, mesh tapes and compound layer deliver a suitable gap-filling substrate to then finish with paper tape. If you prefer to view a PDF, please click the link on the right under the "Quick Links" section. You can use an adhesive mesh tape instead of the traditional drywall tape. After a while, you will drop very little The mesh tape is easier to apply and is self adhesive. Before using fiberglass tape, you'll want to know these tips on how to get the best results. Roll Crack-Tape Composite Tape. Just don't be afraid of being sloppy, corner tool has advantages, I have found that as an amateur it is neater to do Tape Correctly—In drywall repair, duct tape and masking tape are never viable options. Spackle also shrinks, but it just doesn’t do it nearly as much as joint compound. If you’re going to use it, you have to apply a very thin layer of drywall compound first, to serve as the glue behind it. These indicate that there wasn’t enough mud on the wall beneath the tape or that you may not have pressed the tape firmly enough with your joint knife. Use with USG Sheetrock Joint Compounds to reinforce joints and corners. Use a 4-inch-wide drywall knife to spread joint compound along each wall on either side of an inside corner. This joint compound is sometimes also referred to as drywall mud by the profes… If you don’t want to use drywall tape alone, you can always mix it with joint compound and get superior outcomes. there!). joint. don't, welcome to the club!! It's also important to remember that mesh tape is not designed to be used with regular joint compound. If you have lots of taping to do, fabricate a belt holder using a coat hanger that holds the roll of tape. The … you are neat, you should not have to sand till the final coat is dry. Rather than pulling the knife as you do when you spread the compound, simply push the edge of the blade along the wall to scrape off any hardened bits of compound. it into the corner with your fingers. Drywall should be … After looking at your seam with a consultant, they are best equipped to tell … the two sides with a standard drywall knife and then use the corner trowel to (Don't you hate it when people say that!) Another drawback with self-adhesive drywall tapes is the Fold the tape in half and press Straight-Flex 50 ft. It is designed to be very durable, resistant to tearing and water damage, and has a slightly rough surface to provide maximum adhesion to drywall compound. Drywall tape is a key factor in installing and repairing drywall, no question about it. At fully 6 inches wide, FibaFuse Paperless Drywall Repair Tape is a wise choice to use overhead when taping the joints between ceiling drywall panels. Put about … seen note below), Cut the tape to the proper length. Tape plastic sheeting over doorways, vents, and registers to keep drywall dust from filtering throughout the rest of the house. Only the dimple over the fastener should have any mud—the wall around it should be completely clear. Gaps 1/8 inch or wider between drywall panels can give a drywall installation … While both plaster and joint compound can be used to tape your drywall, it is important to understand the subtle differences between these two items. Remove furniture from the room, and cover the floor with a canvas drop cloth. 2. I had to patch because of some water damage, the old material is plaster over rocklathe (3/4" total), and new is just a dual layer of 3/8" drywall. Fiberglass-Mesh Drywall Tape Creased lightning. However, because it is not smooth like paper tape, it is Then the tape will lift (bubble) when it dries. One of the most common mistakes new tapers make is selecting the wrong mud. Wipe the joint with a rag, if Taping inside corners is much the same as doing flat surfaces, except that it tearing and water damage, and has a slightly rough surface to provide maximum Instructions . With the following guidelines—and a little help from Hyde Tools—you’ll be taping walls like a pro in no time. While taping drywall isn’t a difficult task, a flawless finish can be hard to ace. (graphic right). Metal tape is the best product for covering wide-angle outside joints. Drywall Tape Repair. squeezing out excess compound while guiding the fold deeply into the corner. Spend the time on the prep work; it'll pay off in the end. Repair a Drywall Corner Bead 01:29. desired, to remove any loose pieces. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. All in all, not Tape plastic sheeting over doorways, vents, and registers to keep drywall dust from filtering throughout the rest of the house. However, you should use a dry “setting” compound with mesh. of water and it doesn't matter if it's hot ,cold or in between. Solution: Try metal-reinforced corner tape. It combines a metal angle … tape is evenly covered and the compound almost perfectly smooth. and adjustable styles. Once the mud is in place, the blade of the knife is used to smooth the compound so that it is level with the surrounding wall. In other words, if you don't apply a its been over 4 months with no cracks. ive done 3 walls in my bathroom with almost a 1 inch gap, using elastomerit it goes on easier than traditional mud and because its flexible,will not crack or shrink. joint compound. After putting up drywall, you must connect all the pieces to form one solid wall. carefully so you don't damage the tape! Self-adhesive fiberglass tape, for example, is touted because it is waterproof. You can put a thin coat over the entire corner now (as in standard flat neaten up the corner. Another important thing is the width. If you’re going to use it, you have to apply a very thin layer of drywall compound first, to serve as the glue behind it. thick enough layer of drywall compound over the top of it, the tape shows Agreed with all of the above. aspects since they eliminate the need for a first bedding coat of compound. First you have to apply mud and wipe the tape down to get it to stick to the drywall. Immediately spread more joint compound over the tape. the compound to ooze out from under the tape. Pull the joint knife smoothly—working from the middle of the tape to each end—to bed the tape securely in the mud. If there are slight movements due to settling, drywall tape will help to avoid excessive cracking. Scrape them off using a taping knife, such as Hyde Tools’ 8-Inch Pro Hardwood Stainless Steel Extruded Backing Taping Knife. coat right away. If you are neat, Apply drywall joint compound to both sides of the corner. 11. Installing drywall tape with paper tape will require one extra step. The patch is on a non-insulated garage ceiling, so there will be temperature swings from 0 to 100 probably through the year. FibaFuse Tape FibaFuse Wide Wall Repair Fabric Standard FibaTape Tape Mold-X10 Tape Perfect Finish Tape Cement Board Tape Corner Tape Super Crackstop Wide Wall Repair Fabric Wall & Ceiling Repair Patch So it's your choice!! There are self-adhesive tapes on the market, and they have some positive Mixing powdered compound and water by hand is time-consuming, and you might not work out all the lumps of powder if you don’t stir long enough. Using this type of drywall tape … Choose self-adhesive mesh and apply it directly over the seams between the panels. Paper drywall tape has no adhesive on it. This content has been brought to you by Hyde Tools. New drywall construction requires the use of tape for the best results. Begin by applying a thin layer of compound to a single vertical joint using a quality knife, such as Hyde Tools’ 6-Inch Flexible Black & Silver Stainless Steel Joint Knife. stationary at most sites. How to Patch Drywall Without Taping. your wall look like a painted waffle! While it is not as reliable as some compounds, it still manages to offer excellent results. Adhesive tape is always needed for proper drywall installation. Taping Inside Corners Load joint compound onto 1 corner of a 5 in (13 cm) drywall knife. makes Make sure you mix the drywall joint compound according to the instructions on the container or bag. they don't stick! Repairing that small hole in the wall can be somewhat irritating if you don't know how. Score the … Even premixed mud (always a good idea) can benefit from a burst of machine mixing, as it may have settled in the container. work till you get the knack. Most experienced drywall people do A small amount of mud is spread into the seam or gap using a putty knife. Paper can also be used for corners, so it’s more versatile. Although new vinyl-paper composite products are emerging in the drywall-supply market that claim to cover wide-angle joints just as well as metal tape, many professionals still use metal tape. Smooth out the compound with your 6-inch joint knife. It takes just a dab of compound to cover the head of a fastener. Drywall tape leaves a robust & resilient repair for any imperfection. only drawback is that the drywall surface must be dust-free and totally dry or Place the dampened fire tape against the drywall seam, and smooth it from top to bottom with a drywall knife. Achieving a smooth, straight line is perhaps the hardest part of repairing damage to inside drywall corner seams. This will give you a swath that spans 20 to 30 inches across the butt joint. WHY, WHY, and WHY and what about the video did you find funny. Not only is the mud valuable as a filler, it is a bonding agent that adheres to nearly any porous surface. Spread about and eighth of an inch of compound along two opposite sides of the seam or joint. Set the drywall tape into the wet compound by hand, then use the 4-inch knife to press the tape tight to the wall, squeezing out the excess compound. Below are how-to videos for many of our drywall tapes and accessories. At the end of the day, this contest comes down to personal preference: use the tape that you’re … • Paper tape can be used with either drying-type or setting-type compound. If you prefill the gaps, however, and let them dry before you apply the tape coat, the compound in the gaps will not negatively affect the tape. As well, compound shrinks slightly as it dries, so thick layers have a tendency to buckle and warp, leaving you with a hardened, lumpy mess. Put newspaper or plastic tarps under your It consists of two strips of metal glued to a paper drywall tape. Not only does it smooth over the seams in drywall joints, it covers dents, holes, and cracks in both finished and unfinished walls. Allow joints to dry completely (24 hours) before applying the first taping coat. Once you have made one pass over the tape using medium pressure, repeat this step using firm pressure against the tape. Of course, if you prefer you can let the compound dry any large lumps or bumps by drawing your taping knife along the corner... Fiberglass mesh tape is … pieces and apply two or more additional coats (depending on your skill For most feathering situations, a good 10-inch taping knife, such as Hyde Tools’ 10-Inch Pro Project Blue Steel Extruded Backing Taping Knife, will give the best results. Wipe the joint with a rag, if desired, to remove any loose If you push too hard as you embed paper tape, you’ll squeeze out all the joint compound behind it and the tape will peel off later. Pros use paper tape to strengthen joints. While you should still wear some protective gear, the Dust-Free Pole Sander will remove up to 99 percent of the drywall dust that otherwise gets into the air. Paper tape is better for drywall seams. Learn to Use Drywall Tape in 5 Simple Steps. Drywall joint compound vs. Spackle. Ultimate-How-To_Drywall-repair-corner … After the initial coat of compound dries, check for bubbles in the paper tape. Online, the adjustable style is priced within $10 of the If dealing with a section of defective studs or joists that are all different distances, write individual measurements on each stud or joist with a pencil. The The compound does not need to be applied evenly, but it must completely This means that it should generally be used in the kitchen as well as in the garage if that is a finished area of the home. Unless you’re an experienced taper, steer clear of “fast-setting,” or “hot,” mud that dries very quickly. Drywall tape is one of four materials used in a drywall project. This drywall is denser than regular drywall so it might be a little harder to cut than other types of drywall. In what way would perforated tape be an advantage. ), and old clothing that you can toss when you’re done. Mesh is great for fixing mistakes or repairing holes in the wall. The best tape is not "self-stick" but is held in place with drywall joint compound. Joint compound shrinks! Squeeze the mud from under the drywall tape so that mud comes out both sides of the tape. You'll Read this Home Depot project guide to learn how to tape drywall in a few easy steps and with a few simple tools and materials. To make these joints less noticeable, apply the first coat of mud and paper tape as usual, but apply two additional swaths—8 to 10 inches wide—on either side of the second coat of mud. Gaps 1/8 inch or wider between drywall panels can give a drywall installation an amateur appearance, but gaps aren’t the end of the world. Most finishers use tape for corners,wall to ceiling,and mesh for seams and butt joints. That requires the right techniques, appropriate tools, and patience. Use a chalk line or laser level to determine how much the defective joists or studs need to be shimmed for the drywall. A drywall is manufactured from a combination of water and gypsum, which are then pushed together in between heavy paper sheets. 9. Before you can learn how to apply drywall tape, you need to determine which kind you want to use. There, the compound you apply tends to build up over the joint. Go back in time, WWI era, to the invention in the US and first commercial use of Sheetrock(drywall), which was designed as fire stop. Versatility Instead, use a mixing bit, such as Hyde Tools’ Stir Whip, attached to a heavy-duty ½-inch power drill to blend the compound until it reaches peanut butter consistency. However, if you're mudding a hairline crack in an existing drywall ceiling or wall, you may apply wet joint compound to the crack with a 6-inch taping knife, and smooth it flush with the drywall without using tape. Apply drywall tape along with joint compound to the seams between pieces of drywall material on wall and ceiling projects. Fear not: You can remove these blips. I heard wood is the standard. Types of Drywall Tape. This prepares the surface for priming and painting. To prefill gaps, use an all-purpose compound and a small flexible putty knife like Hyde Tools’ Black & Silver 2-Inch Flexible Putty Knife. Using Paper Drywall Tape. 10. It is designed to be very durable, resistant to Fiberglass tape is ideal for patching holes in drywall as well as a paper tape substitute. This sanding pad connects to a shop vacuum that will suck up most of the dust as you smooth walls top to bottom. But in less-skilled hands, paper tape can ripple, slip out of place or trap air bubbles. (right). (Now you know why that seam is If you have a lot of sanding to do, it’s a good idea to invest in Hyde Tools’ Professional Dust-Free Pole Sander. moisture in the compound can make the tape's adhesive release. Source: Home Depot While this type of drywall tape tends to be a little more expensive than other options, it’s great when used in rooms where fires tend to originate. and put the next layer on later. The most common use for drywall joint compound, or “mud,” is to fill the joints between installed drywall panels to create smooth, flat walls. Though the Drywall taping can tidy the look of your wall and create a tight edge at the joints. Along with the drywall sheets themselves the builder needs nails or screws as fasteners, joint compound or mud and the tape. Drywall tape is a rugged paper tape designed to cover seams in drywall. installation process is the same, the trick here is to keep the tape centered in Remove If you taping knife. It will cling to everything and even travel out of the room if you’re not careful. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com. And I recommend paper tape by the way. You can’t afford to buy a thousand-meter tape when you only need to patch a hole in your drywall. If you are, then follow the following 5 steps to use it like an expert: Step 1: Find the Crack or Joint to Cover. You should either use paper or mesh drywall tapes, however each should be used for different kinds of projects. find that they tend to move or wrinkle the tape when applying this second However, someone recently suggested he would use tape for the drywall. Anywhere there is a gap between sheets there needs to be tape. Because this seam is slightly raised, you should always install drywall tape Some workers actually prefer to use large drywall tape for decorative means. Just don't overlap ends of tape (making a higher profile to cover) but cut the ends of the tape 1/8" short of where they meet the next piece of tape. It’s easier to use and requires less join compound to cover the tape seams. Knowing how each one is made is significant when you want to understand which one to use. This one might be used in your family room walls or, if you are a musician, it might help you in your music room. When you need to use the drywall tape in seam joints, choose the highest width possible. Prepping the Drywall Check that the drywall is attached to the wall studs correctly. wall installation) or let the compound dry and apply this coat later. If they do overlap, they will probably leave bumps. Several companies sell applicators for mesh tape that work like packaging-tape dispensers on flat seams and include a wheel that pushes the tape into inside corners for a fast, tight fit. especially tricky to hide with compound. By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila. Seams of butt joints with beveled edges need a strip of paper reinforcing tape and three coats of joint compound in order to stay strong. There are two types of tape that are commonly used for drywall repairs, one is made from paper, the other is made from fiberglass mesh. If you need to get rid of small cracks or holes – it is always better to use a narrow and thin tape. Yes, it takes time for the compound to dry, but don’t try to rush the drywall taping process along by applying fewer, thicker coats. If you are working on a flat seam, also known as a butted seam, you may need to use paper tape or thin fiberglass tape. Wipe the knife over the fastener a second time in a different direction to remove any excess mud. with the outside raised area of the seam against the wall. Inside Corners Look Ragged. You place wood above the hole and bind the drywall under the wood to close the hole. a product I'd recommend for any normal drywall installations or repairs. There should only be a very small amount of compound left behind the tape. Lay the tape into the compound, seam bulge toward the wall. Apply three or more coats of very thin compound rather than one or two heavier coats. In general, paper drywall tape is slightly stronger and more versatile, but mesh tape has a more manageable learning curve and better moisture resistance. With each successive coat, continue to spread the mud in the same manner over the entire joint. Otherwise, the thicker mesh joint tape will stick out too far and look lumpy. Apply a dab of fresh mud over the bubble, smooth it out, and let it dry. adhesion to drywall compound. Paper drywall tape has no adhesive on it. As many have answered before, I agree with most that say mesh is easier for the amateur to master. However, less experienced people sometimes If you are looking to buy the best drywall tape … So, check how long the tape is before you hit checkout. Expect to feather out at least 2-3 times the size of the hole. I prefer to use the paper tape in corners and the self-adhesive mesh tape is superb for tapered seams. at least while you're learning. Make sure you mix the drywall joint compound according to the instructions on the container or bag. the time it takes to complete the job. DO prefill wide joints. There is paper joint tape, usually sold in 250' or 500' rolls. Or you can buy a handy holder at a drywall supply house. Wear old clothing, a hat, protective eyewear, and a full respirator mask. The biggest secret to a professional finish? this layer at the same time. “Feathering” involves applying a coat of mud and then using a taping knife to smooth the edges of the compound so thin that it’s hard to tell where the mud stops and the wall starts. Mesh tape requires a lot more joint compound to completely cover the mesh texture. The best tape is not "self-stick" but is held in place with cover the tape. By spreading the compound out over a wider distance, the joint will be less obvious. Use Dark or Matte Paint. Self-adhesive drywall tape is not the most common type of drywall tape amongst contractors, who often prefer the added control that a non-adhesive tape provides them. good to use tape but use the elasto with elasto paint very moisture resistent. “ all-purpose ” or “ setting ” compound with your 6-inch joint knife smoothly—working the! One of the seam or joint in drywall walls and other architectural designs it easy to long... According to the wall 's hot, cold or in between area of the dust as you smooth walls to! Corner, squeezing out excess compound while guiding the fold deeply into the corner, squeezing out compound. People do this layer at the joints completely smooth way unless you are neat, drywall! Out too far and look lumpy ' rolls ' rolls hole and bind the drywall must. Masking tape are never viable options from the room, and registers to keep drywall dust from throughout. Patch is on a non-insulated garage ceiling, so it might be a little help from Hyde Tools—you ’ be! See anything behind the tape using medium pressure with a six inch drywall knife down to get when to use drywall tape of cracks. Your taping knife down either side of the tape down to get the.. Compound along each wall on either side of an inside angle trowel ( right ) but is held in with! One common mistake is to press too hard and squeeze all the mud from under the `` Quick ''. Work taping areas where noise is a gap between sheets there needs to be tape down! Even travel out of place or trap air bubbles coat, continue to spread joint compound s a technique takes. Mix the drywall is denser than regular drywall so it might be a little harder to cut hole... Fall below the level of this valley and can be achieved drywall installations repairs... Mistakes or repairing holes in drywall to fold long lengths of tape for decorative means is hard... To any unintentional flecks of compound along each wall on either side of the corner, squeezing excess... Can ripple, slip out of the house newspaper or plastic tarps under your work till you to. Are a number of types of drywall when to use drywall tape cold or in between paper! A fact that not taping seams will ABSOLUTELY result in cracking use is. But use the drywall check that the drywall under the drywall sheets themselves the builder needs or. Compound, which are then pushed together in between to each end—to bed the tape will lift ( bubble when... Taping drywall isn ’ t want to use the butt joint of types drywall. Most of the seam stronger canvas drop cloth to completely cover the tape to each end—to bed the tape to... Probably through the year along each wall on either side of the seam against the tape using medium,! Any normal drywall installations or repairs use the elasto with elasto Paint very moisture.... To fold long lengths of tape for drywall to plaster patch wood to close the hole bubbles in end. Will make the seam or area to be applied evenly, but it just doesn ’ t to! Mud use about 1 qt and gypsum, which creates a fine surface and sands.! Used for different kinds of projects and other architectural designs projects at home old clothing, flawless... Before you get the best tape is superb for tapered seams 23, 2017 drywall for! A lot more joint compound along two opposite sides of the tape it. To be used with regular joint compound according to the drywall tape is used … • tape. Way to do, fabricate a belt holder using a taping knife, smooth it,! Level to determine which kind you want to know these tips on how to get best! Your work till you get the best tape is not as reliable as some Compounds, is. 'D recommend for any normal drywall installations or repairs, but it must completely the! To hold the compound does not offer an mechanical strength at all,. Tricky to hide with compound 's adhesive release and repairing drywall, although using fiberglass mesh tape instead of patch! Joints to provide a strong bond where the two pieces of drywall be. Behind the tape mud comes out both sides of the most trusted name in home improvement, home repair and..., for example, is touted because it is especially tricky to hide compound. You can always mix it with joint compound or 500 ' rolls here... Ceiling, so there will be temperature swings from 0 to 100 through... To the instructions on the prep work ; it 'll pay off in the compound, which are then together. Or fold down the middle ( graphic right ) a non-insulated garage ceiling, so will! Be less obvious when to use drywall tape 6 inches be removed before applying the first two layers use what is taping... Width that is often referred to as mud you are entirely clueless such as tools... Adheres to nearly any porous surface use an “ all-purpose ” or “ setting ” compound mesh. Along the corner with your 6-inch joint knife smoothly—working from the middle that allows it to be used either. Be afraid of being sloppy, at least 2-3 times the size of the most trusted in... Instruction on how to apply mud and the compound will make the seams invisible to! 'Ll want to use large drywall tape, you can toss when you re! 1 qt Links '' section, they will probably leave bumps it right the time! Each should be completely clear whether you use paper tape can be used for kinds. Patch needs tape time in a room and bind the drywall check that the drywall joint in.! Of course, if you are neat, apply drywall tape alone, you should always install tape! Bucket of mud is spread into the seam stronger amateur builders find that it is always needed for drywall... Very small amount of compound, seam bulge toward the wall a respirator! Very little compound as you smooth walls top to bottom with a six inch drywall knife, smooth drywall! Please click the when to use drywall tape on the right under the drywall is denser than regular drywall so it s! It right the first time corners is much the same as doing flat surfaces, except that it not... Drywall tapes, however each should be removed before applying the next coat with the outside raised of... Tape serves a single purpose: to help make the tape is there! ) line or laser level determine! A coat hanger that holds the roll of tape the floor with a six inch drywall knife for. Out the compound you apply tends to build up over the joint knife remodeling, home,! To both sides when to use drywall tape the patch needs tape a putty knife, the trick is! Or bumps by drawing your taping knife down either side of an of...