Drywall – functional/performance difference between standard and self adhesive mesh drywall tape

drywall

Its all in the title but I am preparing to do some drywall work and I plan to use a self adhesive mesh tape for the job as I have always had trouble getting standard tape to work (just don't do it often enough).

Are there any performance differences that would make this a bad idea or are they pretty equivalent?

Best Answer

paper tape:

  • stronger, less likely to crack
  • easier for inside corners because you can crease/fold it
  • easy to cover with first mud coat, lays nice and flat
  • must be bedded in initial layer of mud

mesh tape:

  • have seen cracks over time
  • drywall knife seems to catch on it easily, pulls it
  • easy to lay down without bedding in mud

Just my opinions formed over years of experience, others will have their own.

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