This guide outlines various types of drywall tape, some key considerations to consider, and some top products currently available. 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? Nothing creates more of a straight line in drywall joints than a metal tape like this Strait-Flex product. The edges where drywall meet are some of the more difficult joints to align and keep straight, but this item makes the job much easier.

Paper drywall tape: Paper tape is one of the more commonly used types of drywall tape for its strength and cost. It’s also one of the more versatile tapes to use as it can be used for taping inside corners as well as flat surfaces. It’s important though to apply properly as this tape tends to get air bubbles. 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.

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. 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 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.

We researched the most sought-after drywall tapes in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, length and coverage area, materials, and other special features included by select brands.There may still be a payable surcharge for delivery to your area if you are in some areas of the UK which we wouldn't pay. ** 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.