3 best drywall tape

Drywall tape is a crucial component in the process of finishing drywall, which is commonly used in interior construction to create smooth, flat walls and ceilings. It is specifically designed to reinforce joints between sheets of drywall and to provide a seamless surface for painting or applying other wall treatments. Here's what you need to know about drywall tape:

  1. Purpose: The primary purpose of drywall tape is to cover and strengthen the joints where sheets of drywall meet. These joints are vulnerable to cracking and shifting over time due to temperature changes and settling in the building. Drywall tape helps prevent these issues and creates a smooth, continuous surface.

  2. Types: There are two main types of drywall tape:

    • Paper Tape: Paper drywall tape is the most common type. It is typically made of paper or fiberglass mesh and comes in rolls.Paper tape is applied with drywall joint compound and is known for its ease of use and affordability.

    • Mesh Tape: Mesh drywall tape is made of a woven fiberglass material that provides additional strength. It is self-adhesive, which means it sticks to the drywall without the need for an initial layer of joint compound. Mesh tape is often used for corners and areas that require extra durability.

  3. Application: The application of drywall tape involves embedding it in a layer of joint compound, also known as mud, over the joints between drywall sheets. The tape is pressed into the compound and smoothed out to ensure it adheres properly. Multiple layers of compound are applied over the tape, feathered out to create a seamless finish.

  4. Feathering: Feathering is the technique of gradually tapering the layers of joint compound away from the center of the joint. This helps blend the joint with the surrounding wall, creating a smooth surface that is ready for painting or other wall treatments.

  5. Drying Time: Drywall compound needs to dry completely between coats. Drying times can vary depending on humidity and temperature, but it's essential to allow each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next.

  6. Sanding: After the compound is dry, it is sanded to create a smooth and even surface. Sanding helps remove any imperfections and creates a surface ready for paint or wallpaper.

  7. Painting: Once the drywall is taped, mudded, and sanded, it is primed and painted or finished with other wall treatments as desired.

In summary, drywall tape is a crucial element in the process of finishing drywall, helping to create seamless, durable, and aesthetically pleasing walls and ceilings. Whether you choose paper tape or mesh tape, proper application techniques, including feathering and sanding, are essential for achieving professional-looking results in your drywall projects.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best drywall tape on the market
  

Duck Brand 282083 1.88-Inch by 180 Feet Single Roll Self-Adhesive Fiberglass Drywall Joint Tape, White

Duck

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Repair cracks and small holes with the 100 percent fiberglass mesh Drywall Joint Tape from Duck Brands. Strong, fast and easy to use, Duck Self-Adhesive Drywall Joint Tape does not require you to pre-apply compound to joints. It is self-adhesive, repositionable and comes in a large 1.88-inch x 180-foot roll. If you’re tackling a DIY project at home, Duck Brand has many useful DIY products that will help you get the job done.

From the Manufacturer

Repair cracks and small holes with the 100 percent fiberglass mesh Drywall Joint Tape from Duck Brands. Strong, fast and easy to use, Duck Self-Adhesive Drywall Joint Tape does not require you to pre-apply compound to joints. It is self-adhesive, repositionable and comes in a large 1.88-inch x 180-foot roll. If you’re tackling a DIY project at home, Duck Brand has many useful DIY products that will help you get the job done.

  • 100 percent fiberglass mesh
  • No need to pre-apply a joint compound
  • Self-adhesive and repositionable - great for difficult jobs
  • Quickly repair holes and cracks in drywall
  • Single roll

User questions & answers

Question: how thick is it
Answer: Thank you for your question! The joint tape is approximately 8 mils thick.
Question: Can this be painted over
Answer: Thank you for your question! Yes, it can be painted over once the drywall compound has dried and sanded.
Question: Duck can you add some more photos? I have no idea what the actual mesh looks like from your product images
Answer: It’s the best for beginners.
Question: hello, I have a crack by moving earth, I cover with pasta and day out again , this tape will solve my problem
Answer: Yes. this has adhesive on one side, so it will stick and it should go well with pasta.

Product features

Duck Brand 1.88-Inch by 180 Feet Single Roll Self-Adhesive Fiberglass Drywall Joint Tape, White

Make fixes around the house quick and easy with Duck Drywall Joint Tape. Designed with both the professional contractor and home DIYer in mind, you can quickly repair holes and cracks in your drywall without needing to pre-apply a joint compound. This DIY tape is self-adhesive and repositionable, so you can achieve invisible joints and perfectly smooth walls.

  • 100% fiberglass mesh
  • Covers smoothly for a professional finish

Duck Brand Paper Drywall Joint Tape, 2.06 Inches x 75 Feet, 1 Roll (282937)

Duck

Based on 355 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Make fixes around the house quick and easy with Duck Brand Paper Drywall Joint Tape. Designed with both the professional contractor and home DIYer in mind, you can quickly join your drywall seams without needing to pre-apply a joint compound. This DIY tape is self-adhesive and repositionable, so you can achieve invisible joints and perfectly smooth walls. The Duck Brand has been delighting consumers with quality products for over 20 years and continues to innovate and offer solutions for the household.

  • Non-adhesive paper drywall joint tape
  • Cross-fibered design increases strength and crack-resistance
  • Pre-creased for easy application around corners
  • Interior use only
  • Meets ASTM C475

User questions & answers

Question: Is this good to cover a hole where covering an outlet removed
Answer: Not self adhesive tape. Still needs a compound
Question: How do you get it to be self adhesive???? I just got mine and theres nothing adhesive about it? So what am I missing seller
Answer: Yes, it is solid not mesh but actual paper.
Question: Is this true and accurate: "you can quickly join your drywall seams without needing to pre-apply a joint compound. this diy tape is self-adhesive
Answer: They are made by Williams, not the same as channellock.
Question: Is this tape solid as the picture/ description indicates. Or fiberglass mesh as the 1st bullet of the description indicates
Answer: Yes. They sure are. Good set of pliers.

IPG Paper Drywall Joint Tape, Seams Real Easy, 2.06" x 250 ft, (Single Roll),2052,White

IPG

Based on 78 reviews Check latest price

Product description

IPG manufactures a broad range of packaging products and systems that reflect the needs of both its industrial and retail customers. These include: pressure sensitive and water-activated, carton-sealing, masking, filament, flatback, cloth/duct, double-coated, high performance specialty, electrical, automotive, and HVAC tapes. Additional products include shrink film and stretch film as well as carton-sealing equipment, ink jet printing systems and labeling systems.

  • Paper Drywall Joint Tape designed for seaming drywall joints
  • Exceptional wet strength, resists stretching, wrinkling and other distortions
  • Designed for use with joint compound for reinforcing joints and corners and gypsum drywall interiors
  • Special cross fiber papers offer tensile strength both with and across the paper grain
  • ASTM C475

Product features

Paper Drywall Joint Tape, Seams Real Easy

Seams Real Easy Paper Drywall Joint Tape - Self adhesive fiberglass mesh drywall joint tape eliminates air bubbles and blistering. Quick and easy to use.

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