Switched from paper tape to mesh tape for inside corners and I'm not going back

For years I was strictly paper tape on every joint. My old boss swore by it. But after three cracked inside corners on a big house in Raleigh last month, I decided to try mesh tape just for the corners. The adhesion is way better on those tight angles. Plus I didn't have to worry about it bubbling up. Any of you guys mix it up depending on the job or stick with one type?

3 comments

3 Comments

ellis.susan3d ago

Man I feel this in my bones. That bubble problem with paper tape on inside corners has cost me way too many do-overs over the years. I switched to mesh for corners about two years back after a nightmare job where every single corner popped on me. It's just so much more forgiving when you're working in tight spots.

bell.felix2d ago

Actually mesh tape is designed for flat seams not corners. Paper tape has a crease down the middle for a reason - it folds perfectly into corners and the paper actually bonds better with the mud there. Mesh in corners can crack over time cause it doesn't compress the same way. Ive been doing drywall for 20 years and I still use paper on inside corners exclusively. The trick is to not overwork it and make sure you embed it fully before you start feathering out.

seanjackson2d ago

Bell.felix is right. Paper tape has that crease for a reason and it works great in corners when you know what you're doing. But Ellis I get it too. That bubble problem is real and it can make you want to throw your tools across the room. I had a job a few years back where I fought with paper tape on a whole basement of inside corners and swore I'd never do it again. Mesh is definitely more forgiving when you're working fast or in tight spots. Both ways work, just depends on what you're comfortable with and what the job calls for.