Plastering tape often gets overlooked in favour of more glamorous tools like paintbrushes and rollers. However, it’s an essential tool that significantly improves the quality and longevity of your walls.
Plastering tape serves various purposes, including preventing damage, reducing the need for future repairs, and providing a smooth, polished look. In this article, we will explore the importance of plastering tape, the different types available, and the best techniques for applying and removing it.
Let’s Get Straight To The Point
Plastering tape is an often overlooked but essential tool for improving the quality and durability of walls and ceilings. It prevents cracks, enhances aesthetics, and reduces future maintenance.
Common types include paper, fiberglass mesh, and metal angle tape, each suited to different needs. Proper usage includes thorough surface preparation, applying joint compound, and following specific steps to ensure a smooth finish.
Avoid common mistakes like rushing the drying process or using the wrong tape type. Plastering tape is versatile, cost-effective, and crucial for achieving professional, long-lasting results.
Different Types of Plastering Tape
There are several types of plastering tapes available, each suited for specific jobs. The three most common materials are paper, fibreglass mesh, and metal. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so understanding which to use is crucial for your project.
1. Paper Tape
Paper tape is the most basic type of plastering tape. It is made from strips of paper coated with adhesive. Its main advantage is its simplicity and affordability, making it ideal for DIY projects. However, while easy to use, paper tape is not the most durable and may not last as long as other varieties.
2. Fiberglass Mesh Tape
Fiberglass mesh tape is a more robust and long-lasting option compared to paper tape. It is commonly used for plasterboard joints, providing better resistance to cracks. One advantage is that you can apply it without using joint compounds, which makes it less labour-intensive.
3. Metal Angle Tape
For exterior and interior drywall corners, metal angle tape is the best choice. It is reinforced with galvanised metal, making it the strongest and most durable option available. Metal angle tape is pre-creased, allowing for easy installation and ensuring crisp, square corners.
Benefits of Using Plastering Tape
Using plastering tape when working on walls or ceilings has numerous benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Crack Prevention
Plastering tape helps to prevent cracks in walls and ceilings. Taping joints, corners, and other weak spots before applying plaster or joint compound creates a more stable and durable surface. This can save you from costly repairs in the future.
2. Improved Aesthetics
Without plastering tape, the seams between drywall sheets are visible and challenging to hide. Plastering tape allows for a more polished finish, which simplifies the process of painting or applying wallpaper.
3. Reduced Maintenance
By sealing potential problem areas, plastering tape minimises the need for future repairs and upkeep. This results in lower maintenance costs over time.
4. Shrinkage Resistance
The joint compound shrinks as it dries, which can cause cracks. Plastering tape adds reinforcement, preventing shrinkage-related issues and ensuring a smooth finish.
5. Cost-Effective
Plastering tape is a cost-effective option for both DIYers and professionals. Compared to other reinforcement methods like metal corner beads, plastering tape is more affordable and easier to work with.
6. Increased Strength and Durability
Plastering tape adds strength to drywall seams, protecting them from damage and creating a long-lasting, crack-resistant surface.
7. Smooth Surface
Plastering tape helps create a smooth surface that is ideal for painting or wallpapering. Without it, the joint compound can be difficult to spread evenly, leading to imperfections.
8. Ease of Application
Applying plastering tape is a straightforward process that saves time. When used with joint compounds, it forms a durable, sandable surface that can be painted over easily.
9. Versatile Usage
Plastering tape can be used for a variety of purposes, from simple drywall seams to intricate corners and edges, making it a versatile tool for any plastering job.
10. Joint Reinforcement
Plastering tape reinforces joints in walls and ceilings, areas that typically experience more wear and tear. Reinforcing these areas increases the lifespan of the surface and reduces the likelihood of future cracks.
How to Use Plastering Tape
Using plastering tape correctly ensures a long-lasting, smooth finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply it properly.
1. Surface Preparation
Before applying plastering tape, clean the surface thoroughly. Remove any dust or debris, and repair any loose or damaged drywall. A vacuum cleaner or soft-bristled brush works well for dust removal, while a damp cloth can handle more stubborn grime.
2. Application of Joint Compound
After cleaning and drying the surface, apply a thin layer of joint compound along the seam. Use a putty knife to ensure an even application and fill any gaps or voids.
3. Plastering Tape Placement
Cut the plastering tape to the required length, making sure it extends slightly beyond the seam to allow for overlap. Apply the tape directly over the joint compound, pressing it into place with your fingers or a putty knife.
4. Covering the Tape with a Joint Compound
Once the tape is in place, apply another layer of joint compound over it. Smooth the compound evenly along the tape to ensure full coverage without tearing it.
5. Drying Time
Allow the joint compound to dry thoroughly, which can take a few hours or overnight, depending on the humidity and temperature. Once dry, sand the surface until smooth before painting or wallpapering.
Common Mistakes When Using Plastering Tape
Several common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results or even wall damage when using plastering tape. Here’s how to avoid them:
1. Inadequate Surface Preparation
Not properly cleaning the surface before applying tape is a common mistake. Dust, dirt, and debris can prevent the tape from adhering correctly, leading to cracks later on. Always clean and repair the surface before starting.
2. Rushing the Drying Process
Impatience can lead to mistakes. If you don’t allow the joint compound to dry completely, the tape may peel, or the surface may become uneven. Always give the compound the proper amount of time to dry.
3. Using the Wrong Type of Tape
Using the wrong tape for the job is another common error. Paper tape works well for inside corners, while fibreglass mesh tape is better for flat seams. Ensure you choose the right tape for your specific needs.
4. Taping Over Damaged Surfaces
Applying plastering tape over damaged areas, such as cracks or holes, won’t result in a smooth finish. Repair any damage to the surface before applying the tape.
5. Overlapping the Tape
Overlapping tape can weaken the joint and result in uneven drying of the joint compound. To avoid this, use individual strips of tape for each seam without overlapping.
6. Applying Too Much or Too Little Joint Compound
Using too much or too little joint compound can prevent the tape from adhering properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount to use.
7. Insufficient Coats of Joint Compound
Applying only one coat of joint compound can result in poor adhesion and an uneven surface. Use multiple thin coats, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
8. Rushing the Application Process
Taking shortcuts or rushing through the process can lead to a poor finish and potential wall damage. Take your time to ensure the best results.
Conclusion
Plastering tape is an essential tool for reinforcing drywall seams and creating a smooth, polished surface. Different types of tape, including paper, fibreglass mesh, and metal angle tape, each have unique advantages suited for different projects. Whether you’re a professional or a DIYer, plastering tape helps prevent cracks, improve aesthetics, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the durability of your walls and ceilings.
By following proper application techniques—such as surface preparation, applying joint compound in thin coats, and allowing adequate drying time—you can avoid common mistakes and ensure long-lasting, professional results. Plastering tape is a cost-effective, versatile tool that strengthens joints, resists shrinkage, and provides a smooth surface for painting or wallpapering. With the right approach, your walls will look pristine for years to come.
FAQs About Plastering Tape
What Is The Difference Between Paper Tape And Fibreglass Mesh Tape?
Paper tape and fibreglass mesh tape are two types of joint drywall tapes used in construction. The main difference between them is the material they are made of. Paper tape is made of paper and has a crease down the middle, which allows it to fold and fit into corners easily. It is generally used for inside corners and is applied with a joint compound.
Fibreglass mesh tape, on the other hand, is made of woven fibreglass material and does not have a crease down the middle. It is generally used for taping drywall joints and has a self-adhesive backing, which makes it easier to apply than paper tape.
Can I Use Plastering Tape On A Damp Surface?
No, it would be best if you did not use plastering tape on a damp surface. Plastering tape is designed for dry surfaces, as moisture can weaken the bond between the tape and the surface. If you apply plastering tape to a damp surface, it may not stick properly, leading to a weak and ineffective joint.
Before applying the plastering tape, ensure the surface is dry and free from moisture or dampness. If the surface is damp, you should wait for it to dry completely before applying the tape. In some cases, it may be necessary to address the source of the dampness and fix any leaks or moisture issues before proceeding with the plastering.
How Long Does Plastering Tape Last?
Plastering tape can last many years if applied correctly and kept in good condition. However, the exact lifespan of plastering tape can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the tape, the conditions it is exposed to, and the amount of stress it undergoes. In general, replacing the plastering tape if it becomes damaged or begins to peel is recommended, as this can compromise its effectiveness in providing a smooth and seamless finish to drywall joints.
Is It Necessary To Use Plastering Tape On Every Joint?
Yes, it is generally necessary to use plastering tape on every joint when finishing drywall. The plastering tape helps to reinforce the joint and prevent cracking or separation over time. Without tape, the joint could be more prone to damage from movement or settling of the structure. Therefore, it is recommended to apply plastering tape to every drywall joint before applying joint compound and finishing the surface.
Can I Paint Over Plastering Tape?
Yes, you can paint over the plastering tape. After applying the tape and joint compound, allow the joint to dry completely before sanding and painting. Once the joint is painted, the tape should be barely or not visible, and the surface should look smooth and seamless. Be sure to use high-quality paint appropriate for the surface and follow proper painting techniques to achieve the desired finish.
