Paper tape vs mesh finally clicked after a ceiling repair in Cleveland last spring

2 comments

2 Comments

Heard a guy on a podcast talking about how paper tape actually bonds chemically with the joint compound, while mesh just sits on top. Made sense after I tried it myself. Paper feels like it becomes part of the ceiling almost. Mesh can be okay for quick patches but for anything that needs to look smooth and stay flat, paper is the way.

gavin_kelly9122d ago

Right after I finished a drywall patch in my buddy's basement in Parma, Ohio back in 2017, I had a similar lightbulb moment. I was using mesh tape on some ceiling joints and it was just not cooperating, kept bubbling up on me. Switched to paper tape on the next section and it was like night and day, it laid down flat and the mud feathered out so much cleaner. Now I keep both on the truck but paper is my go-to for any ceiling work, especially in these older homes with plaster and lathe that move a little.