Mesh tape vs Paper tape

Is mesh tape or paper tape better? Both have their place but one is superior to the other!

[Midnightwreck]

as a homeowner and DIY'er, I reached for the mesh tape because that is what I was taught. As you mentioned, it's great for small stuff, not for big jobs and for butt/corner joints. I've watched several of your videos now, and I'm taking in all of your great advice. Thank-you for your content!

[marval]

Terrific info! You’re an amazing teacher. As a DIY gal, i appreciate your pro advice! ♠️

[Capt]

Never understood the fan base of mesh tape. Fibafuse for repairs is phenomenal, paper on everything else

[chadmashburn]

Agreed. I had a homeowner ask me once which was better. I told him paper tape was superior to mesh. He said he thought mesh was better because it would stretch if the house moved, I told him that was true but the mud on top of it wouldn't stretch. He understood after that. Mesh is good for small patches, I like mesh on the edge of expansion joint or metal cornerbead if I have to use it for some reason. And like you said, hotmud is a must with mesh.
You're a good finisher, keep up the good work 👏

[Reiner_Wahnsinn]

We are currently building a prefab house in Germany and I love watching your videos. I think the paper strip is my favorite too.👍🤓

[MyDixieNormis]

If you know what you’re doing mesh tape is the way to go. If you bed coat and skim it correctly it was crack or bleed through. It’s faster and more efficient. Also less likely to bubble or blister

[kurthanushek]

I have changed to Fibafuse everywhere except paper for corners. It saves me from the frustration of 1 or 2 blisters I inevitably get with paper tape. I probably get the blisters because I don't thin my compound enough but I hate wearing the compound and the mess everywhere that I get if I thin the compound too much.

I may go a year or two between drywall projects which would leave me with old mesh tape whose adhesive had deteriorated. Old mesh tape gives you the disadvantages of mesh tape and paper tape all in one.

[joeyoungs]

I’ve had good luck using both though I primarily use paper. One perk that mesh has going for it is your first coat is both the pre-fill AND the first coat.

[myself-ww]

Thanks for sharing Your work methods, great tutorials, Always saving for whats to come soon....and my using what i learned .
Appreciate it 👍🏼😁

[Rob_]

Very nice info Lydia! Have a great week!

[BillAllor]

Funny, I have 35 yrs.in the biz.
The failed joints i see are always paper

[jerseyjim]

I don't thin there's really any good reason to use mesh tape except for perhaps patching with hotmud. I've seen too many cracked seams to ever use it for taping. I was skeptical of fibafuse for a while but after trying it, it seems like a legit product for flats and patching but I don't think it has any advantages over properly applied paper tape.

[darrenwilliams]

I like and use both especially depending on what might be available but paper is most

[josesantana]

I agree, its very informative but she forgot to mention one thing about paper tape, paper tape if you tape on with hotmud it gets swollen with the moisture and after it drys you'll see the joint mark, does the only observation on a paper tape, quick patch mesh tape. I always tape my corner bead with mesh tape It seems to work pretty good. Ps... Looking forward to work along your side one day.

[dionysos]

Is fibafuse ok to use in place of paper tape for a full room rebuild? Or will it crack like mesh?

[denisoqd]

Personally done only mesh since not long ago. Cuz Belgium doesn't require you to tape corners. And we plaster hell a lot more. So I do hardmud and mesh. And honestly never had a problem.
I'm still getting used to paper to use more automatic tools

[JB-szyw]

We use paper tape in corners only. And fiberfuse everywhere else.

[loreec]

Yes paper is best…. When using fiberglass fold over end and you have to hunt for it…..

[bondking]

I just tried mesh tape last week for the first time on a repair. Not a fan. I will stick with paper.

[thatarmyveteranguy]

Lydia doesn't be meshin' around does she?🤣🤣