Installing plasterboard on walls or ceilings requires specific techniques to ensure a smooth, durable finish. Plastering tape is a key component in this process.
This tape reinforces the joints between plasterboard panels, preventing cracks and ensuring a strong, even surface. Let’s look into the types of plastering tape, their uses, and best practices for achieving professional results.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Plastering tape is essential for drywall installations. It reinforces joints between plasterboard panels, preventing cracks and ensuring a smooth finish. It also improves durability, reduces repair costs, and adapts to various conditions.
Common types include paper tape for corners, scrim tape for flat joints, Fiba tape for damp areas, metal tape for impact-prone areas, and corner bead tape for irregular corners.
Proper surface preparation, correct tape selection, and careful application are important to avoid mistakes like poor adhesion or over-sanding.
Following these guidelines ensures a long-lasting, professional-quality finish.
Why Plastering Tape Is Essential?
Plastering tape, also known as drywall tape, is vital to the durability and appearance of plasterboard installations.
Its primary function is reinforcing the joints between plasterboards, preventing cracks and maintaining a smooth, professional finish on walls and ceilings.
Without plastering tape, these joints would be prone to damage over time, compromising the structural integrity and aesthetics of the surface.
Key Benefits Of Using Plastering Tape
1. Prevents Cracks
Plastering tape strengthens the seams between plasterboards, stopping them from cracking due to shifts, temperature changes, or settling of the building structure.
2. Strengthens Corners
Special corner tapes or metal-reinforced options ensure that high-stress areas—like doorways, windows, and corners—remain robust and damage-free.
3. Provides A Seamless Finish
The tape covers the gaps between plasterboards, resulting in a smooth, even surface ready for the final skim coat or paint application.
4. Improves Plasterboard Stability
It distributes stress across the joints, preventing localised weakness and ensuring the plaster remains intact for longer periods.
5. Reduces Repair Costs
Plastering tape reduces the likelihood of cracks and defects, lowering the need for future repairs or maintenance.
6. Adapts To Various Surfaces
Whether used in damp areas or regular indoor spaces, different types of plastering tape, like Fiba tape or mesh tape, can meet specific needs and enhance durability.
Why Skipping Plastering Tape Is Risky?
- Weak Joints: Unreinforced joints are prone to cracking and separating, which can lead to visible lines on the finished surface.
- Increased Maintenance: Neglecting plastering tape might result in frequent repairs, repainting, or even replacing the plasterboard over time.
- Compromised Aesthetics: Without tape, achieving a smooth, flawless finish becomes challenging, leaving imperfections that are difficult to conceal with paint alone.
Plastering tape is not just a step in drywall installation—it must ensure a durable, polished, and professional-looking finish.
Types of Plastering Tape
There are various types of plastering tape, each suited to specific situations. Understanding these options helps you choose the right tape for your project.
1. Paper Tape
Paper tape is the most common type used for drywall joints. It’s made from a thin, paper-like material and is often favoured by professionals for its durability and cost-effectiveness.
Benefits Of Paper Tape
- High Durability: Offers strong reinforcement for plasterboard joints.
- Suitable for Corners: Its central crease makes it ideal for corner joints.
- Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper and available in longer rolls than other tape types.
2. Scrim Tape (Fibreglass Mesh Tape)
Scrim tape is a newer alternative to traditional paper tape. It’s made from fibreglass mesh with an adhesive backing.
It’s easier to apply since it can be stuck directly onto the plasterboard without a joint compound base.
Advantages Of Scrim Tape
- Quick Application: Saves time as it can be applied directly to the joint.
- Flexible Use: It can be used for flat joints, although it’s less suitable for corner joints.
- Reinforcement: Provides strong support due to its woven fibreglass structure.
3. Fiba Tape
Fiba Tape is a specialised adhesive mesh tape often used in areas prone to cracks, such as corners and joints. It is resistant to mould and mildew, making it ideal for damp environments.
Key Features Of Fiba Tape
- Mould Resistance: Suitable for use in high-moisture areas.
- Durable Bond: Strengthens joints and reduces the likelihood of future cracking.
4. Metal Tape
Typically made from thin aluminium strips, metal tape reinforces the corners of drywall installations. It’s ideal for areas susceptible to impact, like door frames and high-traffic corners.
Benefits Of Metal Tape
- Impact Resistance: Perfect for reinforcing corners in busy areas.
- Smooth Finish: Can be sanded down after the compound dries for a clean look.
5. Corner Bead Tape
Corner bead tape is a metal tape with a bead on either side. It is specifically designed for corners that may not be perfectly square. It adds durability to these areas, ensuring they stay intact over time.
Uses Of Corner Bead Tape
- Corner Strengthening: Enhances the stability of irregular corners.
- Flexible Application: Ideal for non-standard corner angles.
Choosing The Right Tape For Your Project
Selecting the right type of plastering tape depends on the project’s specific needs. Scrim tape is recommended for most flat joints due to its ease of use.
Paper tape is often the best choice for corners due to its flexibility and strength. For high-impact areas, metal or corner bead tape provides the necessary durability.
Best Practices For Applying Plastering Tape
Applying plastering tape properly is key to achieving a professional finish. Here are some tips to ensure the best results:
Surface Preparation
Before applying plastering tape, ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from dust or debris. A smooth, even surface will help the tape adhere better and prevent issues during plastering.
Applying Scrim Tape To Flat Joints
- Initial Layer: Apply scrim tape after the first layer of the plasterboard is in place but before the final skim coat.
- Positioning: Place the tape directly over the joints, ensuring it is centred and evenly spaced on both sides.
- Smooth Application: Smooth out the tape with a knife, ensuring no wrinkles or gaps.
Using Paper Tape For Corners
- Creased Centre: Take advantage of the crease in the middle of the paper tape for perfect corner application.
- Joint Compound Layer: Apply a thin layer of joint compound before positioning the tape.
- Smooth Finish: Press the tape firmly into the compound, then smooth it out to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.
Tips For All Tape Types
- Avoid Overlapping: Do not overlap scrim tape, as this can cause issues when applying the skim coat.
- Check Adhesion: Ensure the tape is sticking well before applying the final layer of plaster.
- Be Patient: Allow each layer of joint compound to dry completely before applying the next.
Common Mistakes When Using Plastering Tape
Even experienced plasterers can make errors when applying plastering tape. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Poor Surface Preparation
Failing to clean and dry the surface before applying tape can lead to weak adhesion and poor results. Always ensure the area is ready before starting.
2. Inadequate Joint Compound Coverage
Too little joint compound can leave the tape visible, while too much can cause bumps. Apply a balanced amount to create a smooth, seamless finish.
3. Over-Sanding
Excessive sanding can damage the tape and weaken the joint. Sand lightly and gradually for the best results.
4. Ignoring Drying Times
Rushing the drying process leads to uneven finishes and weak joints. Be patient and allow enough time for each coat to dry completely.
Expert Opinions On Plastering Tape
Experts agree that using plastering tape correctly is essential for a long-lasting, high-quality finish. Proper preparation, the right tape selection, and careful application are key to avoiding defects.
Key Takeaways From Experts
- Proper Tape Selection: Use paper tape for corners and scrim tape for straight joints.
- Surface Preparation: Clean and dry surfaces are essential for good adhesion.
- Joint Compound Use: Apply enough compound to cover the tape but not so much that it creates a hump.
- Allow Drying Time: Patience with drying ensures a stronger, more even finish.
Conclusion
Plastering tape is important in creating a smooth, durable finish in drywall and plasterboard installations.
Whether using paper tape for corners, scrim tape for flat joints, or metal tape for high-impact areas, the key to success is careful application and preparation.
By choosing the right tape and following best practices, professionals and DIY enthusiasts can achieve excellent results that stand the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastering Tape
What is plastering tape used for?
Before plastering or painting, the seams between drywall panels or other building materials must be covered with plastering tape, also known as drywall tape or joint tape. It prevents the joints from cracking and separating over time by providing reinforcement.
How do I apply plastering tape?
Before applying plastering tape, make sure the area is dry and free of any debris. Wrap the tape around the seam and adhere it firmly. A joint compound should be applied over the tape to create a smooth finish. Wait until the compound is completely dry, then sand and repeat as necessary.
What are the different types of plastering tape?
Plastering tape comes in a variety of materials, including paper, fibreglass mesh, and self-adhesive varieties. Depending on the specifics of your project, you may want to consider one type over another.
Can I use plastering tape for other materials besides drywall?
Plastering tape can be used to strengthen cement board, plaster, and wooden joint connections. Tape and joint compounds should be selected accordingly for the material being used.
How long does it take for plastering tape to dry?
In contrast to the joint compound used to cover it, plastering tape does not require drying time. Depending on the humidity and temperature, joint compounds can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to dry completely. Joints will be weaker and the finish will be uneven if the drying process is rushed.
