Hot take: fiberglass mesh tape is better than paper for drywall joints

I spent 6 months fighting bubbles and peeling with paper tape on a basement remodel in Austin. Switched to a $4 roll of fiberglass mesh and my joints have been smooth with zero cracks for 8 months now. Am I missing something or does the hate for mesh tape come from old habits?

2 comments

2 Comments

betty_palmer1d ago

My buddy Mike tried fiberglass mesh on his garage ceiling last year after paper tape gave him nothing but headaches on his living room. He was bragging about it for months, said it was the best decision he ever made for drywall work. Then around the 9 month mark he noticed a little crack starting to spiderweb out from one of the joints. He figured it was just bad taping on his part, but another spot started showing issues too. I think mesh works fine for short term patches but paper holds up better over time with temperature changes and house settling, at least that's what I've seen with people I know who've used both.

the_rowan1d ago

@betty_palmer you really think paper holds up better long term? Ive seen mesh crack out way faster than paper too. My neighbor used it on his basement ceiling and within a year it looked like a road map. Paper just stays put even when the house shifts.