Using mesh drywall tape how to#
Using mesh drywall tape Patch#

Two exceptions: A drywall patch (aka ‘bullet patch’) where you use a piece of drywall itself as the patch and the tape and Hyde’s Wet ‘N Set which is a hybrid mesh/bed-coat that sets up fast and flat and eliminates the bed coat step in many repairs. When it comes to drywall repair, joint compound and sanding, less is more. Since mesh tape can be exposed and damaged by over-sanding just as easily as paper tape, in my experience, there really is no advantage. And the more you build it up, the further out into the field of drywall you need to feather the joint compound to make it disappear.Īnd the more compound you use, the more you have to sand. This means you have to build up compound to cover it.

The reason is that unlike paper tape, mesh tape is thick by comparison. Theoretically this saves a step, but in practice, not so much. The lure of mesh tape, in my experience, is that it’s tacky and sticks to the wall without a ‘bed coat’. But using it makes repairing drywall a huuuuuge bit better. It takes a tiny bit more know-how to use. Soon after this drywall repair video posted, someone asked: Do you prefer paper tape or mesh tape? Without getting hugely torqued off or doing a terrible job. Dry for 24 hours and sand again until flush with 120 grit sandpaper on a block.By Mark DIY Questions How-to Mark's blog Walls Drywall repair is about turning the highly visible (a hole or crack) into the highly invisible-a wall or ceiling that looks like the rest of the wall or ceiling. Apply the compound two inches wider than the second layer. Add a small amount of water to the compound and mix it in with your joint finishing knife. Step 5 - Apply the Third Layer of Joint Compoundīegin with new compound in your mud pan.

Using mesh drywall tape how to#

The traditional method on how to repair drywall is to square the hole, put wood backing behind it, cut and screw on a drywall patch, and then tape the edges. Then cover the hole entirely with the patch, sticky side toward the wall. After drying for 24 hours, sand smooth with a 120 grit sanding block. Clean off broken edges and tears around the hole. Scrape off the excess until smooth and flush. Apply an additional layer of compound over the seam with the joint finishing knife, extending about two inches wider than the first layer. Step 4 - Apply the Second Layer of Joint Compound Sand until smooth with an 80 grit sanding block. After the seam is reasonably smooth, allow to dry for 24 hours. After applying the perpendicular smears, use the six-inch joint knife to smooth in long strokes down the length of the seam to remove the excess compound. Be sure you are covering the tape completely as you go. Dab the knife into the mud and smear it over the tape, perpendicular to the seam. Use the six-inch joint knife to apply compound over the tape. 2 x 500 Mesh Drywall Tape - 1/pack 500 x 2 (152 m x 0.05 m) Fiber-mesh See reverse side for easy to follow instructions Self-sticking and super strong.

Load your mud pan with some joint compound.

Step 3 - Apply the First Layer of Joint Compound Avoid overlapping sections of mesh tape because it will create a raised area that will be hard to disguise beneath drywall compound. If you cut the tape too short, apply another section of tape to fill the gap. When you reach the end of the seam, trim the tape with a utility knife or simply use the joint knife (if sharp enough) to sever it. Check your progress and align the tape to center it as you go along. Continue working along the seam by unrolling and pressing the tape. Unroll a small section of the mesh tape (about a foot or two) at a time and press it over the drywall seam, using a six-inch joint finishing knife or your bare hand to smooth it down. Press it down with your hand to set it in such a way that it is equally centered over the seam between the drywall panels. Place the end of the self-adhesive fiberglass mesh tape at the edge of the seam.