What is so Important about Plastering Tape?

Dec 1, 2020

Preparation is key to success, but sometimes we need something to hold it all together. Plastering tape is a critical tool for anyone doing a plastering job, especially when it comes to repairs. A small crack or surface imperfections could marr a final job, but with the power of plastering tape is there another solution.

There are a variety of plaster tapes, each designed to serve a different purpose. It’s a strong tool in anyone’s toolbox, much like duct tape. Depending on the stage of the project and the work involved, the tape could be used to fix a problem or as part of the build process. We’ll cover a few of them here. 

Basic Drywall Tape

This form of plaster tape is designed to be flexible, easy to use, and lightweight to apply since it’s made of paper. Basic drywall tape is applied after a jointing compound is added to fill gaps or cracks. 

Scrim tape

This type of tape is very popular with beginners, especially when it comes to plasterboard. Since it doesn’t require a joint compound, it’s easier to work with. This tape is made of fiberglass, so it’s significantly sturdier than basic drywall tape. It’s made of an interwoven mesh, which gives it much more strength and flexibility, with the added benefit of not bubbling up. 

Metal tape

The final type of tape uses metal to make finishing corners easier. It adds an extreme level of rigidity, so it’s easier to finish internal and external corners. It’s reinforced with a galvanised metal, which makes it the stronger tape of this bunch. It might have some uses as a regular tape, but its primary function is for corners. The fold down the middle makes it easy to cover corners, ensuring a nice clean edge. 

Choosing the right tape

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, it’s important to choose the right tape for the job. Depending on the area and size of the job, it might require more tape. Remember not to use tape to cover long gaps, as that means the structure of the plaster might be at risk, making the tape largely useless. 

You want to stick to around one to two-inch lengths. Depending on the area you’re working with, you may want to invest in wider tape as well. For covering cracks and small blemishes, we recommend getting the tape and applying it yourself, but when it comes to repairs or installs, we recommend reaching out to a professional.

Plastering tape can cover a lot of problems, but it’s important to remember it isn’t a perfect solution. In the right hands it can be useful, but be sure not to overuse it, as that could pose structural risks for everyone who lives in a home or space. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation.