FibaFuse Paperless Drywall Tape by Norton Abrasives - St. Gobain

Product Information

For projects that need a thin coat of tape, this paper-thin FibaFuse tape is a top choice. While feathery thin, it’s durable and difficult to tear. It’s also better to use than paper tape for ceiling repairs as it requires less joint compound, leaves fewer lines and bumps, and offers a more even finish. A handful of reinforced creased tape is labeled for use on both inside corners and outside corners, and this type should be embedded in compound. However, for novice tapers, a corner bead probably offers the best results on outside corners. Flexibility Pros employ the first method, and for them, it’s faster. However, DIYers may find the non-adhesive tape slips around too much on the wet compound, making it difficult to position directly over the seam. Also, wrinkles may form in the tape that are difficult to smooth out. DIYers may prefer self-adhesive tape, because once it’s applied over the seam, it stays put. After that, installers smooth the compound over it, pushing the compound through the mesh surface and into the seam beneath. Inside vs. Outside Corners

In the world of professional taping, paper drywall tape is king. Paper drywall tape comes in rolls about 2 inches wide and anywhere from 50 to 200 feet long. Paper drywall tape is the thinnest tape, and the thinner the tape, the less visible the finished seam. This means that paper produces the smoothest possible seams—but only if used correctly. Paper tape is applied over a layer of wet joint compound used to fill a joint between drywall panels. The tape is embedded in the compound using a taping knife, and additional compound is smoothed over the tape to cover it. It is highly self-adhesive making it useful for areas that experience varied temperatures and its mesh design means it’s less likely to have air bubbles. One professional wrote, “This stuff works great. I've had it up for a few weeks now to see if it would hold and it does like a champ.” Nothing creates more of a straight line in drywall joints than a metal tape like this Strait-Flex product. The edges where drywall meet are some of the more difficult joints to align and keep straight, but this item makes the job much easier. This Sure Corner tape, in case the name didn’t convince you, is one of the better options for filling a corner bead due to its metal reinforcements. It nicely finishes an angle and creates straight drywall joints more than paper tape and is easily applied with drywall mud. If this were a scenario using paper tape, it would not have a good bond between the two products- I would have to use an all purpose compound which takes 24 hours to dry. With fibafuse, the compound and tape literally fuse together. I’m able to complete one patch in 1 half day, rather than 2-3 part time days while I wait for the compound to dry.

Technical Specifications

Here are a few of our common questions, hopefully they'll help you out. I'm not a tradesperson can I use your trade counter? Paper drywall tape: Paper tape is one of the more commonly used types of drywall tape for its strength and cost. It’s also one of the more versatile tapes to use as it can be used for taping inside corners as well as flat surfaces. It’s important though to apply properly as this tape tends to get air bubbles. Paper tape still trumps this product by far on new construction. They do boast that it can reduce time repairing bubbles and blisters. But any experienced drywaller out there knows at this point how to avoid them. Paper tape is usually 50% cheaper than a roll of FibaFuse, and can be used on all phases of drywall taping. This is why I rate FibaFuse low for new construction.

In the installation manual, it says there is a center crease for applying to corners – it even shows images of this. But from my personal experience using Fibafuse, it does not have a center crease. If you do try to apply it to a corner, it will be uneven and have a good chance of ripping. The main difference between adhesive and non-adhesive drywall tape is how the tape is applied. Non-adhesive tape, such as paper tape, must be embedded in a layer of wet joint compound applied to seams between panels before the tape goes on. Self-adhesive drywall tape, on the other hand, is positioned over the seam before the application of joint compound. Taping drywall is the application of both joint compound and drywall tape to smooth out joints and make the wall have a flat, solid surface. Metal drywall tape: Ideal for inside corners, metal tape contains metal strips that make it strong and easy to shape and apply. It is the most expensive option though, and can only be cut with strong snips, and leaves a clear texture under drywall compound. Fibafuse is a newer product that was made to be stronger than paper tape, which it is. It is composed of glas mat fabric, which is basically a woven fiberglass. It eliminates possible bubbles just like mesh tape – but it is applied like paper tape. This means you have to first apply your joint compound, then your tape, then press it into the joint to “bed” it into the wall. Another perk of using Fibafuse is that because it is made of fiberglass, it is naturally mold resistant; which makes it a good choice for bathroom/kitchen repairs.There may still be a payable surcharge for delivery to your area if you are in some areas of the UK which we wouldn't pay. ** Many drywallers still agree that paper tape is the best product to use on new builds. This is not only due to the cost, but due to the fact that paper tape is much more versatile than FibaFuse. In my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with paper tape. It is still the most widely used by drywallers. However, if you are a beginner at taping and mudding joints – there’s a good chance you may get bubbles behind your paper tape. This guide outlines various types of drywall tape, some key considerations to consider, and some top products currently available.