A homeowner in my town asked me why I still use paper tape for inside corners

He saw me setting up for a job on his neighbor's house and came over to chat. He said he watched a video where a guy swore by mesh tape for everything, even inside corners. I told him I've tried mesh there before, but on a job in Charlotte last year, I had three corners crack within six months. I still use paper for inside corners because it folds sharp and holds the mud better. Has anyone else had a bad time with mesh on inside corners, or am I just doing it wrong?

3 comments

3 Comments

leer123mo ago

My uncle's whole addition had to be redone after he used mesh tape everywhere.

allen.ruby3mo ago

That sounds like a costly lesson. @leer12, was the problem that the mesh tape just didn't hold, or did it cause the mud to crack in a specific way? I've heard it can be tricky to get a good bond if the tape isn't bedded right.

cameron3184d ago

Actually mesh tape bonds fine with compound as long as you embed it fully, paper tape is just more forgiving for beginners. Usually when mesh tape fails it's because someone skimped on the first coat or didn't press it in right.