What is reinforcing tape (joint tape)?
Reinforcing tape, usually called joint tape, is a narrow strip of paper, glass fleece or glass-fibre mesh that reinforces joints and corners between boards. It is bedded into the jointing compound and stops the joint cracking open later. In Dutch it is called a “wapeningsstrook”.
Types
- Paper tape: strong, does not tear lengthways and has a centre crease, which makes it ideal for internal corners. Bedded into compound.
- Self-adhesive mesh tape: quick to apply on flat joints. Less suited to internal corners and joints with a lot of movement.
- Glass fleece: thin, for bridging hairline cracks and skimming.
- Corner tape with metal strips: for external corners, as an alternative to corner bead.
- Polyester reinforcing fabric: used in liquid waterproofing systems, for example to bridge movement joints in balconies flexibly.
Method on plasterboard
- Clean the joints and remove dust.
- Apply a first coat of jointing compound.
- Bed the tape and press it down with the knife, with no air bubbles beneath.
- Let it dry, then apply one or two wider finishing coats and sand lightly.
Common mistakes
- Not taping board joints: they will almost certainly crack.
- Mesh tape in internal corners with too little compound.
- Coats that are too thick: shrinkage and cracking.
- Mixing systems: use the tape and compound the board manufacturer specifies.
Related terms
- Plasterboard
- Expansion joint
- Plaster lath
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