Need to repair drywall or want to install some new drywall panel in your house? Either way, you need the best drywall tape to ensure smooth seam joints that do not start building hairline cracks.
Drywall tapes are cheap, easy to use with joint compound, and strong enough to hold the drywall panels. Without using drywall tape in the seam joints, you will start seeing cracks after a few months, if not weeks.
To make your task easy and effortless, we are presenting the top 7 best drywall tape for cracks of this year! Keep reading-
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | MF-100 Straight-Flex Mid-Flex 300 Drywall Tape | 9.5/10 | |
  | FibaFuse 2-1/16-Inch Paperless Drywall Tape | 9/10 | |
  | Straight-Flex 50 ft. Roll Crack-Tape Composite Tape | 9/10 |
What is Drywall Tape?
A non-adhesive tape that is used on drywall with drywall joint compound to make the seam, corner, and joints of the drywall smooth enough to prime, paint and decorate.
There are self-adhesive drywall tape available but best drywall tapes are non-adhesive that need to be used with drywall mud for perfect adhesion.
These are a bit rough for better adhesion and durable enough to stick to the surface for years.
7 Best Drywall Tape Reviews
1. MF-100 Straight-Flex Mid-Flex 300 Drywall Tape
A drywall tape that is flexible yet strong enough. Yes, we are talking about our best pick for this buying guide, The MF-100 Straight Flex Drywall Tape.
This silver colored tape is best for angles that provide high-quality bonding with mud. Unlike other tapes, this dries fast allowing you to apply the second coat of compound within moments.
This is a rustproof tape that does not crack when applied following the easy installation process.
So, if you are looking for a product that is durable, easy to use, and yet affordable, this 100 feet long drywall tape is the product that we choose for you.
Key Features
- Silver color
- Best for angles
- Fast drying with great bonding
- Rustproof and does not crack
- Can be easily cut and applied
2. YIKAI Fiberglass Cloth Tape, Glass Fiber Mesh Joint Tape
If you are looking for a product that can be used in the drywall as well as other materials, this Fiber Mesh Joint Tape from YIKAI is a great option for you.
It is made with heat resistance. So, you can use it in a place where high heat is generated.
This versatile product is a durable one that is great for using on drywall reinforcement and repair. Using this on the drywall seam will ensure a crack-free smooth finish in drywall joints.
Since this is a rustproof product that comes with an added bonus of fire resistance, you can pick this up for any type of household works you want.
For its mesh cloth build, it ensures greater bonding than most other cheap drywall tapes you will find in the market.
Key Features
- Fiberglass made drywall tape
- Heat and fire-resistant
- Fireproof mesh joint tape
- Ensures durable repair
- Versatile usage
3. Straight-Flex 50 ft. Roll Crack-Tape Composite Tape
If you are looking to buy the best drywall tape for cracks, this Straight-Flex model is the bet for you.
It is a 2.2-inch wide tape ensuring great coverage area on the cracked surface allowing you to put it on most of the drywall cracks.
This non-adhesive drywall tape patches drywall joints and cracks in a great way when used with joint compound.
And talking about the versatility, you can certainly use this on other patching works when needed as a reinforcement material with regular adhesive. So, a great plus.
Key Features
- Great for drywall crack repair
- Not self-adhesive
- Versatile product
- Can be used for repair and reinforcement
- 2.2-inch wide tape
4. FibaFuse Paperless Drywall Tape Review
A great paperless drywall tape that you can get without thinking much.
This USA made product is a durable product ensuring high-quality repair in drywall surfaces. Since this product is mold resistant, you can use this in most humid and moisture-prone surfaces. This works great in all types of weather conditions.
Since it is a relatively thinner tape, it is easier to apply on the surface with a joint compound without having difficulty smoothing up the surface.
Key Features
- Thin drywall tape
- A great option for the humid condition
- Mold resistant
- Fiberglass material
- Made in the USA
- Easy to use and highly Durable
5. Red Devil 1226 Onetime Fiber Mesh Crack Patch
One of the best self-adhesive drywall tape you can buy right now! Yes, we are talking about the Red Devil 1226 Onetime Fiber Mesh Crack Patch.
This works great in drywall repair and reinforcement allowing you to patch most stubborn joints that crack repeatedly.
One great positive about this product is its versatility in different drywall surfaces. Whether you need to repair a surface indoor or outdoor, this product will serve you.
Its fast-drying capability and aggressive bonding with the joint compound is another thing worth mentioning.
So, if you need a tape for small drywall repair where you don’t want to spend money on adhesive material, this self-adhesive and cheap drywall tape for crack patching is a great option for you.
Key Features
- Self-adhesive drywall tape
- Good for drywall cracks
- Can be used both interior and exterior
- Fast drying with a professional finish
6. Saint-Gobain ADFORS FDW6693-U FibaTape Drywall Joint Tape
Best product in terms of product color and size versatility. This FibaTape from Saint-Gobain comes in two different colors and three different sizes to allow you the most flexibility with buying options that you can’t find anywhere else.
It comes with a high-quality adhesive that bonds drywall strongly ensuring no crack repair.
Since this is a self-adhesive tape, you do not need any additional instruments except hand gloves to apply this on the surface.
When applied, this product does not leave any bubble or blister making a perfect and professional-like finish on your drywall joint.
Key Features
- High-quality bonding
- Self-adhesive drywall tape
- Easy to apply
- No blister or bubble
- Fiberglass mesh
- Comes in different size and color
7. Duck Brand 280283 Self Adhesive Drywall Tape Review
A fiberglass mesh drywall tape made for durability. No matter you need to reinforce or repair a joint that is repeatedly appearing, this self-adhesive drywall tape can do your job almost instantly.
It is easy to apply when you are repairing small hairline cracks. As it comes with adhesive attached, you do not need to do anything except positioning it on the cracked surface.
Talking about positioning, this self-adhesive drywall tape comes with a great feature. You can reposition this if you mess up the first time. It will work just fine!
So, whether you are a new DIYer or a professional contractor, this can serve both. And as usual, this can be sanded and painted, so it is not a big deal hiding this under the decoration.
Key Features
- Self-adhesive tape for DIYer
- Easy to apply
- Can be repositioned after application
- Great for small cracks and holes
- Can be painted and sanded
Best Drywall Tape Buying Guide
Deciding on an unknown product is always a challenging task. In case you are new to the industry, we are sharing with you the method that we have used for picking up the most authentic drywall tape-
Fiberglass Mesh vs Paper Tape: Which is Better?
Choosing the right material is a key factor when it comes to drywall tape. Generally, you’ll find paper and fiberglass tape for drywall repair and both are good in a sense.
Different people get used to the different materials and they give preference to their favorite ones over the other. This is why you’ll see professionals making contradictory statements regarding drywall tape types.
Generally speaking, standard paper drywall tape is very flexible and can be used in drywall corners and edges more conveniently than the fiberglass mesh tape. So, we prefer paper tape over fiberglass for edges and corners. You can call it a fiberglass drywall tape problem but we do not consider this a problem rather a limitation of the material.
Another key consideration is- paper tape is not elastic, so, it will not change its shape with temperature changes whereas fiberglass tape is a bit elastic and can move to make the joint vulnerable to future cracking.
In terms of durability, a mesh tape is way more durable than the paper joint tape. So, you can see mixed results in these types.
However, manufacturers use both paper and fiber to make a composite so that these become the strongest drywall tape. So, choose the right drywall tape wisely for your DIY project. To give you a bit of assurance, none of these types are bad. They come with different pros and cons but will give you the highest result when you choose the best quality tape.
What Length Drywall Tape Should You Get?
When buying drywall tape, this is an important step to consider. You can’t afford to buy a thousand-meter tape when you only need to patch a hole in your drywall. So, check how long the tape is before you hit checkout.
Another important thing is the width. When you need to use the drywall tape in seam joints, choose the highest width possible. Standard tape comes in 2 to 4 inches width. When seeing the width, avoid unnecessarily wide products as those will increase your repair cost as well as effort to get things done.
We recommend purchasing all-purpose drywall tape that can be used in other household reinforcement and tape works. So that you can properly utilize the tape once the drywall repair work is done.
Is Drywall Tape Durable?
Durability is a concern in all purchase decisions. So, you must check whether you get the exact product you are intending to purchase. Durability comes with high-quality material and good storage.
Check whether your product is made of the highest grade raw material. Since you can’t verify this, simply check the price of the product. Cheap products are generally made with low-quality materials where expensive products come with the highest grade raw materials.
Good quality drywall tape bonds with the surface without leaving any wrinkles or bubbles under it. But cheap drywall tape leaves. For getting a nice and smooth finish, you need to get a product that does not leave behind any bubble or wrinkle for extended durability.
What Type of Drywall Tape Should I Use?
In terms of adhesion, drywall tape comes in two forms – non-adhesive and self-adhesive.
Non-adhesive drywall tapes are the tape without any adhesive. So, you need to use joint compound or spackle to stick them to the surface. To apply these easily, you can use the best drywall taping tool.
On the other hand, self-adhesive tapes come with pre-applied adhesive in one side of the tape so that you can apply those on flat surfaces without applying mud or other joining materials.
Generally, the non-adhesive tape is best for their extended durability, versatile usage, and high-quality bonding with the surface.
In terms of flexibility, there are two types of drywall tape- flexible and non-flexible tape. As the name suggests, flexible tape is easily folded thus are good for taping inside corners and edges where you need to fold the tape.
On the contrary, the non-flexible tape is good for using on the smooth and plain surfaces where you do not need to fold the tape.
Moisture and Mold Resistance
Moisture resistance is a must for any type of repair material that uses adhesive to stick on the surface. As the surface can get wet accidentally, or for the humid weather, the surface can become moisture, it is necessary to get a tape that can withstand these unavoidable conditions without degrading.
The requirement of mold resistance comes along with the moisture resistance. Because humid surfaces are prone to mold growth more than the dry surfaces.
Nowadays, you will see most of the manufacturers use materials that can withstand moisture and resist mold from growing on the repaired surface, there is little concern about this. But you need to check whether your chosen one is moisture resistant as well as mildew resistant.
Fire and Heat resistance
Now that you have checked all the necessary features of the drywall tape, it is now the turn to check for additional features. Almost all high-end tape comes with great features like fire and heat resistance. Check for this if you are going to use the tape in the kitchen or exterior.
Read Also: Best Drywall Stilts Reviews
Benefits of Using Drywall Tape
The main benefit of using drywall type is- it makes the drywall seam invisible. Since drywall panels are joined together to make the home, the joints are easily visible and do not look good. For making the surface smooth and nice to look at, you need to hide the joints.
Using only the spackle or joint compound in such a big joint is not feasible as you will see them cracking over time. So, drywall tape acts as a reinforcement material with the joint compound to make them strong enough to hold the surface as well as ensures a smooth and nice-looking drywall surface.
Another important factor is- you can’t sand on such a big crack without reinforcing the repair material as the vibration from the sander will make the joint more vulnerable and eventually you’ll see wall cracks appearing again on it.
How To Use Drywall Tape
Here are the steps in detail to put the tape on drywall -
1. Clean the Surface Area
Wipe the surface area with a clean and dry cloth. You can use a soft brush instead of the cloth.
Either way, you need to make sure that there is no dirt left on the surface where you are going to put the drywall tape.
2. Apply Joint Compound on the Wall
Use a taping knife for applying the joint compound evenly on the wall.
Remember that if you leave any space without applying joint compound underneath the tape, it will come out of the wall after a while.
If you are doing it yourself, you must be careful of that.
3. Place the Drywall Tape on
After an even bead of drywall joint compound, place the tape on the surface. You should place it in a manner so that there is no bubble left below the tape.
4. Joint Compound on the Tape
Now, after you place the tape, you need to apply the joint compound on the tape.
When applying the compound, you need to make sure that you apply it evenly. You will need to use three to five beads of drywall joint compound depending on your skills and ability.
If you can not apply the compound evenly, you have to wait for the bead to dry and sand. After that, you can go for a second bead.
5. Sanding
If you have followed all of the procedures, you just need to wait for the joint compound to dry out.
After is dried up, you can sand the additional gypsum compound out of the surface before you paint or do anything on the surface.
Tips For Better Drywall Taping
Here are some of the pro tips for better drywall taping-
- Soak the drywall tape in water before applying it on the surface. This will eliminate the risk of bubbles and wrinkles appearing on the tape. And will help you align and apply the tape easily.
- Apply a coat of mud on the joint before using the tape. This will strengthen the bonding and stick the tape to the smooth surface firmly.
- If you see bubbles or loose tape on the surface after all your efforts, simply cut them and remove the part from the surface. After removing use a bit of mud to compensate.
- Go side by side when taping on the drywall. Trying to apply the tape on the whole surface at once will increase the risk of making mistakes. So, go slow on it.
- Ensure that the tape is embedded perfectly on the surface. After applying a full line, check for any bubble, wrinkle, or ridges on the tape. Ridges appear when mud accumulates under the tape and dries out. So, look for those impairments carefully.
Final Verdict
For a great finish on the newly installed drywall, it is necessary to get the best drywall tape and apply it according to the instruction.
When you are new to these things or want to verify or existing knowledge, it can sometimes confuse yourself. To make your task smooth, we have included our top picks in the table at the beginning of this tape buying guide.
In case we have missed anything or you need any suggestion connecting to this topic, feel free to use the comment box below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tape over cracked drywall tape?
No. We recommend removing the old tap, applying a new layer of joint compound, and then taping again with fresh drywall tape.
Do you need to tape drywall cracks?
Yes. It is critical to tape drywall cracks in order to prevent the joints from separating and the wall from falling apart prematurely.
Do you need to tape drywall joints?
Yes. If the walls are being painted and/or textured, it is recommended that you apply a layer of joint compound over your taping work before painting or applying texture. This will ensure that any minor imperfections in the paint job due to uneven seams etc., can be corrected with a quick touchup.
What is the purpose of drywall tape?
The primary function of wall taping is to reinforce joints and create smooth, straight seams. The joint compound in place provides some strength, but it's taping that really holds things together.
Why is my drywall tape cracking?
If you are using a lower quality drywall tape, it could be cracking because of improper application or poor adhesion to the joint compound. If you are using a higher quality drywall tape, the cracking may be due to improper installation or the old age of the material.
How do you know when to apply tape?
If there is a gap that needs filling or if the joints are not flush, it's time to apply drywall tape. If your walls seem floppy and wavy, applying drywall tape will help secure them in place. Apply at least one layer of tape to the joints and create smooth, flat seams. The joint compound in place provides some strength, but it's taping that really holds things together.
What happens if you don't tape drywall seams?
If you don't tape drywall seams, the joint compound will crack and fall away from the wall. That leaves large gaps in your walls that can collect dust and start to decay over time. The results of not taping joints are unsightly at best, but it also increases your risk for future problems with pests or mold.
How do you fix cracks in drywall tape?
Drywall tape cracks can usually be fixed by applying a thin layer of joint compound over the crack. The trick is to try and keep the new drywall tape in place as you apply it so that there are no air bubbles around it when you finish taping up both sides of the seam. For larger gaps in between two pieces of drywall, use mesh tape to cover that gap.
Should I worry about hairline cracks?
Small hairline cracks in drywall tape can be ignored, but larger gaps should be filled with a thin layer of joint compound. The key is to get the new fresh coat of joint compound on all sides and in between both pieces of drywall that you are trying to join together.
However, keep your eyes on the hairline crack to see if it's expanding. Most times, a hairline crack appears and doesn't expand. But it may start with hairline crack and expand to a larger gaps sometimes as well.
How do I stop my drywall from cracking?
The key is to use a heavy-duty construction adhesive and fasten the drywall seams together with screws or nails. The new fresh coat of joint compound on all sides and in between both pieces of drywall will help prevent hairline cracks from appearing down the line as well.
Does mesh tape crack?
No, mesh tape is a great way to seal the seams. Mesh tape does not crack as drywall compound does and it can be peeled off if you need to make any changes in your drywall installation later on down the road.
Will primer cover drywall tape?
Yes, primers that come mixed with spackle will cover tape. However, primers and spackles that are not mixed together will leave the tape uncovered. In that case, you will need to apply mud to cover the tape.
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