How Long Does the Self-Adhesive Drywall Tape Last Before It Needs to Have Drywall Mud Applied?

About Drywall Tape

• Drywall tape is the thin strip applied to joints between pieces of drywall that will form the wall. Drywall generally comes in 8-by-4-foot lengths, which are joined together on the wall with drywall compound, often called mud, and strips of tape. It is covered with additional drywall compound for a smooth wall surface. Drywall tape is available in both paper and fiberglass types. Paper tape was the standard for many years in the drywall industry, and it is still used widely by drywall contractors. The paper tape may be non-adhesive or self-adhesive. Non-adhesive tape is applied with a small amount of drywall mud. Drywall tape is also used for cracks in drywall to give the repair additional support, according to the Painting and Decorating Concourse website.
  
  

Self-Adhesive Drywall Tape

• Self-adhesive tape may be paper or fiberglass. The fiberglass type consists of a mesh with fiberglass threads woven through it. The advantage of using self-adhesive tape is that it does not bubble when too much or too little mud is used to stick the tape to the wall. One drawback to this type of tape is its stiffness, which makes it difficult to adhere to tight corners, according to the Drywall How To website. It does not adhere well when creased to fit these areas.
  
  

Using Self-Adhesive Drywall Tape

• Techniques for using self-adhesive drywall tape are similar to those used for plain paper tape. It must be carefully positioned along the joint between drywall boards for a smooth appearance and seamless fit. Though there is no need to place mud on the wall to get the tape to adhere, many do-it-yourselfers find that a small amount of mud set under the tape can help to hold it in place for long joints. This characteristic can cause it to separate from the wall if the drywall mud is not applied soon after application of the tape.
  
  

Problems With Self-Adhesive Drywall Tape

• A common problem with self-adhesive drywall tape is the cracking or lifting that sometimes occurs when the tape is used around doors and windows. In that situation, the impact of opening and closing can cause hairline cracks in the tape. Lifting of edges and corners can also occur, which requires removing the mud and tape and resetting a new piece into position. To avoid this problem, don't wait longer than 30 minutes to apply the drywall mud to the wall. Limiting the time before applying the drywall mud regardless of the area where the tape is used will prevent the tape from drying out quickly, which makes it vulnerable to cracking and other problems.