FAQ

Although FibaTape and FibaFuse products can be used with all types of compounds, we do have some recommendations for the best results.

When taping regular, tapered edge seams with Perfect Finish or Extra Strength tape we recommend heavy weight all-purpose ready-mixed compound for those that prefer all-purpose compounds.  If the temperature is warm and stable and humidity is low you can also use the heavy weight compound with our other FibaTape products.  FibaFuse works with all compounds but we also recommend heavy weight all-purpose if you prefer all-purpose compound.  Taping and setting compounds are also great to use with our FibaTape and FibaFuse products.  We suggest staying away from lightweight compounds when embedding any type of tape.  Remember to always refer to the compound manufacturer’s instructions for recommended drying times.

Cement board or similar products are typically the substrate for tile which is often set in a thin-set type mortar. FibaTape Cement Board Tape is alkali-resistant and the only tape that should be used for cement applications with dry or thin-set mortar. This tape is made from the same vinyl-coated fabric that is embedded in the face of some cement boards to give the board added strength and crack resistance.

The best tape to use if the seam connecting the green board to the cement board is Mold-X10 if the seam is going to be coated with joint compound. This would be done if the seam will not be covered with tile, which means it has to be properly concealed with joint compound so that the area can be painted. If the seam is going to be covered with tile which is most likely the case then use FibaTape’s Cement Board tape. The seam will then be coated with thin-set as the tile is applied.

Both products really accomplish the same thing. It would be a matter of personal preference. The FibaFuse is embedded in compound that is applied first. The Super Crackstop is self-adhesive and is applied to the wall or ceiling first and is then coated with joint compound.

The perforated aluminum patch works great for smaller holes in ceilings. The aluminum adds some rigidity/strength to the patch. If you were to use just a mesh patch and coat with joint compound the weight of the compound could cause the area where the damage is to sag. This will not happen when using the aluminum patch. They are available in 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 sizes.

There really are three type of tape that you can use:

FibaTape mesh tapes: Perfect Finish or Extra Strength tape are the two best mesh tapes for butted seams. Embed in an all-purpose heavy weight compound or a setting compound.

FibaFuse tape: Works great on butted seams. Embed in an all-purpose heavy weight compound or a setting compound.  One added benefit is that because FibaFuse fuses with the compound instead of setting on top of the embedding compound like paper tape does, less of a bump is created making it easier to finish.

Paper tape: Embed in an all-purpose heavy weight compound or a setting compound.

Do you do not need to coat the screws holding the cement board in place because the screws are made special for attaching cement board. Do not use drywall screws. The screws do not have to set below the surface of the cement board, you should instead set the screws flush with the surface.

All our FibaTape and FibaFuse tapes are made in the USA except for Perfect Finish which is made in Canada.

FibaFuse can be found at Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, Sherwin Williams, True Value,  Ace, Do-it-Best and other local hardware stores throughout US and Canada. All products can also be found online for purchase. Click here to visit our Where to Buy page.

Sustainability reports exist for both FibaTape and FibaFuse products and are available upon request