FibaTape drywall tapes are self-adhesive fiberglass mesh tapes. As long as the surface is dry and dust free the tape will stick by pressing into place by hand or with a taping knife. The tape is now ready to be coated with joint compound.
Does FibaTape need to be embedded?
Yes. FibaTape has to be embedded in joint compound but not in the same manner as paper tape or FibaFuse tape. FibaTape is self-adhesive and should be pressed into place over the seams or in inside corners before any joint compound is applied. The compound is applied over the tape and because it is a mesh tape the compound actually is forced through the tape. This is one of the reasons for the popularity of FibaTape, the ability to put all the tape in place and then embed.
Where can I buy FibaTape?
FibaTape 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.
Does FibaTape meet ASTM Specifications?
Yes. FibaTape products meet the following ASTM standards: D-3775, C-474, D-17777, C-475 and D-3776. Other ASTM standards may be met with our specialty tape products.
What is the best way to use FibaTape when repairing cracks in plaster and is one particular version of FibaTape preferred?
Just sticking FibaTape over the crack and concealing with joint compound may work, but most likely the crack will return to some degree. Creating a V groove along the crack will allow you to actually fill in the crack and repair deep into the crack. The extreme cracks should be covered with Extra Strength FibaTape. The tape can be applied over the V groove and when compound is applied make sure to apply enough pressure with the taping knife to force compound through the tape filling the V groove. You could also prefill with compound and cover with the tape. Perfect Finish™ FibaTape is also good for the repairs because it is quite strong and is also the thinnest product, making less of a bump for an easier to conceal repair.
Can I use FibaTape or FibaFuse on an inside corner?
Yes. FibaTape can be used to tape inside corners. Just fold it with one hand and press into the corner with the other. The tape is self-adhesive so it can be applied to all the inside corners before any joint compound is applied. Make sure the tape is tight into the corner without being slightly rounded. If it is rounded then it is not tight into the corner. So when a taping knife is used to apply and smooth the joint compound the taping knife could accidently cut through the tape. FibaTape does make a special tool for placing the tape into the inside corners. The dispenser type tool holds a roll of tape and actually rolls the tape tight into the corner and cuts it to the desired length. A must have tool for larger taping jobs.
FibaFuse is pre-creased for corners. While you can use a taping knife, we suggest using a corner trowel for installation to prevent cutting the tape.
Where can I find LEED information on your FibaTape and FibaFuse products?
Sustainability reports exist for both FibaTape and FibaFuse products and are available upon request
Where are FibaTape and FibaFuse products manufactured?
All our FibaTape and FibaFuse tapes are made in the USA except for Perfect Finish which is made in Canada.
What tape should I use on butted seams?
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.
What type of compound should I use with FibaTape/FibaFuse?
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.
