Can I Use Cement Board Tape On Drywall? (Read This First)

A cement board is a material similar to drywall that you can use to give a smooth finish to a surface.

Just like drywall has drywall tape to secure joint compounds, cement board has cement board tape that does the same. That said, can you use cement board tape on drywall?

Yes, you can use cement board tape on drywall. Cement board tape does the same job as drywall tape, so it is suitable for drywall use. Some features of cement board tapes are that they are alkali resistant, easy to apply, and self-adhesive.

In this article, I’ll give details on factors you should consider before choosing drywall tapes. 

You’ll also get to know about the benefits of using mesh tapes as well as fiber tapes.

Is Cement Board Tape Good for Drywall?

Yes, cement board tape is suitable enough for drywall. You can use the tape after you finish mudding your drywall.

Here is the feature of cement board tape:

• Cement board tape is alkaline resistant.
• Cement board tape is very easy to apply.
• The availability of cement board tape is high.
• Cement board tape is self-adhesive.
• Cement board tape is compatible with both dry and thin-set mortars.
• Cement board tape provides you with maximum mold and cracks resistance.
• Cement board tape works well in humid environments.

Can You Use Any Tape for Drywall?

No, you cannot use any tape for drywall. Before you use a particular tape, you must consider certain factors.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a tape for your drywall:

#1. Application

Means of application are one factor to consider when choosing a drywall tape for your wall. It is either the drywall tape is adhesive or non-adhesive tape.

You must lay it on a joint compound between the drywall panels for non-adhesive tapes. On the other hand, you apply self-adhesive tapes before you mud the drywall.

Professionals prefer to use non-adhesive tapes because the application process is faster. 

The application process for non-adhesive tapes might be faster but more complex. The complexity is why people who do not possess adequate skills prefer to use self-adhesive tapes.

So you have to choose the drywall tape which is best for you based on how well you know how to handle it.

#2. Flexibility

Depending on the type of surface you are to apply the tape, you must consider the flexibility factor. There is variation in the level of flexibility in different drywall tapes.

If you need to tape inside corners, you’d require the least flexible tapes so they would have a proper grip.

Here is a list of different categories of drywall tapes:

#1. Non-Adhesive Tapes

Here are details about non-adhesive tapes:

• Non-adhesive tapes are very thin, allowing them to cover up finished seams properly. Therefore, non-adhesive tapes provide you with smooth seams.
• Non-adhesive tapes require wet drywall mud before applying them on the drywall panels.
• Non-adhesive tape is suitable for inside corners because it has an embossed line down its center.
• The tape rolls are usually 2 inches wide and about 50-200 feet long.
• Non-adhesive tapes are suitable for people with adequate experience.

#2. Self-Adhesive Tapes

Here are some details about self-adhesive tapes:

• Self-adhesive tapes are easy to install and are suitable for people with no experience.
• You must apply the self-adhesive tape before mudding the drywall because the tape has an open weave mesh. This structure allows the mud to flow into the seam.
• Fiberglass mesh tape is common under the category of self-adhesive drywall tapes.

#3. Mold and Moisture Resistant Tape

Here are some details about mold and moisture-resistant tapes:

• Mold and moisture-resistant tape are usually self-adhesive as well.
• Mold and moisture-resistant tapes are usually very thick, which is why they can resist moisture damage and mold growth.
• These tapes can withstand humid temperatures.
• Mold and moisture-resistant drywalls have a waxy coating around their gypsum core.

#4. Fire Resistant Drywall Tapes

Here are some details about fire-resistant drywall tapes:

• Fire-resistant drywall tapes have a foil backing that allows them to resist damage through fire.
• You can install fire-resistant drywalls alongside regular drywalls.

#5. Some of the Best Drywall Tapes to Purchase

Here is a list of some of the best drywall tapes you should consider purchasing:

Duck brand 282083 Drywall Tape

Here is a table showing the specifications of duck brand 282083 drywall tape.

Specifications	Details
Type	Self-adhesive
Length	180 feet
Width	1 ⅞ inches
Material	Fiberglass mesh

Here are the pros of using duck brand 282083 drywall tape:

• This tape allows for cutting and resizing.
• The application process for this drywall tape is easy.
• Duck brand 2802083 drywall tape is strong.

One disadvantage of using duck brand 282083 tapes is that they can cause damage to your wall when you attempt to remove them.

LYLTECH Drywall Tape

Here is a table showing the specifications of LYLTECH drywall tape.

Specifications	Details
Type	Self-adhesive
Length	180 feet
Width	1 ⅞ inches
Material	Fiberglass mesh

Here are the pros of using LYLTECH drywall tape:

• This drywall tape is relatively cheap with high availability
• LYLTECH drywall tape is suitable for taping and patching up drywall cracks.
• This drywall tape is vital.
• LYLTECH drywall tape is a rubber-based drywall tape.

Here are the cons of using LYLTECH drywall tape:

• LYLTECH drywall tape is not as strong as other drywall tapes.
• This drywall tape may be prone to unraveling.

Saint Gobain ADFORS FDW6581-U FiberTape Drywall Tape

Here is a table showing the specifications of saint Gobain ADFORS FDW6581-U FiberTape.

Specifications	Details
Type	Self-adhesive
Length	300 feet
Width	1 ⅞ inches
Material	Fiberglass mesh

Here are the pros of using saint Gobain ADFORS FDW6581-U FiberTape drywall tape:

• The application process of this drywall tape is easy.
• This drywall tape is resistant to moisture damage and mold growth.
• The structure of this drywall tape is extra strong.
• This drywall tape is suitable enough for bathrooms and basements.

FibaFuse FDW8201-U Paperless Drywall Tape

Here is a table showing the specifications of FDW8201-U paperless drywall tape.

Specifications	Details
Type	Non-adhesive
Length	250 feet
Width	2 1/16  inches
Material	Glass fibers

Here are the pros of usingFibaFuse FDW8201-U Paperless Drywall Tape:

• This drywall tape is resistant to mold growth.
• This drywall tape is suitable for both pros and inexperienced people.

One disadvantage to using FibaFuse FDW8201-U paperless drywall tape is that the installation process is usually slow.

STRAIT FLEX SO-100 Original Composite Tape

Here is a table showing the specifications of strait flex SO-100 original composite tape.

Specifications	Details
Type	Non-adhesive
Length	250 feet
Width	2 1/16  inches
Material	Glass fibers

Here are the pros of using strait flex SO-100 original composite tape:

• This drywall tape is thick and durable.
• You can use this drywall tape for inside corners.
• This drywall tape is suitable for slotted holes on the drywall edges.

Here are the cons of using strait flex SO-100 original composite tape:

• This drywall tape is more expensive than other tapes.
• To use this tape, you have to embed it with a joint compound.

Red Devil 1226 Onetime Fiber Mesh Crack Patch

Here is a table showing the specifications of the red devil 1226 one-time fiber mesh drywall tape.

Specifications	Details
Type	Self-adhesive
Length	75 feet
Width	6  inches
Material	Fibermesh

Here are the pros of red devil 1226 one-time fiber mesh drywall tape:

• This drywall tape is suitable enough for repairing cracks in your drywall.
• This drywall tape allows for cutting and resizing.

Is Mesh Tape Good for Drywall?

Yes, mesh tapes are good for drywalls. However, you should consider using mesh drywall tape if you don’t have much experience installing drywall tape.

Here are some of the benefits of using mesh tape:

• Mesh drywall tapes are very easy to install.
• The application process of mesh drywall tape is fast.
• Mesh drywall tapes are self-adhesive. You do not need to apply joint compound to the drywall before you install the tape.
• Mesh drywall tapes are strong and have a high load-bearing capacity.
• Mesh drywall tapes are resistant to mold growth.

Can You Use Fiber Tape for Drywall?

Yes, you can use fiber tapes for drywall. Here are the benefits of using fiber tapes:

• Fiber tapes are self-adhesive.
• Fiber tapes are resistant to mold growth.
• Fiber tape is resistant to damage through moisture.