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Fibafuse

92K views 120 replies 35 participants last post by  icerock drywall 
#1 ·
Heard some issues with fibafuse paperless tape cracking. Wondering if it's just application error and if anyone uses it or prefers to use it over paper?
 
#5 ·
Fibafuse is a relatively new product and I haven't heard anything negative about it nor do I think it's a gimick.

I have used it very succesfully on butt joints. It seems to have at least as much strength as paper and significantly reduces the typical butt joint hump.

So yes, I prefer it over paper, but it's probably not necessary for inside corners or taper joints.

And, BTW, I don't care for fiberglass mesh tape.
 
#6 ·
I agree. I think it's better than paper looking at it similarly because it truly fuses with the compound. Wondering if it would be beneficial to use it over mesh rape for large gaps? On any joints, gave you noticed if you oversand it, do the hairs pop out or do they shave off?
 
#9 ·
I think Fibabfuse COULD replace paper tape, but other than butt joints, there's no real advantage. Paper is strong enough, cheap enough, readily available, a well-tested product and in the hands of professional drywallers (which I am not) probably a little faster to install.

I keep Fibabfuse on hand mostly for repairs which, technically, are butt joints.
 
#11 ·
fibafuse

I use paper tape in all my joints with hot mud.....as I do alot of smooth wall, and providing you have the right mix, won't have any cracking. Why would anyone want to change a proven method that is fool proof.

I am interested in learning more about fibafuse and would like to know how it will go with hot mud.

Hey Liz, if you have mesh you probably have texture and will not notice any cracks.
 
#16 ·
I use paper tape in all my joints with hot mud.....as I do alot of smooth wall, and providing you have the right mix, won't have any cracking. Why would anyone want to change a proven method that is fool proof.

I am interested in learning more about fibafuse and would like to know how it will go with hot mud.

Hey Liz, if you have mesh you probably have texture and will not notice any cracks.
The only times I've used paper with hot mud is with 45 or 90. And I rarely use paper at all anymore.


As far as Fibafuse ........are we talking about their 2'' mesh tape or that cloth-type sheet on the link of the OP??
 
#17 ·
If you view the video, 'ole Myron eventually gets to using tools with it. I have yet to try it and I doubt if there is a bathroom job big enough for me to use my bazooka with it so I'll probably never know. But I will try it in my next bathroom and hand tape.

I'll stick to using good 'ole paper on large jobs and wait for the feedback after this new product is vetted for a few years.
 
#14 ·
fibafuse

Angus, the only 3 reasons why there are bubbles behind the paper tape....1/ there is movement in the drywall when mudding and air is puffed in. 2/ the mix is too stiff or not enough. 3/ or ?

If you put paper tape tight between your hand and try pull it apart, you can't. I haven't tried that test with fibafuse yet, but I do look forward to seeing what it can do.

Angus, how do you know fibafuse is stronger?
 
#15 · (Edited)
Angus, the only 3 reasons why there are bubbles behind the paper tape....1/ there is movement in the drywall when mudding and air is puffed in. 2/ the mix is too stiff or not enough. 3/ or ?

If you put paper tape tight between your hand and try pull it apart, you can't. I haven't tried that test with fibafuse yet, but I do look forward to seeing what it can do.

Angus, how do you know fibafuse is stronger?
From their sell sheet. They claim Fibafuse is 76% stronger then paper tape. Even if it's only 50%, it is still stronger. It's made from fiberglass.

I don't tape and mud often...actually hate doing it...but I'm forced to as I cannot get a pro drywaller to come tape and finish seams on 1 or 2 sheets of drywall in my bathroom remodels. To a pro like yourself, I'm sure paper tape is so easy, you could successfully install it in the dark while drunk. I struggle with paper. But beyond that, I don't use any kind of paper in my remodels. I use DensArmor drywall. I had been using a mold-resistant mesh tape but have now switched to FibaFuse. Only have tried it once but I like it. Easier to finish (to me) than much thicker mesh tape.
 
#24 · (Edited)
I just looked it up and they do make a wide roll in this FibaFuse. http://www.sg-adfors.com/Brands/FibaTape/FibaFusePaperlessWallReinforcement

Now to track it down. My local Drywall Store and Stucco supply store is stocking just the tape.



The Drywall Dude from Fine Home Building had the same complaint about the inside corners. At least it's not my technique. I wonder if a fatter knife would work better? I'm thinking you need the inside corner tool.

You can order a sample of FibaFuse here: http://www.sg-adfors.com/Brands/FibaTape/FibaFuseDrywallTape/Samples/RequestaSample

Make sure you enter your telephone number like this 604-506-6792



JW
 
#25 ·
I've used it and like it very much on flats. No air bubbles, bonds great, low profile and we use in in a bazooka.

However.... on the inside corners I would not use it if you are hand taping using knives. It will cut VERY easy from the edge of your knife running up against it. We used it in a basement remodel recently and cut through it in a number of spots.

A corner trowel would work but on second coat we use a knife when applying mud for a square corner, second coat with a corner trowel will never give you a square corner, so for us we will not use it again in corners. But on flats that's our tape of choice.
 
#26 ·
hdavis said:
Here's the easy test. Cut off a square of the material, grab diagonally opposite corners, then pull. Does it stay square, like paper, or go into a diamond, like mesh? If it stays square, I won't hesitate to use it like paper tape. Paper has roughly the same strength in all directions, mesh is stronger in two directions, but has no shear resistance to cracking.

Angus (or anyone) - how about trying this and posting the results?
I tried ripping it diagonally and it tears easy. Really easy.

I tried ripping my Mapei 6" fleece and if does not tear with triple the force.

Hmmm. Can you set this fleece with joint compound over drywall?



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The Mapei fleece is a little tighter but it think it will work.
 
#67 ·
I tried ripping it diagonally and it tears easy. Really easy.

I tried ripping my Mapei 6" fleece and if does not tear with triple the force.

Hmmm. Can you set this fleece with joint compound over drywall?



View attachment 73130



View attachment 73131


The Mapei fleece is a little tighter but it think it will work.
you can get fibefuse in 36'' rolls...and cut it into anysize you need...I do it with my miter saw all the time
 
#27 ·
This isn't New! Oldtime Plasteres would use cheese cloth to apply over plaster to hind the cracks from exspansion and contraction which happens with every seasonal change, not countin the Earth moving:rolleyes:
All this is, is New marketing on a really old practice with some glue thrown in :thumbsup:
 
#28 ·
Frankawitz said:
This isn't New! Oldtime Plasteres would use cheese cloth to apply over plaster to hind the cracks from exspansion and contraction which happens with every seasonal change, not countin the Earth moving:rolleyes:
All this is, is New marketing on a really old practice with some glue thrown in :thumbsup:
Cheesecloth

Love it. I tried to buy the 36" roll and my suppliers here in Vancouver don't stock it. I'm not positive but the patches I think dry faster. Maybe the paper tape slows the dry out period.

I'd like to see a stronger 6" roll for inside corners

JW
 
#30 ·
ok first off i have not seen this stuff in fl, can it be used with a mud box etc?, looks like it will work on flats but no crease for corners, so do you guys still use paper and change out as needed? whats the cost?, is this fiba tape the next big faze?, paper tape seems to work fine for me and i only have to carry one product to mud.
 
#32 ·
Hate to knock it before I try it but I don't think I'd use this, the fact that it rips easily makes me leery. And since I'd have to switch back to paper every time I do an inside corner, it would waste my time. The lack of blisters would not help me much, the first couple times I mud and taped I had a problem with blisters using paper tape. But I am skilled enough now that blisters are not a problem.
 
#33 ·
They sent me a roll of it, pretty nice stuff, think paper but made out of fiberglass. It does, however seem a little more delicate than paper...but we will see with my next drywall patch.
 
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