Drywall tape and repair patches help create smooth, durable finishes on new installations and wall fixes. At Ace Hardware, you’ll find paper and fiberglass mesh tape for seams and corners, plus self-adhesive wall and ceiling patches that reinforce damaged areas for paint-ready results.
Types of Drywall Tape
Different tape styles suit different joint conditions, compound types and speed requirements. Choose the option that matches your project and finishing goals.
- Paper drywall tape: A go-to for strength and smooth finishes on seams and inside corners; embed with all-purpose or lightweight joint compound.
- Pre-creased paper corner tape: Paper with a center crease that seats cleanly into inside corners for crisp, straight lines.
- Fiberglass mesh tape (self-adhesive): Ideal for quick patches and butt joints; pairs best with a setting-type compound for the first coat.
- Mold-resistant mesh tape: Provides added moisture resistance for areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.
How to Choose the Right Tape
Start with the joint location and condition. Paper tape delivers high tensile strength and a smooth, paint-ready surface, especially on factory seams and corners. Mesh tape can speed repairs because it’s self-adhesive, making it handy for patching cutouts and filling small cracks.
Consider your compound as well: paper pairs well with ready-mix all-purpose or lightweight compound, while mesh performs best with a setting-type (powder) compound for the initial embed to minimize cracking. If you’re working in moisture-prone spaces, look for mold-resistant options. Most seams use standard-width tape, but choose wider tape when spanning larger gaps or irregular butt joints.
Drywall Repair Patches for Quick, Reinforced Fixes
Repair patches provide sturdy backing over holes and cracks, so you can apply compound and sand to a smooth finish. Self-adhesive wall repair patches typically feature aluminum mesh with a fiberglass face. They bridge small to medium holes without cutting replacement drywall. Ceiling repair patches add strength overhead, helping prevent sag while you feather compound outward for a seamless blend. Select a patch that fully covers the damaged area with at least an inch of overlap on all sides, then apply compound in thin coats and sand between passes.
Complementary Products for Your Drywall Project
For a complete, ready-to-paint drywall repair, pair drywall tape with these essentials:
- Wood filler to fill nail holes, dents and minor defects in wood trim adjacent to drywall repairs.
- Spackling compounds to patch small holes and shallow dents quickly, then sand smooth before priming.
- Embed tape and build strong, feathered joints with all-purpose, lightweight or setting-type joint compounds.
- Use putty knives to apply, smooth and feather compounds, keeping a few different widths on hand for various passes.
Shop Drywall Tape at Ace
Whether you’re taping new seams or patching a remodel, Ace has the drywall tape and finishing supplies to get it done right. Explore paper and mesh options, then pick up the compounds, knives and texture materials you need to achieve a smooth, durable finish. Visit your local Ace for drywall tape near you, or shop online to find sizes and materials that fit your project.
