To create non-load-bearing walls or partitions, plasterboard sheets are among the most commonly used materials. They are not only inexpensive, but their installation is also child’s play.
However, unlike concrete slabs or wood, the material is criticized for being less durable and less solid. It can break after receiving more or less harsh impacts.
To repair a hole in a plasterboard wall or to fill cracks, the calico tape application is one of the best-known solutions.
To carry it out successfully, there is no need to take DIY courses. You just need to learn a few techniques and you’re all set.
📋 **The essentials at a glance:** Personally, I consider the application of calico tape to be the most critical step for the plasterer, because about 90% of future cracks on a ceiling come from poorly done jointing. My opinion is that it’s better to spend more time on the initial coating than to have to sand for hours. It is proven that a properly tightened and coated tape ensures perfect mechanical continuity between two plasterboard sheets.
But before getting into the heart of the matter, let’s first see what is meant by calico tape to better understand our ideas.
What is calico tape and what is its role in the installation of wall coverings?
🍀 Advantages
- Invisible finish
- Crack resistance strength
- Very low cost
🔻 Limitations
- Technical skill to acquire
- Long drying time
- Lots of dust
Calico tape originally is a cotton fabric used in sewing. Due to its coarse nature, it can be used for pattern making.
But in the construction field, we mostly talk about calico tapes. This material is widely known under the terms plasterboard joint tapes or self-adhesive plasterboard tapes.
It is part of the plasterboard tapes often made from kraft paper. The kraft paper calico tapes are generally available in rolls with many different widths.
🗣️ **My experience:** In 2025, during the renovation of my bedroom, I wanted to use self-adhesive mesh tape to go faster. The lesson learned is clear: after just one winter, micro-cracks appeared at the joints. Today, I swear only by traditional paper joint tape: it is a bit more technical to install, but the strength is incomparable once the plaster is dry.
No matter the types of drywall joint tapes, the joint tape made of non-woven or fiberglass nylon mainly serves to fill holes and mask cracks. That’s not all; it also contributes to the making of plasterboard joints.
| Type of tape | Advantage | Recommended use | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard paper | Mechanical resistance | Plasterboard joints (Placo) | Medium |
| Reinforced tape | Impact protection | Sharp (outward) corners | High |
| Self-adhesive mesh | Speed of application | Small repairs / holes | Easy |
| Acoustic tape | Sound insulation | Partition bases | Medium |
Before wallpapering or painting, it is necessary to prepare the surface. It is in this context that joint tape for plaster and filling comes into play.
The installation of drywall joint tapes is useful during the finishing of wall coverings. They are considered an essential tool when preparing ceilings and walls.
Not only do they promise a smooth and flat surface, but they also offer good resistance to humidity.
What are the different types of joint tape available on the market and how to choose the one suited to my project?
Before proceeding with the installation of joint tapes or drywall joint tapes, it is important to know the different types of models available commercially.
Depending on the use, the joint tape does not necessarily come in the same form. You can find joint tapes made of fiberglass nylon and those made of non-woven fabric. Professionals particularly favor fiberglass joint tapes because of their strength.
Besides these models, you can use kraft paper joint tapes. They differ by having a central vertical groove that simplifies their installation in corners. Additionally, the presence of micro-perforations prevents air bubbles from forming during the installation of drywall joint tapes.
If you are not a skilled DIYer, self-adhesive drywall tapes will suit you perfectly. Their installation is child’s play. There is no need to use plaster for their fixation. You just have to stick them to the wall.
Finally, reinforced drywall tapes are intended for sharp corners. Since these require high impact resistance, this joint tape meets that requirement. Thanks to its steel design, it offers great robustness.
Whatever the types of drywall joint tapes chosen, know that joint tapes are always sold in rolls. Their size mainly depends on the situations and needs.
How to properly prepare the wall before applying the joint tape to ensure optimal adhesion?
Before plastering a wall, it is essential to properly prepare the surface. The same applies before applying plasterboard joint compound or installing calico tape. The substrate must be in perfect condition to ensure better adhesion.
Before getting started, it is advisable to protect the work area. Try to cover the floor with a thick tarp. If you don’t have one, use a large cloth.
If you prefer to leave the furniture inside the room, remember to protect it to avoid damage.
Once the room is secured, you can now rinse the sponge with water. Once it is perfectly wrung out, proceed to dust off the joints.
The next step is preparing the calico tape plaster. Cut them to the correct length.
Gradually, cover the joints with a special joint compound using a trowel. Spread it evenly so that the surface is perfectly flat.
🌍 **Did you know?**
The term “calico” historically comes from a coarse cotton fabric originating from the city of Calicut in India. Today, although mostly cellulose paper is used, the name has remained in the building trade jargon.
What are the steps to follow to install calico tape professionally and without visible defects?
After protecting the room and preparing the wall, you can now start installing the calico tape. But before you begin, make sure to gather all the necessary materials and tools so you can work more quickly.
Once done, start by placing the reinforced plasterboard tape or kraft paper joint tape on the plaster. Be careful to avoid air bubbles. Use a spatula to smooth the surface. This tool can be replaced by two putty knives.
As soon as the calico tape is installed, you can cover it with filler compound. This should overlap the tape so that it remains invisible.
To achieve good results, be sure to respect the drying time. This information is usually indicated on the product packaging.
⚠️ **Common mistake**
A classic mistake is not lightly moistening the paper tape before installation in very dry weather. The paper then “drinks” the water from the plaster too quickly, which prevents proper crystallization and causes the tape to peel off after drying.
Once the plaster is completely dry, sand the surface with sandpaper or an electric sander. This makes it perfectly smooth. The final step is to dust off the wall. You can clean it before applying paint layers.
How to cut and adjust calico tape around electrical outlets, switches, and other obstacles on the wall?
When starting the plasterboard joint tape installation, many small challenges arise. During renovation work, walls often already have electrical outlets or switches. However, they are located near holes or cracks that need to be concealed.
Fortunately, it remains easy to adjust the calico strips so that they can hide these imperfections. You do not need to be an experienced handyman to carry out this operation.
Simply use an appropriate cutting tool and you can cut the strip according to the length of the joint to be concealed. While some people are used to using scissors, others prefer putty knives.
For reinforced plasterboard strips, there are tools designed to work with steel. In any case, cutting the calico can be a simpler and quicker operation. If the cracks appear zigzagged, cut several pieces and overlap them.
What tools and materials are necessary to effectively install calico?
Installing nylon fiberglass calico strips or kraft paper joint strips does not require any more specific equipment. You can use all the items found in your standard toolbox.
First, you need a roll of calico strips. As we explained above, there are several types of paper calico strips. You must choose the model that meets your expectations.
Next, use old sheets or a protective tarp to secure the work area. These items help prevent damage to your furniture or dirt on the floor.
That said, take a quality filler compound. Even though it is often expensive, it guarantees the success of the final appearance of the wall. It is preferable to choose a ready-to-use product to make your tasks easier.
A putty knife and a spatula are also among the necessary tools when installing calico. Likewise, a trowel is practical for spreading the filler on the wall. For rinsing, choose a large sponge.
Since plasterboard joint installation is followed by sanding, you need to prepare with the appropriate equipment. You can use sandpaper. But to save time, use a sander. Don’t forget to protect yourself with a mask. Sanding produces a lot of dust.
💡 **Tip**
For minimal sanding, use raking light (work lamp or torch placed against the wall) during the final coat of filler. This immediately reveals bumps and gaps, allowing you to correct the smoothing before the product hardens.
What are the techniques to smooth the calico and obtain a flat surface before applying paint or the final coating?
If you want a perfectly flat and even wall, the first thing to do is to equip yourself well. It is advisable to use materials and tools designed for smoothing calico.
You can refer to the list of necessary equipment that we have just detailed above. Moreover, they are easy to find in almost any tool store. Trowel, spatula or putty knife, they come at a price accessible to everyone.
Besides that, make sure the wall preparation is well done before installing plasterboard joint strips or calico strips. This step ensures the flatness of the support. The final result can be satisfactory when you spread the joint compound evenly.
When placing the plasterboard strips, the use of a spatula is highly recommended. But if you don’t have one, use two putty knives.
You can use one to hold the joint tape at the top. As for the other knife, it is used to smooth it as you spread it.
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