Was stretching a 12-footer in a bedroom today and it hit me how much seam tape has changed since 2008

I remember back when I started in 2008, seam tape was this thick rubbery stuff that never laid flat. Had to iron every inch of it or it would bubble up. Now this new thin mesh tape I grabbed from the supply house in Portland practically disappears under the roller. Made that bedroom look seamless first try. Anyone else notice old tape was way more forgiving with mistakes though?

3 comments

3 Comments

felix_black3d ago

Yeah the old tape was way stickier too, you could really press it in and it'd hold. The new stuff is thinner but man it floats up if you don't hit it perfect with the roller.

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lopez.quinn3d ago

@felix_black nailed it. The old tape had that thicker adhesive, really bit into the paper. New stuff feels like dollar store quality in a premium box. Floating up is the worst, leaves that ugly crease.

the_grace3d ago

Wait, really? I had no idea the old tape was actually thicker. I've only ever used the newer rolls and always thought I was just bad at drywall. @lopez.quinn is spot on about that crease thing too, I get those little bubbles every time. Maybe I need to hunt down some old stock or something, because that sounds way better than fighting with this thin stuff. You guys are making me feel like I've been missing out big time.