Walls and Ceilings - Taping Drywall

I just replaced drywall ceilings and walls in a majority of my home. I am ready to tape the joints and am trying to determine which is better: paper or glass "sticky" tape. I have heard pros and cons with both. I screwed the ceiling in but still see 'flex' between the joists which are 24" on center. Any feedback, recommendations, would be appreciated:wall:

Paper tape is better than the 'sticky' tape. About the only way to avoid problems with sticky tape is to apply a setting compound like durabond over it.

Why did you have to replace in the first place? Did you use 1/2 inch?, or 5/8ths, to go with the 24 inch spans? I am trying to figure out what you mean by "flex". I am presuming the seam at each 24 inch span is uneven?

Had to replace due to termite damage and sagging ceiling. 24" centers are uneven and unable to lower ceiling as it is already low. Using 1/2" sag resistent ceiling board. Installed with screws. Still see flex at joints between 24" centers.

It would have been better to address any framing issues before hanging drywall. It will loose some of the flex once it is all taped and mudded together.

Paper tape is better than the 'sticky' tape. About the only way to avoid problems with sticky tape is to apply a setting compound like durabond over it.

Just a question for Mark. Why do you like the paper tape better? I have been using the mesh sticky type and haven't had a problem that I am aware of!

Not always, but often [over time] the sticky tape joints start to show or come loose:eek:

I don't recall ever having to go back on paper tape.

Just a question for Mark. Why do you like the paper tape better? I have been using the mesh sticky type and haven't had a problem that I am aware of!Cause he's old school. As long as you use any setting type of compund( durabond, sheetrock,lite sand) its fine, and il argue better than paper and drying type( i only use this for skim cause its easy to sand). That said i still use paper in the corners, cause this myth is so prevelant and i need to get paid.

Should I use the durabond with the 'sticky' tape only for the first coat, or for all the coats? I am not planning to texture and am looking for a fairly smooth finish. Would it be best to skim before painting to better smooth out over tape joints?

If you use the 'sticky' tape you need to use a setting compound over it - at least the first coat, the rest can be regular joint compound. At times I'll use durabond on the first 2 coats but I always use joint compound on the final coat - it sands easier:D

Finished drywall that is skim coated always produces a slicker finish but a good finish job combined with a quality primer and 2 coats of quality paint should provide a nice looking slick finish wall without having to apply a skim coat.