Operating Guide

USG
Interior
Panel &
Finishing
Solutions
SUBMITTAL SHEET
USG SHEETROCK
®
BRAND
PAPER JOINT TAPE
For strength and crack resistance in drywall joint treatment
• High tensile strength to resist tearing, stretching and distortion
• Wafer-thin paper for easier joint treatment
• Roughened surface for superior bond
• Accurately center-creased to improve corner treatment
USG Sheetrock® Brand Paper Joint Tape is a special fi ber tape designed for use with USG joint
compounds to reinforce joints and corners in gypsum drywall interiors. Also recommended for
joint treatment in veneer fi nish systems subject to rapid drying conditions and where framing
exceeds 16" (406 mm) spacing. USG Sheetrock® Brand Paper Joint Tape resists cracking and
stretching and is lightly sanded for increased bond.
USG Sheetrock® Brand Paper Joint Tape is manufactured from special cross-fi bered tape with
high tensile strength, both with and across the paper grain. Its high porosity produces a superior
bond while eliminating the need for perforations. It also provides exceptional wet strength, resists
stretching, wrinkling and other distortions, lies fl at and resists tearing under tools. Easy to apply,
the positive center creasing and uniform winding promote accurate and trouble-free application to
angles as well as fl at joints.
In cold weather and during gypsum panel application and joint fi nishing, temperatures within the
building shall be maintained at a minimum of 55°F (13°C). Adequate ventilation shall be provided
to carry off excess moisture.
Position and apply USG Sheetrock® Brand gypsum panels in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations. Prepare joint compound following directions on container. Cover joint with a
thin layer of compound and embed paper joint tape, leaving about 1/32" (0.7 mm) of compound
under feathered edge. While embedding the tape, remove excess compound from edge and apply
a thin coat over the tape. Let dry and sand lightly as required. Apply second coat, feathering
approximately 2" (50 mm) beyond fi rst coat. Let dry, sand lightly as required and then apply third
coat, feathering 2" (50 mm) beyond second coat. Sand lightly as required when dry. Finish fastener
heads, corner bead and inside corners as required with at least three coats of joint compound,
feathered out onto panel faces and sanded as required to a smooth surface.
For painting and decorating, follow manufacturer’s directions for materials used. All surfaces,
including applied joint compound, must be thoroughly dry, dust-free and not glossy before
decorating. A prime coat of USG Sheetrock® Brand First Coat™ Primer or a good quality interior
latex fl at wall paint with high solids content should be applied undiluted and allowed to dry before
painting, texturing or wallpapering.
To improve fastener concealment where gypsum panel walls and ceilings will be subjected to
severe artifi cial or natural side lighting and be decorated with a gloss paint (eggshell, semigloss or
gloss), the gypsum panel surface should be skim coated with USG Sheetrock® Brand conventional
weight all purpose joint compound to equalize suction before priming and painting, or spray wall
with USG Sheetrock® Brand Tuff -Hide™ Primer-Surfacer.
DESCRIPTION
LIMITATIONS
APPLICATION