Plasterer’s scrim tape is a strong, double-sided adhesive tape that can be used in various applications. It is flexible enough to conform around the corner of a wall. Still, it’s also durable for attaching insulation materials like fiberglass or Rockwool (if using this, make sure you know how harsh the material is before sticking it directly to your house!). It comes in rolls about ten inches wide and fifty feet long.
Plasterers scrim tape is a fantastic product; lightweight, versatile, easy to use. However, there are some essential things you should know before purchasing and applying the tape:
The wide roll means you probably won’t need two people to apply it. One person can do the job themselves with just a little practice.
It can tear easily, so be careful when applying it to avoid ripping the tape apart if you are planning on doing this task alone, tape one side of the tape down first before pulling off any paper backing so that the adhesive side is exposed.
Ensure you are applying it in an area where it’s not too hot or cold since the heat will make it more prone to peeling up, and frigid temperatures can cause problems with adhesion.
After attaching your insulation material with plasterers scrim tape, allow 24 hours for drying before using a hairdryer or heat gun on it (or better yet, don’t). Otherwise, this can cause the tape to unexpectedly pull away from your insulation.
If you have a heat gun, it’s best to use this to heat up the material first before sticking it down with plasterers scrim tape.
Plasterers scrim tape is weatherproof, which means that if you have a place where moisture seems to be getting through, such as around windows or doors, you can apply this over those areas and feel safe knowing the tape will protect whatever material it’s been stuck onto from being damaged by rain or snow. However, fixing roof leaks is not recommended unless you have something waterproof under the tape (like an epoxy).
It has a strong adhesive but, if needed, can easily be removed from walls without damaging the paint or leaving a sticky residue by using a dry cloth and some Goo Gone (can be found on Amazon.com).
If you are planning on reusing it, you can clean it with rubbing alcohol on either side, but if it’s dirty only on one side, flip it over to the dirty side before cleaning because plasterers scrim tape is sensitive to dust and dirt particles (which ultimately reduces its adhesiveness).
When peeling off paper backing, make sure there’s nothing behind what you’re pulling up like nails, screws, etc… otherwise, this might peel away the tape’s adhesive while trying to remove it. Attempting this with bare hands will likely result in mumbled cursing words easier than using a pair of pliers.
If you’re still having trouble, add a little water (a few drops at most) and rub it in to make the tape more sticky for better adhesion.
Like duct tape, plasterers scrim tape can be torn half lengthwise and used in smaller areas with ease (such as around corners).
Unlike duct tape, it’s not recommended to use this for repairs since its strength lies only in the adhesive department. For repairing something significant like a crack or hole on your wall, use epoxy instead.