Tape & Jointing Services in Fraserburgh & Aberdeenshire
Tape and jointing is a specialist method of finishing plasterboard without applying a full skim coat across the entire surface.
The joints between tapered-edge plasterboards are reinforced with tape and built up using jointing compounds. Fixing heads, internal corners and external angles are also finished before the surface is carefully sanded and prepared for decoration.
At Mack & Trowel Plastering, we provide tape and jointing services for domestic properties, new-build homes, extensions, commercial premises and larger development projects throughout Fraserburgh and Aberdeenshire.
We are equally comfortable completing small domestic work or larger developer projects.
What Is Tape and Jointing?
Most plasterboards used for tape and jointing have slightly recessed edges.
When two tapered edges meet, they create a shallow channel. Joint tape and compound are applied within this channel to reinforce the joint and gradually build the surface back to the same level as the face of the board.
Once the compound has dried, further coats are applied over a wider area. The finished joints and fixing heads are then sanded to create a smooth transition across the plasterboard surface.
Unlike traditional skimming, the entire board is not covered with finishing plaster. Only the joints, corners, fixings and local imperfections are treated.
When completed correctly, the surface is left ready for suitable preparation and decoration.
Where Is Tape and Jointing Used?
Tape and jointing is widely used for:
New-build houses
Housing developments
Commercial properties
Office fit-outs
Retail units
Extensions
Garage conversions
Loft conversions
Newly formed partition walls
Plasterboard ceilings
Large refurbishment projects
Individual domestic rooms
Repairs to previously jointed surfaces
It can be particularly efficient on larger areas of newly installed tapered-edge plasterboard.
Domestic and Larger Projects
Tape and jointing is suitable for projects of many sizes.
Domestic work may include:
One newly plasterboarded room
A replacement ceiling
A home extension
A garage or loft conversion
Newly formed walls
Repairs after alterations
Larger projects may include:
Full new-build houses
Multiple properties
Commercial units
Office fit-outs
Large refurbishment projects
Contractor and developer work
For larger projects, the programme, access arrangements, board condition, drying conditions and material requirements should be agreed before work begins.
Tape and Jointing or Skimming?
Both methods can produce a smooth surface ready for decoration, but they are different systems.
Tape and jointing may be appropriate where:
Tapered-edge plasterboard has been installed
The board faces are in good condition
The specification requires a jointed finish
Large areas need to be completed efficiently
Skimming may be preferred where:
Square-edge boards have been used
Existing plaster and new boards meet
The entire surface requires a continuous plaster finish
The background contains numerous small imperfections
The customer prefers a traditional skimmed finish
We can assess the project and explain which method is most suitable.
The Importance of Good Plasterboarding
A high-quality tape and jointed finish begins before the first piece of tape is applied.
The plasterboard should be:
Securely fixed
Correctly aligned
Properly supported at joints and edges
Free from excessive gaps
Installed with suitable screw spacing
Undamaged around fixings
Clean and dry
Laid out to avoid unnecessary joint concentration
Tape and jointing can smooth and reinforce the joints, but it cannot fully correct badly installed or severely uneven plasterboard.
Before beginning, we inspect the boarding and identify any areas that require adjustment or repair.
Jointing Compounds
Tape and jointing normally involves more than one type or stage of compound.
The system may include:
Setting joint filler
Bedding compound
Finishing compound
Premixed joint cement
Lightweight finishing compound
Specialist repair products
A stronger setting compound is often used for bedding tapes and filling deeper joints. Finishing compounds are then applied in wider, thinner coats to blend the joint into the board surface.
The number of coats required depends on the board condition, joint depth, product system and required standard of finish.
Each coat must be allowed to dry or set properly before the next stage begins.
Joint Tapes
Different types of tape may be used depending on the joint and the specification of the project.
Paper Tape
Paper tape is commonly used for plasterboard joints and internal corners.
It provides strong reinforcement when properly embedded in jointing compound. Many paper tapes include a centre crease, allowing them to form a clean internal angle.
Fibreglass Scrim Tape
Self-adhesive fibreglass scrim may be used for suitable joints and repairs.
It is quick to apply and provides reinforcement through its mesh construction. The correct filler or compound system must still be used over the tape.
Reinforced Corner Tape
Reinforced tapes can be used to form certain internal or external angles, particularly where standard beads are unsuitable or where flexible corner treatment is required.
The most appropriate tape depends on the joint type, board layout and finishing system.
Fixing Heads
Plasterboard screws should sit slightly below the surface without breaking through the paper face of the board.
Each visible fixing is filled and finished so that it does not show through the final decoration.
Screws that are proud, loose or driven too deeply may need attention before filling.
Where the board face has been damaged around the fixing, the area may require additional preparation.
Internal Corners
Internal corners require careful reinforcement and finishing.
Paper tape is commonly folded along its centre crease and bedded into joint compound. The compound is then feathered onto both adjoining surfaces.
Corners must be straight, well-defined and free from heavy compound build-up.
Poorly finished internal angles are particularly noticeable after decoration, especially under strong lighting.
External Corners
External corners are normally protected using a suitable corner bead or reinforced tape system.
The bead provides a straight, durable edge and protects the plasterboard from everyday impact.
Compound is applied over the wings of the bead and gradually feathered onto the surrounding board.
The choice of bead may depend on the type of corner, required finish and project specification.
Sanding and Final Preparation
Once the final coat has dried, the joints and fixing heads are sanded to remove ridges, edges and minor imperfections.
This stage requires care.
Insufficient sanding can leave visible lines and raised edges. Excessive sanding can damage the paper face of the plasterboard or expose the tape beneath the compound.
Dust extraction and suitable sanding equipment can be used to reduce airborne dust and improve the consistency of the finish.
After sanding, the surface should be inspected under suitable lighting before it is handed over for decoration.
Our Tape and Jointing Process
A typical project may include:
Protecting the work area
Inspecting the plasterboard installation
Correcting minor fixing issues
Preparing damaged board areas
Installing corner beads
Applying joint tape
Bedding tapes into suitable compound
Filling plasterboard joints
Filling fixing heads
Forming internal corners
Applying additional finishing coats
Feathering joints over a wider area
Allowing suitable drying time
Sanding the finished compound
Inspecting the surface
Completing minor final touch-ups
Cleaning the work area
Larger projects may be completed in planned stages to allow sufficient drying time between coats.
Decoration-Ready Finish
A tape and jointed surface normally requires suitable priming before painting.
The jointing compound and plasterboard face absorb paint differently. Applying paint directly without the correct preparation may result in visible variation across the surface.
A suitable plasterboard primer, sealer or mist-coat system should be used in accordance with the paint manufacturer’s instructions.
Decoration quality also affects the final appearance. Strong raking light, high-sheen paint and dark colours can highlight small variations that may be less visible under normal conditions.
The Finished Result
Once complete, the plasterboard joints, fixing heads and corners should blend smoothly into the surrounding board.
Our aim is to leave a clean, consistent surface ready for the correct decoration system.
Good tape and jointing should not draw attention to the joints. The finish should allow the wall or ceiling to read as one continuous surface once properly prepared and painted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tape and jointing the same as plastering?
No. Tape and jointing finishes the joints and fixings between plasterboards, while skimming covers the full surface with finishing plaster.
Can all plasterboard be tape and jointed?
Tapered-edge plasterboard is generally best suited to tape and jointing. Square-edge boards may be more difficult to finish without creating raised joints.
How many coats are required?
This depends on the jointing system and project specification. Several stages are normally required, including bedding, filling and finishing coats.
Is the surface ready to paint immediately?
It must be fully dry, sanded, cleaned and properly primed before painting.
Do you complete full new-build houses?
Yes. We can undertake individual domestic rooms as well as larger new-build, development and commercial projects.
Need a Quote?
Are you planning a newly built extension or conservatory?
Upload photographs and a description of the work through our online quote form. We will review the project and advise on the most suitable plasterboarding and finishing method.
Need Advice on Your next Project?
Not sure which service you need? Get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss your project and recommend the best solution.