Drywall Mesh Tape - Chu's Packaging Supplies

$130.00

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Our Chu’s Packaging Supplies Drywall Mesh Tape is ideal for repairing cracks, patching holes and mending seams common in plaster and drywall installation. A must have for contractors that want their remodel jobs to come out perfectly. Fiberglass mesh tape is a much stronger than the paper tape that is commonly used and it doesn’t tear, bubble, or shrink.

 

Product Features:

• Adhesive-backed self-adhering fiberglass mesh
• Adheres well to most surfaces under a wide range of conditions
• Quick and easy to apply
• Eliminates shrinkage, tears and bubbles common with paper joint tape

Sold in case quantities with 24 or 48 rolls per case.

Please see full product description below for all available sizes and colors of our mesh tapes.

Why choose a Fibreglass (GRP) lining for concrete?

Concrete is an industry-standard material for many building projects. However, as a porous material concrete is not ideal for waterproofing or water containment. Indeed, extended exposure to water often leads to drastically shortened lifetimes – particularly in environments subjected to abrasion, impact and general wear and tear. 

Fibreglass (GRP) linings and coatings provide a significant benefit to concrete surfaces and structures. They provide waterproofing, chemical resistance, abrasion and erosion resistance. They also provide protection from physical impact and stress, making them suited to a huge range of applications. Fibreglass (GRP) also bonds extremely well to concrete, making it an excellent substrate for such applications. 

Concrete Surfaces: Applications of Fibreglass Linings & Coatings 

Linings are designed to protect the internal contents of a structure (such as fish in a pond or drinking water in a storage tank) from leaking or being contaminated by external pollutants from ground soil and porous substrates. 

Typical applications of a fibreglass lining or coating include waterproofing for ponds, walls and floors of shower rooms, wetrooms, spray-down rooms, and animal storage rooms. More specialist features centre on chemical containment spill bunds, potable water features, gutters, gullies, storage tanks and drainage channels.

Fibreglass is a high-performance waterproofing barrier. Designed to bond strongly to concrete, it offers protection from liquids and other external stressors like abrasion, impact, UV solar, vegetative growth and aggressive chemicals. Another key benefit of fibreglass is that it can be coated in a variety of topcoat resins, allowing a variety of different pigments and additives (non-slip grit, flame retardants, etc.).

The video below shows a simple overview of the process used to apply a fibreglass covering to concrete.  Please note that no surface preparation – namely abrasion – has not been performed.

How to Create a Fibreglass Lining/Coating for Concrete

The following section provides a detailed guide on how to apply fibreglass to concrete. The first part of this guide details the type of concrete which may be used, its condition and any preparation work which may be required.

In short, concrete must be sufficiently stable, clean, dry and uniform with an absence of excessively rough or sharp edges prior to fibreglassing.

Health & Safety

Fibreglassing, like any other building work, is dangerous and cautions should be taken to ensure a safe working environment is created. The table below shows some of the safety equipment which should be used.

Table 1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety ItemDescription GogglesGlasses offering protection for eyes from hazardous liquids and objects Dust maskProtection from inhaled particulates that may be made during work - particularly during preparation, such as grit blasting or sanding. Chemical maskSpecialist mask designed to protect from the inhalation of hazardous chemicals. Usually used in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Nitrile glovesChemically resistant gloves offering short-term protection for users working with chemicals. Gripper glovesThicker gloves worn when working with glass fibre matting.

Please note that the above table is specific to fibreglass (GRP) work. Additional steps may be required for concrete preparation. Working with concrete can cause health problems, so please take care.

Types of Concrete

The type of concrete used can determine the extent of preparation work required.  Recommendations on the preparation of concrete for fibreglassing are presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Types of Concrete

TypeDescriptionRecommendation Breeze BlocksEnsure joints are filled in. Apply layer of cement render.Ensure joints are filled in. Apply layer of cement render. Cement RenderCement-based covering applied to base substrate.Allow to dry. Check moisture levels (See Table X). ScreedCement and sand-based coating applied to base substrate.Allow to dry. Check moisture levels (See Table X). Use concrete Existing concreteMay be aforementioned concrete or equivalent.See Table X.
If wet, eliminate moisture source and allow to dry. Wet (Fresh) ConcreteFreshly laid concrete demonstrating a high moisture content.Allow to dry. Check moisture levels (See Table X). Check moisture levels (See Table X). Paving SlabsUniform, flat slabs with small gaps in between each block.Ensure joints are filled in.

1. Concrete Preparation

Before applying fibreglass to concrete, the concrete itself must be amenable to bonding. Loose debris, residual grease, paints and dirt can all interfere with bonding, as can moisture. The surface should present itself as being clean, dry and mildly roughened. A variety of methods are presented in Table 3.

Table 3. Concrete Preparation Methods

MethodDescriptionMicrocracking RiskSkill Level SandingInvolves moving a roughened sheet (sand paper) across the surface to remove surface contaminants, producing a smoother, cleaner surface depending on the paper roughness. Performed by hand for smaller areas or via a rotating disc for larger or more demanding ones. NoneLow GrindingGrinding removes laitance, protrusions, surface contaminants and produces a smooth or polished surface, depending on the roughness of the abrading discs.

The discs move at right angles to the surface, and may leave circular patterns or gouges in the surface. Floor grinders are used for horizontal surfaces. Hand-held grinders are used on vertical surfaces.NoneModerate Abrasive BlastingAbrasive blasting shoots an abrasive in a stream of compressed air. Upon impact, the particles hit the substrate, dislodge fragments and gradually erode the surface. Effective at removing surface contaminants, fragile/porous concrete, coatings and adhesive films, and imparts a profiled surface.NoneModerate ShotblastingShotblasting shoots steel shot over a targeted areas. The steel shot pulverizes the concrete and contaminants leading to a rougher surface. Preferred for cleaning and profiling horizontal surfaces. Alternative to abrasive blasting.NoneModerate Water JettingWater jetting removes contaminants (e.g., grease, dirt, residual paint/resin). It roughens the surface via the impact of jets of high pressure and concentrated high-pressure water. Similar to abrasive/shot blasting, jetting can be used on both vertical and overhead surfaces.NoneLow ScarifyingScarifiers comprise toothed washers on steel rods positioned on a rotating steel drum. The washers contact the surface, fracture and pulverize concrete. This leads to striated pattern. Scarifying only works on horizontal surfaces.ModerateModerate-High

Note: safety is a big factor here. Care should be taken to avoid exposure to dust and debris via inhalation (use a dust mask), eyes (wear safety goggles) and skin (sharp debris can penetrate the skin). 

2. Allow the Concrete to Dry

Unless the concrete is confirmed to be dry, take care to confirm that it has a low moisture content. Fresh concrete is notorious for high levels of moisture and can take 4 – 6 weeks to fully dry without accelerated drying. Likewise, it is also possible that existing concrete has been contaminated with water or other chemicals. Moisture itself interferes with chemical bonding, particularly for resins and adhesives.

Table 4. Dealing With Moisture in Concrete

ConditionDescriptionPreparation DrynessPrimer required? Existing/DryConcrete is dry and free from sharp edges. It has a good level of roughness.Mild abrading may be required to ensure adequate roughness and the removal of sharp edges. Remove dust/debris.75% relative humidity as per BS8204Yes Fresh/NewDamp, wet or generally recently laidAllow to dehydrate. Use abrading method to shape and remove sharp edges. Remove dust/debris.Yes DamagedCracks, sections missing, splitsRepair cracks and damaged sections. Allow to dry before sanding/abrading. Remove dust/debris.Yes Damp/MoistConcrete has water ingress or moistureRemove source of moisture. Allow to dry out for an extended period. Remove dust/debris.Yes Contaminated Dirt, grease, chemical staining, vegetative growth, etc. Jet washing and abrading (e.g. sanding) may be required to ensure cleanness and adequate roughness and the removal of sharp edges. Remove dust/debris.Yes

Note: BS 8204 – Screeds, bases and in-situ floorings details codes of practice related to concrete floors and bases.

Note: to avoid interference with bonding, the concrete should have low levels of moisture. Advice on moisture levels for a standard concrete floor varies according to the measurement system used and the type of concrete. Two tests are available for concrete moisture measurements: the calcium chloride testing and concrete moisture meters.

3. Concrete Repairs

If repairing concrete, cracks may be present on the surface. These should be identified and repaired in advance, prior to any coating with resin. They may need to be smoothed down once cured to create a more uniform surface. Some surface grinding or sanding may be required in this instance. 

Note: fibreglass this includes ‘spray-based lay-up‘ applications of creating a composite, often seen in composites used in the aerospace industry and ‘wet-layup‘ installation methods of creating a composite, often used in civil engineering and building industries. This ‘wet layup’ method is similar to a hand lay-up, which is commonly used on concrete and other surfaces during in-situ application.

4. Clean the Surface: Remove Dust and Debris

Once surface grinding or blasting has been performed, there is likely to be a degree of dust and debris. These should be removed to create a clean surface amenable to resin adhesion. Excess dust will prevent strong adhesion between the GRP and surface, so care must be taken to remove it. 

Note: again consider dust protection for your eyes, skin and airways, as outlined above. 

5. Primer Application

Concrete is porous and has small cracks by default. The polyester resin used in the laminate is fairly viscous and cannot easily penetrate small pores and cracks. It is preferable to apply a layer of less viscous resin in advance. Whilst this is optional, it does enhance the adhesion of the polyester resin to the concrete. Primer also acts as a moisture-curing layer which also blocks external contaminants from coming into contact with the fibreglass laminate. The primer should be applied using a paintbrush at smaller scales or a foam roller at larger ones. 

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Quantities of primer required for concrete surfaces are detailed in Table 5.

Table 5. Primer Quantities

PorosityPrimer Coverage (kg per m2)ToolNote Low Porosity0.25 Polyester rollers (larger areas) or a resin brushes (smaller/complex areas) recommended. If porosity is low, coverage should require less primer, since it will adequately cover the surfce. High Porosity>0.5If porosity is high, then more primer is required, since the liquid will enter into the pores.

Fibreglass Laminating

This section details the laminating and topcoating procedures needed to create a fibreglass covering.

If you would like to undertake this work yourself, Resin Library offers a range of fibreglass kits. These kits include both materials and tools required to undertake work across a range of sizes. These include repair kits and roofing kits.

1. Pre-Cut Glass Fibre Matting

The next step is to size and cut the CSM. Concrete protection made from GRP typically requires more robust protection. In most instances, 450 or a 600 gram CSM is recommended. Applicators should cut and size the CSM into manageable sections that fit the designated area. For concrete floors, these should be larger than small repairs. In all instances, the CSM should exceed the area to which it is being applied. 

Table 6. Laminate Thickness

DesignDescriptionApplications 1 x 450 gram CSM1 layer of 450 gram glass fibre mattingThin fibreglass flat roofing membrane not suitable for low-level foot traffic. Low-cost flat roof option for sheds and other buildings not expecting foot traffic. 1 x 600 gram CSM1 layer of 600 gram glass fibre mattingStandard flat roofing membrane for low-to-moderate level foot traffic. Flat roofs expecting window cleaners and gutter cleaners. Commonly used on property extensions, garages, orangeries, factories, apartments etc. Suitable for green sedum roofing. Able to tolerate some equipment placement (e.g., air conditioning units). 2 x 450 gram CSM2 layers of 600 gram glass fibre mattingReinforced flat roofing membrane for moderate level foot traffic. Flat roofs expecting window cleaners and gutter cleaners. Suitable for green sedum roofing. Able to tolerate equipment placement (e.g., air conditioning units). 2 x 600 gram CSM2 layers of 600 gram glass fibre mattingReinforced flat roofing membrane for moderate-to-heavy level foot traffic. Flat roofs expecting window cleaners and gutter cleaners. Also balconies, walkways and terraces. Suitable for green sedum roofing. Able to tolerate equipment placement (e.g., air conditioning units).

Note: overlapping sections of the CSM requires a level of skill and understanding. This is to ensure that the laminate remains a seamless barrier. 

2. Laminate the Glass Fibre

Mix the resin with catalyst and use a polyester roller saturated in this mixture to disperse and drive it into the mat. 

Table 7. Resin Quantities per Laminate Design

Laminate DesignGlass Fibre MattingNumber of layersResin Weight per LayerTotal Resin Weight Single Layer450 gram11.1 - 1.3 kg/m21.1 - 1.3 kg/m2 Dual Layer22.2 - 2.6 kg/m2 Single Layer600 gram11.5 - 1.7 kg/m21.5 - 1.7 kg/m2 Dual Layer23.0 - 3.4 kg/m2

Note: ensure that the resin-catalyst mixture is carefully but fully mixed. Avoid excessive air bubbles but ensure that the catalyst has been fully dispersed into the resin. Excess air causes bubbles, which weaken the laminate. 

Caution: this step should be performed when the weather is dry; water and even low levels of moisture interfere with the curing process. If in doubt, it is better to wait until there is a dry spell. 

Note: freshly catalysed resin should be used immediately. Once the catalyst has been added to the resin, it will lose its adhesive and waterproofing capabilities. 

3. Consolidate the Laminate

Then use a paddle roller to consolidate the laminate, refining the laminated surface and forcing air bubbles and excess resin out. This is important since air pockets create structural weaknesses in the composite – a major cause of defects. 

4. Allow Laminate Curing

Once the laminate has been consolidated, allow it to harden or ‘cure’. This allows time for the resin to ‘crosslink’ and create a strong structure. 

Recommended time: 24 hours (winter) and 12 hours (summer). 

5. Prepare Resin Topcoat

Once the laminate has hardened, prepare the topcoat. This involves mixing it with a catalyst and a dye to add colour using a similar process to that used for the polyester resin. For flooring applications, such as those used on terraces, walkways, balconies and in wet or slippery areas, a non-slip coating is desirable. This involves adding a set amount of non-slip aggregate into the topcoat during the mixing process. 

Table 8. Concrete Preparation Pre-Fibreglassing

CuringHot weatherWarm weatherCool weatherCold weather Catalyst (%)1 (%)2 (%)3 (%)4 (%) Resin Weight (kg)MEKP Catalyst Volume (mL) 110 mL20 mL30 mL40 mL 220 mL40 mL60 mL80 mL 330 mL60 mL90 mL120 mL 440 mL80 mL120 mL160 mL 550 mL100 mL150 mL200 mL

Note: the size of the grit should be selected according to the purpose: for swimming pools where bare feet are common, a finer grit is recommended. Conversely, for 

Note: refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to obtain the optimum amount of non-slip grit per volume of topcoat. Ensure that the grit is well mixed before application. 

6. Topcoat Application

Pour a single layer of topcoat resin onto the laminated concrete surface. Take care to avoid applying too much as this will create a brittle outer surface. At the same time, ensure there is adequate resin to cover the glass fibre CSM laminate. Use a foam roller to disperse the topcoat over larger surface areas. 

Table 9. Topcoat (Flowcoat Application)

Surface Area (m2)Topcoat Weight (kg) 10.5 21 31.5 42.0 52.5

Note: refer to manufacturer’s instructions for specific quantities of resin per square meter of laminate. 

Once the topcoat has been applied, provide adequate time for it to cure and harden. Average cure times range from 2 – 12 hours (summer) to 24 hours (winter). This can vary from project to project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fibreglass linings and coatings have many applications. We’ve tried to answer some of these below.

Q. How do I fibreglass a concrete pond?

A. The same procedure as outlined above can be applied to create a fibreglass pond lining.

Q. What is the procedure for fibreglassing concrete?

A. The video below provides an excellent overview on how to create a fibreglass coating for concrete.

Q. What is the best method for measuring concrete moisture levels?

A. Moisture meters are more precise and accurate than calcium tests, which are generally cheap, quick and easy to perform, although less accurate.  A more detailed overview of moisture meters has been discussed.

Disclaimer: please note that the information on this site is for general informational purposes. Resin Library is not liable for any outcomes. Please consult professional advice in advance of conducting any work.

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