What is sheetrock tape?

Sheetrock tape, or drywall tape, is a special tape that adheres to gypsum drywall and is covered by joint compound. The purpose of sheetrock tape is to cover the joints where pieces of drywall come together.

Contractors begin by covering joints where more than two drywall pieces come together. After drywall joints are covered with tape, experts cover the area with several layers of joint compound. The first layer fills the seam to completely cover the tape. The goal is make it appear as if there is no tape where pieces of drywall join together. Subsequent layers of joint compound even out spaces to make one smooth finish before painting the surface.