taping drywall to plaster
 

in joining new drywall to old plaster (on lath), is it better to use mesh tape or just paper?

thanks

Personal choice. I always use paper for everything.

Personal choice mesh good only on small patches.

I recommend pre-filling every joint when it comes to joining the two. letting it dry and then taping with paper. The results are always better because the tape doesnt get drawn into the joints when it drys and contracts. Makes for a smoother finish