Applying Rounded Corner Bead On Drywall

Installing rounded corner bead on drywall offers numerous advantages for both function and aesthetics. The smooth curvature eases sharp 90-degree angles to create a safer living environment while providing a sleek, modern look.

Two main material choices exist for rounded corner beads: plastic and metal. Plastic corner beads made of PVC or vinyl are lightweight and easy to cut and apply. Most feature paper facing to improve compound adhesion. Metal corner beads made of galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum offer greater durability. Choose based on factors like budget, location, and desired finish.

Types of Rounded Corner Beads for Drywalls

Plastic Corner Beads

Plastic corner beads provide an affordable way to achieve both function and style. Options like vinyl and PVC feature built-in flexibility and resistance to shock. Pre-formed rounded profiles streamline installation. Most also utilize paper facing to bond better with joint compound.

Lightweight plastic beads simplify handling and reduce strain during transport and application. The material cuts easily, speeding the fitting process. Large flanges give added insurance against popping. Plastic's flexibility prevents cracking if the foundation shifts slightly over time.

While plastic corner beads won't last as long as metal alternatives outdoors, they perform well in protected areas. Optimal for living spaces, offices and recreational rooms. More cost-effective than metal, but with less overall durability.

Metal Corner Beads

Galvanized Steel Corner Beads

Galvanized steel corner beads provide superior structural integrity for rounded drywall edges. Hot-dipped zinc coatings bolster corrosion resistance, allowing use in bathrooms, laundry rooms and other damp environments.

Sturdy 29-gauge steel withstands blunt force contact without distortion. Medium weight stays put once fastened yet cuts with tin snips. Smart choice for high-traffic zones like hallways and playrooms. Galvanizing satisfies code requirements for moisture protection.

Steel beads offer long-lasting performance but avoid stainless models if chasing budget. Compare options to pick the ideal balance of durability and value for each unique install.

Stainless Steel Corner Beads

Stainless steel corner beads deliver maximum strength and corrosion resistance--at a premium. An excellent match for kitchens, baths and outdoor under-eave installations subject to moisture.

The durable steel composition shrugs off decades of bumps and scrapes. It bends slightly to handle foundation shifts and retains its shape. The versatile metal cuts easily and works well with various finishing techniques.

Stainless steel beads far outlast other alternatives but come at a greater upfront cost. Useful for surfacing expanses of drywall or when aiming for lifelong performance. Choose when budget allows and conditions demand ultimate dependability.

Aluminum Corner Beads

Aluminum corner beads offer a lightweight metal option for rounded drywall edges. The affordable material stands up well to typical indoor conditions. Its malleability simplifies application around corners.

Softer aluminum dents easier than steel but retains its form after minor impacts. It cuts quickly with metal snips and adapts well to angled corners. Special rolled edges speed tape embedding. Painted models contribute color accents.

Aluminum beads weigh and cost less than most steel options. Good middle ground offering reasonable durability without the higher price tag. Use for protected drywall expanses not subject to excessive moisture.

Installation of Rounded Corner Beads on Drywalls

Preparing the Walls

Proper prep work ensures rounded corner beads adhere cleanly to drywall. Start by checking for plumb corners using a level. Adjust framing as needed to achieve perfectly straight angles.

Cut away any extruding drywall so panels stop just short of the corner itself. This allows space for the corner bead's curve radius. Scrape off bumps or dried compound clumps so beads sit flush.

Wipe away drywall dust, leaving surfaces clean and dry for ideal adhesive contact. Spot check flatness across expanses to identify potential problem areas needing attention prior to bead attachment.

Applying Adhesive

Adhesive options include construction-grade compounds or tapes with pressure-sensitive backing. For the strongest bond, apply adhesive to both the back of the corner bead and the primed drywall surface.

With tape, start by positioning beads then rubbing the flange firmly to activate adhesion. Check for full contact and solid attachment by gently pulling on beads before permanent fastening.

For highest insurance against popping, opt for adhesive blob attachments using setting-type joint compound. Use a caulking gun to apply blobs every 8 to 12 inches along bead length.

Affixing the Corner Beads

Once adhesive sets, permanent mechanical fasteners anchor corner beads in place. Screws or nails spaced 12 inches apart run through bead flanges secure edges.

Drive fasteners straight to prevent distortion, allowing rounded profiles to retain shape. Offset screws row-by-row to prevent weak seams. Hammer stops prevent over-driving.

Leave 1/16-inch clearance between flanges and framing at end joints. Insert spacers made of scraps to prevent flexing during drying that could detach end edges.

Finishing with Joint Compound

Use corner trowels, designed to slide along rounded profiles, to apply the joint compound finish coat over corner beads. Work systematically across all corners, fully embedding paper flange edges.

Let compound dry completely before adding decorators' touches like ceiling textures or painted accents along edges. Lightly sand any imperfections prior to decoration to ensure attractive results.

Caulk along the top and bottom of rounded profiles where they meet wall or ceiling. Careful wipe away excess. Let dry fully prior to introducing foot traffic or moving furniture back into spaces.

Painting Rounded Corner Bead Drywall

Plan your painting approach when applying rounded corner beads to control the final aesthetic. For uniform corner color, tint the finish compound before applying over beads. Or leave unpigmented for room accents.

Look for corner bead products featuring prepainted flanges to introduce color with less labor. Seek models with rolled edges to simplify embedding without supersaturation and bleeding under the flange.

When painting previously finished corners, apply two coats for complete coverage, wrapping brush bristles slightly over the rounded edge. Use high quality trim paint for maximum durability and washability.

Troubleshooting Rounded Corner Bead Drywall Installation

Popping Beads

Excess compound under corner beads can shrink and detach edges during curing. Remove any dried clumps prior to affixing using joint compound or adhesive. Check for full clean contact before permanently anchoring.

Overdriving nails or screws too close to framing limits flex space needed to adapt to foundation shifts. Leave 1/16 inch clearance and use screw stops. Consider pasting for highest anti-popping assurance.

Look for loose tape joints or cracks mid-wall signaling framing issues needing addressing before committing corner beads, or problems could resurface despite quality installation practices.

Cracked Joint Compound

Too thick of an application failing to fully dry before finishing stages can cause compound cracking near corner bead edges. Apply thinner coats following manufacturer guidelines for best results.

Rushing texture spraying before complete drying also risks hairline cracks or chipping along rounded profiles. Allow proper curing times between each step to prevent compound-related issues.

Dramatic foundation shifts over time may crack dried compound. Inspect for signs of underlying movement issues. Address prominently prior to corner finishing for lasting reliability.

Wavy corner beads detract visually and complicate finishing. Ensure boards fully contact adhesive and anchors seat beads evenly against wall planes.

Out-of-plumb framing twists finishes into uneven alignments readily visible along corner bead ridges. Correct underlying issues for uniform accuracy.