Plaster Corner Bead: The Ultimate Guide

Oleh Jacquelyn Kunde May 23, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you renovating your home and looking for a way to protect your corners from damage? Or are you a professional contractor in search of the best materials for your next project? Look no further than plaster corner bead!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about plaster corner bead, including what it is, how to install it, and its benefits. So let's get ed!

What Is Plaster Corner Bead?

Plaster corner bead, also known as drywall corner bead or simply corner bead, is a strip of metal or plastic that is used to reinforce the corners of walls. It provides a smooth, straight edge where two walls meet, protecting them from damage and giving them a finished look.

There are several different types of plaster corner bead available, including:

Metal corner bead: Made of galvanized steel or aluminum, metal corner bead is the most common type of corner bead. It is strong, durable, and easy to install.
Paper-faced corner bead: This type of corner bead has a paper face that is designed to be covered with joint compound or plaster. It is an affordable option that is easy to install but not as durable as metal corner bead.
Vinyl corner bead: Vinyl corner bead is made of PVC and is ideal for use in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. It is easy to install and can be painted to match the surrounding walls.

How to Install Plaster Corner Bead

Now that you know what plaster corner bead is, let's talk about how to install it. Follow these steps for a successful installation:

Measure the length of the wall corner where you will be installing the corner bead. Cut the corner bead to size using tin snips or a hacksaw.
Apply a thin layer of joint compound or plaster to the wall corner where you will be installing the corner bead.
Press the corner bead into the joint compound or plaster, making sure it is flush with the wall surface. Use a level to ensure that it is straight.
Attach the corner bead to the wall using drywall screws or adhesive, depending on the type of corner bead you are using. Make sure to space the screws evenly along the length of the corner bead.
Apply another layer of joint compound or plaster over the corner bead, using a trowel to smooth it out. Allow it to dry completely.
Sand the dried joint compound or plaster until it is smooth and even.
Repeat steps 2-6 for any additional corners.

Benefits of Plaster Corner Bead

There are several benefits to using plaster corner bead in your home or commercial construction projects:

Protection: Plaster corner bead protects your walls from damage, such as dents, cracks, and chips, which can be caused by accidental bumps or furniture moving.
Durability: Metal plaster corner bead is incredibly strong and durable, so it will last for years without needing to be replaced.
Aesthetics: Plaster corner bead provides a clean, finished look to your walls, giving them a professional appearance.
Easy to Install: Installing corner bead is a relatively simple process that can be by anyone, from DIY enthusiasts to professional contractors.

Plaster Corner Bead: Types and Materials

As we mentioned earlier, there are several different types of plaster corner bead available. Let's take a closer look at each one:

Metal Corner Bead

Metal corner bead is the most common type of plaster corner bead. It is made of galvanized steel or aluminum and is available in several different sizes and thicknesses. Here are some of the benefits of metal corner bead:

Strength: Metal corner bead is incredibly strong and can withstand heavy impact without denting or cracking.
Durability: Metal corner bead is resistant to rust and corrosion, so it will last for many years without needing to be replaced.
Easy to Install: Metal corner bead is easy to cut and can be installed using drywall screws or adhesive.

Paper-Faced Corner Bead

Paper-faced corner bead is a more affordable option than metal corner bead. It has a paper face that is designed to be covered with joint compound or plaster. Here are some of the benefits of paper-faced corner bead:

Affordability: Paper-faced corner bead is one of the most affordable types of corner bead available.
Easy to Install: Paper-faced corner bead is easy to cut and can be installed using drywall screws or adhesive.
Versatility: Because it is covered with joint compound or plaster, paper-faced corner bead can be painted or textured to match the surrounding walls.

Vinyl Corner Bead

Vinyl corner bead is made of PVC and is ideal for use in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Here are some of the benefits of vinyl corner bead:

Moisture Resistance: Vinyl corner bead is resistant to moisture and is less likely to develop mold or mildew than other types of corner bead.
Easy to Install: Vinyl corner bead is easy to cut and can be installed using drywall screws or adhesive.
Aesthetics: Vinyl corner bead can be painted to match the surrounding walls.

How to Choose the Right Plaster Corner Bead

When choosing plaster corner bead, there are several factors to consider, including:

Material: As we mentioned earlier, there are several different materials to choose from, including metal, paper-faced, and vinyl. Consider the needs of your project when choosing a material.
Size: Plaster corner bead comes in several different sizes, so make sure to choose the right size for your project.
Thickness: The thickness of the corner bead will affect its strength and durability. Thicker corner bead is stronger but may be more difficult to work with.
Style: Some plaster corner bead has a rounded or bullnose edge, while others have a square edge. Consider the style of your room when choosing a corner bead style.

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

While plaster corner bead installation is relatively simple, there are some common mistakes that can be made. Here are a few to avoid:

Cutting the corner bead too short or too long
Failing to use a level to ensure that the corner bead is straight
Failing to space screws evenly along the length of the corner bead
Applying too much joint compound or plaster, which can cause cracking or peeling
Neglecting to sand the dried joint compound or plaster until it is smooth and even

Maintenance and Repair of Plaster Corner Bead

Plaster corner bead requires little maintenance, but if it does become damaged, it can be repaired using joint compound or plaster. Here's how:

Remove any loose or damaged joint compound or plaster from the corner bead.
Apply a thin layer of joint compound or plaster over the damaged area, smoothing it out with a trowel.
Allow the joint compound or plaster to dry completely.
Sand the dried joint compound or plaster until it is smooth and even.

In conclusion, plaster corner bead is an essential component of any home renovation or construction project. It provides protection, durability, and aesthetics, while also being easy to install. When choosing plaster corner bead, consider the material, size, thickness, and style to find the right fit for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is plaster corner bead used for?

Plaster corner bead is used to reinforce the corners of walls, providing a smooth, straight edge where two walls meet. It protects the corners from damage and gives them a finished look.

2. How do you install plaster corner bead?

To install plaster corner bead, measure the length of the wall corner, cut the corner bead to size, apply joint compound or plaster, press the corner bead into the joint compound or plaster, attach it to the wall using drywall screws or adhesive, apply another layer of joint compound or plaster, allow it to dry, and sand it until it is smooth and even.

3. What are the different types of plaster corner bead?

The three main types of plaster corner bead are metal, paper-faced, and vinyl. Metal corner bead is the most common type and is made of galvanized steel or aluminum. Paper-faced corner bead has a paper face that is covered with joint compound or plaster. Vinyl corner bead is made of PVC and is ideal for use in areas that are prone to moisture.

4. How do you choose the right plaster corner bead?

When choosing plaster corner bead, consider the material, size, thickness, and style. Choose a material that fits the needs of your project, and make sure to choose the right size, thickness, and style for your room.

5. Can plaster corner bead be repaired?

Yes, if plaster corner bead becomes damaged, it can be repaired using joint compound or plaster. Remove any loose or damaged joint compound or plaster, apply a thin layer of joint compound or plaster over the damaged area, allow it to dry, and sand it until it is smooth and even.

6. Is plaster corner bead easy to install?

Yes, installing plaster corner bead is relatively simple and can be by anyone, from DIY enthusiasts to professional contractors.

7. What are the benefits of using plaster corner bead?

Plaster corner bead provides protection, durability, and aesthetics to your walls. It protects them from damage, is incredibly strong and durable, and provides a clean, finished look.

8. How do you avoid common installation mistakes when installing plaster corner bead?

To avoid common installation mistakes, make sure to cut the corner bead to the right length, use a level to ensure that it is straight, space screws evenly along the length of the corner bead, apply a thin layer of joint compound or plaster, and sand the dried joint compound or plaster until it is smooth and even.

9. What is vinyl corner bead used for?

Vinyl corner bead is ideal for use in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. It is resistant to moisture and can be painted to match the surrounding walls.