Drywall 101: Corner Bead Basics

I THOUGHT CORNER BEAD WAS MADE OUT OF METAL?

More than 50 years ago, Trim-Tex made a significant impact with the J-Bead that challenged the belief that corner trim needed to be made of metal. These days, many people have realized that vinyl corner bead is more durable, adaptable, and easier to use.

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As Dan Tuer shows in the video above, you might not have to wait for something to bump into your corner to see how much more durable vinyl is compared to metal. Damage can occur as early as during transportation to the job site. While minor damage can permanently ruin a metal corner bead, a vinyl corner bead can easily spring back into shape even after extreme impacts. Vinyl corner bead is rustproof, highly flexible, and easier to install. In Trim-Tex’s case, it's made from at least 70% recycled materials. Clearly, metal just can't measure up. Learn more about the benefits of using vinyl corner bead here.

If you're new to drywall trades, we hope this information sheds some light on the solutions we’re passionate about at Trim-Tex. For more helpful and entertaining how-to videos like this one, follow Refresh Home Improvements. As far as corner-bead options go, you've only scratched the surface. Hit the button below to grab a full Trim-Tex catalog to see what's possible in drywall finishing.

When it comes to taping outside corner beads, I prefer using a corner bead that is held in place with joint compound. If you’re used to metal corner bead, it is typically attached with nails before any taping. With the corner bead I prefer, you tape all your seams and inside corners first, then attach the bead.

I don’t apply the compound very thick, probably less than 1/8 inch, similar to the amount used when embedding tape. Essentially, you’re embedding this corner bead just like paper tape.

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I place the bead over the corner, ensuring it’s tight against the ceiling. The gap along the floor doesn’t matter because that area will be covered by the baseboard. Then, I square it up by hand.

There are a couple of ways to embed this bead. You can use a taping knife or a roller specially made for embedding the bead. I prefer using a roller because it does a better job. It helps to square it up and embeds the edges nicely into the joint compound. I start with light pressure to square it up, and once satisfied, I apply more pressure to embed the edges tightly. If I continued to roll excessively, I’d push out too much compound from behind it. After embedding, I use my taping knife to remove excess compound. Let it dry for 24 hours before applying the finish coat.

I like this corner bead because it’s faster to install than a nail-on corner bead. Also, because it’s embedded in the joint compound along its entire length, there’s less risk of edge cracking or loose corner bead.

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