Wall corners are easily damaged and need extra protection.
Corners, where two pieces of drywall meet, have to hold up to everyday bumps and collisions. Typically, one or both sheets had to be cut to fit properly, which exposes the crumbly gypsum core of drywall. Corner beads provide that extra measure of protection by covering the edges of drywall sheets.
Selection
Corner bead comes in long lengths to fit standard wall heights and it is made of either metal or plastic. The material comes precreased so it will fold easily around the corner when applied. Both corner bead material choices also come in either a rounded edge or a sharp, squared edge. The choice of material and design is based on individual taste.
Cutting to Size
Select a length that fits from the ceiling to about 1/2 inch from the floor. Apply base molding after the wall is completed; it will protect the bottom edge of drywall, while also concealing any gaps along the floor. A pair of tin snips or a hacksaw will cut through corner beading. Try to avoid bending or twisting the bead out of shape when cutting to prevent bows that will be difficult to cover later.
Hanging
Use an entire length of beading cut to size for the wall instead of piecing two or more shorter sections together. The patchwork style is more difficult to cover with joint compound and will not look as straight and seamless as a single piece. Place drywall screws in the predrilled holes along each side of the bead. Keep the screws 8 to 10 inches apart and dimple them into the beading material so the heads do not stick up. This holds the bead solid to the wall and makes the final steps easier.
Apply Mud
Mud, joint compound and drywall compound all refer to the same material -- a bonding agent and leveler used to hide and seal the joints between sheets of drywall. The compound is sold in a ready-to-use formula or in powder form to be mixed with water. Apply the material in several light coats rather than in one heavy coat. Spread the compound onto a corner bead with a wide putty knife, feathering the material out about 6 inches along both walls. The second coat should completely hide the beading material and feather out a few inches farther. A final skim coat finishes the task.
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