Chloe Zhang
Plastic corner beads are typically attached using spray adhesive, with staples also being used in many cases. The spray-and-staple technique has been used for over 50 years and is known for providing a strong bond. However, there are now alternative methods available, such as the Mud Set and Fast Edge® techniques, which offer different advantages in terms of speed and strength. Mud Set Beads, for example, are made from high-impact, rigid vinyl and feature a unique design that allows for a strong bond and impact resistance.
How to Attach Plastic Corner Bead
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation Method | Spray-and-staple technique |
| Spray Adhesive | High-tack, pressure-sensitive |
| Spray Distance | 6 to 10 inches |
| Spray Movement | Keep moving to avoid buildup |
| Stapling Frequency | Every 6 to 8 inches |
| Mud Set Beads | High-impact, rigid vinyl |
| Mud Lock Technology | Hooks grip into the joint compound |
| Excess Compound | Flows through perforated mud holes |
| Durability | Withstands daily wear and tear |
| Maintenance | Reduces building maintenance costs |
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What You'll Learn
Spray adhesive
To use spray adhesive, first, measure and cut the pieces using tin snips. Where the pieces meet, cut back the ends at angles and test to make sure they fit. Apply the spray adhesive on both sides of the corner, keeping the can at least 6 inches from the surface. Spray more adhesive on the inside of the corner bead. You can also apply adhesive to the drywall and then to the bead before positioning the bead into place. Press the corner bead in place using a pressure tool or the handle of a taping knife. Finish by stapling every 6 to 8 inches.
Allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before spackling. You can also cover the corner bead with joint compound, spreading it out evenly until you can no longer see the corner bead. Sand down the area with medium-grade sandpaper, smoothing it out in a circular, even motion.
The spray-and-staple method gives the corner bead a strong bond to the drywall. However, it can be messy, and you may need to use a primer to prevent the adhesive from bleeding through and discolouring the mud and paint.
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Staples
While staples are not the most popular method for attaching plastic corner beads, they can be used, especially in combination with spray adhesive. This method has been used by professionals for many years and is known to create a strong bond.
If you choose to use staples, you should also use a spray adhesive like Trim-Tex 847. Apply the adhesive to the drywall and the bead, and then position the bead in place. You can use a pressure tool or the handle of a taping knife to press the bead into place. Finally, staple the bead every 6 to 8 inches.
If you are installing vinyl corner beads, staples can be used without adhesive, but they must be spaced more closely together—about 6 inches apart. However, this method may cause the edges of the bead to bulge out, making it difficult to mud over.
It is important to note that staples alone may not provide enough holding power, especially in drywall, where the staples cannot grip onto anything solid. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use staples in combination with adhesive or another method, such as mudding or screwing.
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Nails
While staples and spray adhesive are the most common methods for attaching plastic corner beads, nails can also be used.
If you plan to use nails, it is recommended to use ring shank drywall nails. These nails allow you to stop hammering before they are tapped too deeply, which can cause issues with mudding. When using nails, it is important to tap the corner bead with a rubber mallet to adjust its position and ensure it is straight.
One user describes their process of using nails as follows: they first apply mud to the corner, then embed the corner bead in the mud with strong pressure, and adjust it to the best position. After letting the mud dry, they apply a second coat of mud and then put nails in the corner bead. The advantage of this method is that the corner bead is secured in place by the mud, and any movement caused by nailing is minimized.
Another user describes a similar process, but they use a bead crimper in addition to nails. They also mention that they only use nails occasionally, as they find that the mud does most of the work in securing the corner bead.
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Filling compound
Prepare the Corner Bead and Drywall:
First, measure and cut the corner bead to the desired length, typically with the bottom end about 1/2 inch off the floor. Cut the bead so that it fits snugly in the corner, creating a straight and level edge. Ensure that both sides of the bead rest flat against the drywall.
Apply the Filling Compound:
Use a knife, such as a 6-inch drywall knife, or a compound applicator tube to apply the filling compound, also known as "mud," directly to the corner or onto the bead itself. Spread the compound evenly, allowing it to squeeze through the perforations or mud holes in the bead. This helps to create a strong bond and minimize the amount of compound needed.
Attach the Corner Bead:
With the compound applied, press the bead firmly into place in the corner, ensuring that it is straight and secure. Use a roller tool or the end of a taping knife to apply even pressure.
Smooth and Sand the Joint:
After the bead is attached, use a taping knife to wipe down any excess compound that has squeezed out from the perforations. Then, allow the compound to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once dry, you can sand the area with medium-grade sandpaper, smoothing it out in a circular, even motion until you achieve a seamless finish.
Apply Additional Coats (if necessary):
Depending on the type of corner bead and the desired finish, you may need to apply additional coats of compound. For example, with a bullnose bead, you may need to feather the compound along the wall to create a smooth transition, using larger knives for each subsequent coat.
By following these steps and allowing adequate drying time between coats, you can achieve a professional and durable finish when attaching plastic corner beads with filling compound.
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Mud Set Beads
There are a few options for the look of your Mud Set Beads, including the 90-degree Mud Set Rigid Corner Bead, the larger Mud Set Rigid Jumbo to fix warped framing, and the Mud Set Bullnose for a soft, rounded edge. The Mud Locks are a series of hooks along the bead's mud legs that grip into the joint compound to latch the bead firmly onto the surface. Excess compound is allowed to flow through perforated mud holes, which are smaller than in standard vinyl beads for better adhesion.
To install Mud Set Beads, you can use a 4-in-1 Mud Hopper, or a knife or compound applicator tube to apply the mud onto the corner directly. With the mud applied, press the bead into place with a roller tool or the end of a taping knife. Excess mud will squeeze through the perforations, levelling out the bead and minimizing the amount of mud needed for the setting coat. Check for squareness and adjust as needed, then wipe away any excess mud. You can then apply your fill coat—the Mud Set method allows for the fill coat to be applied on the same day.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard way to attach plastic corner bead is with spray adhesive. You can also use contact cement, but this could be messier and fill up the mud lock holes. Most corner bead instructions will tell you to staple in addition to using spray adhesive.
Spray adhesive is a very thin high-tack contact cement. It gives the corner bead a strong bond to the drywall and has been proven to last.
Other ways to attach plastic corner bead include nailing them to the studs through the drywall and finishing off by filling with compound, or using a product like Trim-Tex Mud Set Beads, which are drywall corner beads made from high-impact, rigid vinyl.
