Sofia Martinez
Plastic sheetrock corners, also known as vinyl corner beads, are used to create a smooth, even seam and an attractive finish at the corners of walls. They are easy to install and highly effective, providing a strong and durable solution that stands the test of time. There are several methods to install plastic sheetrock corners, including the traditional spray-and-staple technique, as well as newer methods like Mud Set and Fast Edge®. When installing plastic sheetrock corners, it is important to ensure that they are put on straight, square, and firmly attached to the underlying structure. This can be achieved through proper techniques and tools, such as drywall crimping tools, lasers, and careful application of adhesives or compounds.
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right corner bead
Plastic corner beads are typically made of vinyl, which can be cheap and brittle. However, modern vinyl corner beads can be abuse-resistant and are a good choice for high-traffic corners where impact is inevitable.
There are three main installation methods for vinyl corner beads:
- Spray-and-staple standard vinyl: This is the traditional method, where you spray the corner bead with adhesive and staple it in place.
- Mud Set: This method uses high-impact, rigid vinyl and can withstand daily wear-and-tear and intense impact. You can apply the mud with a 4-in-1 Mud Hopper, a knife, or a compound applicator tube.
- Fast Edge®: This method is also available, but less information is available on it.
When choosing between metal and vinyl corner beads, consider the following:
- Metal beads offer superior strength and durability, but their installation is slightly more involved and requires metal-cutting tools and a hammer.
- Vinyl beads are easier to install and are a good choice if you are not comfortable working with metal.
- Paper-faced beads are another option and are easier to cut than metal beads, but they may not be as durable.
When installing the corner bead, it is important to ensure that it is straight and square on both sides. Lasers are the best way to ensure the bead is installed correctly, but they should only be used by professionals. Drywall crimping tools can also be used to keep the bead straight and square, but they are only effective for short sections of the bead.
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Prepare the surface
Before installing plastic sheetrock corners, also known as vinyl corner beads, it is important to prepare the surface properly to ensure a smooth and seamless finish. Here are the steps to prepare the surface:
First, inspect the drywall for any sharp edges and use sandpaper to smooth out any rough areas. This step is crucial to ensure that the surface is even and ready for the corner beads. Cut or sand down any sharp edges on the drywall, ensuring that there are no sharp or rounded edges. The ends of the beads should be as straight as the middle.
Next, clean the drywall surface thoroughly. Remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the sanding process. A clean surface is essential for the proper adhesion of the corner beads.
After cleaning, apply a coat of primer to the drywall. Primer will help seal the surface and create an even base for the corner beads to adhere to. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and drying time.
Once the primer is dry, you may need to cut the corner bead to the appropriate length. Use tin snips or aviation snips to cut the bead, ensuring that it fits snugly against the ceiling or any adjacent trim. The bottom end of the bead should be approximately 1/2 inch off the floor, as the baseboard will cover this gap.
Finally, dry-fit the corner bead to ensure a proper fit. Place the bead against the corner, checking that it is straight and square on both sides. Use a straightedge at a 90-degree angle to verify that the gap between the bead and the drywall is even on both sides.
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Cut the bead to size
Cutting the bead to size is a crucial step in ensuring a precise and secure fit for your plastic sheetrock corners. Here are the detailed steps and considerations for this process:
First, it's important to determine the desired length of the bead. For wall installations, it is recommended to keep the bead about 1/2 inch off the floor to avoid potential issues if the building settles. This gap at the floor level also reduces the risk of the bead binding, coming loose, or cracking. Similarly, for stand-up beads on walls, cut the bead with snips or tin snips, leaving it approximately 1/2 inch short of the ceiling height. The gap at the ceiling will be concealed by the baseboard, ensuring a neat finish.
When cutting the bead, focus on achieving a straight and precise cut. Ensure that there are no sharp or rounded edges on the bead. The ends should be as straight as the middle portion. If you are cutting a metal bead, the process may be more involved and physically demanding. Metal beads typically require cutting tools like aviation snips or tin snips. On the other hand, cutting a paper-faced bead is simpler; you only need to cut the paper, and it doesn't require specialized metal-cutting tools.
After cutting the bead to size, it's important to dry-fit the bead to check the length and ensure a proper fit. This dry-fitting step allows you to make any necessary adjustments before permanently installing the bead. It is also important to ensure that the bead is installed straight and square on both sides. Use a straightedge at a 90-degree angle to the bead to check for evenness on both sides.
Once you've cut the bead to size and confirmed the fit, you can proceed to the next steps of the installation process, such as applying adhesive or using other attachment methods to secure the plastic sheetrock corner in place. Remember to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the best results.
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Attach the bead
When attaching the bead, it is important to ensure that it is straight and square on both sides. Stand back occasionally to check that it is being applied correctly. You can use a straightedge at a 90-degree angle to the bead to check that it is square.
For vinyl corner beads, one traditional installation technique is to use spray adhesive and staples. First, apply the adhesive to the inside flanges of the corner bead and allow it to set for 10-15 minutes. Then, apply the adhesive to the outside drywall corners. Finally, position the bead into place, pressing it with a pressure tool or taping knife handle, and staple every 6-8 inches.
Alternatively, you can use a drywall corner bead crimping tool to keep the bead straight and square. When you hit the trigger with a hammer, small metal pins punch the metal corner bead, crimping it into place. However, crimping tools are only around 16 inches long, so you will need another method to attach the bead to the underlying structure.
If you are using a metal bead, apply a thin layer of compound along the corner and press the bead against it firmly. Before it dries, use a hammer and small nails to secure the bead to the drywall. Nails should be spaced about 8 inches apart.
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Prime and paint
Before you begin priming and painting, ensure that any sharp edges on the drywall have been cut or sanded down. Check that the drywall is clean and ready to apply primer everywhere but the corner. Proper setup will save you time later on.
Priming helps seal the joint compound and create an even surface for paint application. If you're painting the entire wall, you'll need to prime it anyway. Once the primer has dried, you can paint the walls.
If you're comfortable using the tools, installing plastic sheetrock corners is a great DIY project. However, drywalling is one of the least expensive contractor jobs, as it doesn't take professionals long to do, and the materials are fairly inexpensive.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic sheetrock corners, also known as vinyl corner beads, come in a variety of styles, including bullnose beads for rounded corners and standard vinyl beads for crisp corners.
You will need plastic corner beads, a spray adhesive designed for corner beads, staples, a stapler, and a straightedge tool. You may also need a drywall knife, a hammer, and a roller tool or taping knife.
Ensure that any sharp edges on the drywall have been cut or sanded down and that the surface is clean and primed. Cut the corner bead to length with tin snips, leaving a gap of about 1/2 inch from the floor and ceiling to prevent cracking.
There are three common methods for installing plastic sheetrock corners: the spray-and-staple method, the Mud Set method, and the Fast Edge method. The spray-and-staple method involves spraying adhesive on the drywall and bead, attaching the bead, and stapling it in place. The Mud Set method uses a compound applied with a hopper, roller tool, or knife to adhere the bead.
After installing the plastic sheetrock corners, you should prime and paint the finished surface for an even finish.
