Ask A Sheetrocker

How do I get Bubbles and Wrinkles out of My Corner Bead?

It seems we have had a few concerns from people installing the corner bead on their projects. This is a normal complaint from most anyone who is a first timer at installing corner bead. Don't worry, you can install it like a pro.

First and foremost, NEVER use Screws!
Screws cause more bubbles and wrinkles in the corner bead and WILL inevitably leave you unsatisfied with the finished project. The reason for this is that whether you use metal corner bead or plastic, screws can twist in too tight and rip through the corner bead.

If you use a screw gun the screws will almost always go in too tight. If you want your corner bead project to take you weeks to finish, then you can use the old hand and screwdriver method therefore, you can be really careful not to screw the screws in too tight. One of my favorite sayings: save yourself a dime, do it right the first time.

Nails are the best thing when using corner bead
Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. We at Sheetrockers Secrets prefer to use only metal corner bead with nails. The best nails to use are 1 x 1/8 inch sheetrock nails. We have found over the years that metal corner bead with nails is the easiest to use and makes a cleaner finish.

If I am training someone and there is a need to take the corner bead off and do it again, the piece of corner bead that is damaged cannot be reused but, it can be cut away and a good piece put in its place. I have found that metal corner bead is easiest to do this with. There is less damage to the sheetrock than if using glue and, it seems that more of the corner bead is damaged if using plastic corner bead. More oft than not, things do not need to be redone, but I dont like to be put in a position that makes unnecessary work. Who does?

So, after measuring your corner bead apply the corner bead to the corner making sure the edge of the corner bead is flush against the ceiling. Starting in the middle of the corner bead on either side, is where you want to stick your first nail. As it is the middle of your project, you may want to put a nail on the left side and the right side but it is not necessary.

You can either work upward to the ceiling or downward putting in the nails in an alternate fashion staggering the nails from one side of the corner bead to the other until you reach the top. If You get bubbles or wrinkles and cannot smooth them out while nailing, then you can just stick a nail in the stubborn bubble and it should be fine. Always start in the middle of the corner bead and work one way or the other. This allows the bubbles and wrinkles to be pushed outward as you nail.

If you are using a crimper, make sure you are using the right one.
If you are using bullnose corner bead then use a bullnose crimper. If you are using regular corner bead then use a regular crimper. See the differences in the pictures. On the right is a bullnose crimper and on the left is a regular crimper with mallet.

Also note, that if you use plastic corner bead you cannot use a crimper. This would be apparently obvious to some but to others it is not. Therefore, without any disrespect; you can only crimp metal. You cannot crimp plastic.

When applying your second piece of corner bead to the same corner, make sure they do not overlap. Make sure they butt up to each other nice and tight. This will cause less work for you in your upcoming steps of taping, mudding and sanding. And, you will much appreciate your diligence in paying attention to the little things that matter big.

Last and most importantly of all Make sure you have a double meat hoagie, chips and a beer because you will be proud of a job well done.