Question 1

1. How do you attach an angle bead/corner bead?

Accepted Answer

Corner beads for plastering can be fixed to plasterboard or masonry using a range of methods, including screws, nails, adhesive dabs, scrim tape, and wet plaster.

To attach them, first cut the bead to the correct length and position it over the corner, checking it’s straight and plumb. On plasterboard, it’s common to pin or screw the bead in place or lightly fix it with scrim tape or adhesive. On masonry or base coats, apply dabs of plaster or adhesive along the corner and press the bead into position. Once aligned, the bead is held temporarily by the fixings or adhesive, then skimmed over, leaving the edge exposed for a clean finish.

Question 2

2. Can you use metal corner beads for inside corners?

Accepted Answer

Although there are some bead products designed for inside corners, metal corner beads are generally made to be used on external corners. Internal corners are usually finished with tape or flexible trims rather than rigid beads.

Question 3

3. Can you paint metal corner beads?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even if the bead isn’t covered during plastering/skimming, it can be painted as part of the finished wall. If you’re repainting a bead where areas of paint have chipped off, exposing the metal, it's advised to sand the corner down to even out the surface first.

Question 4

4. How do you cut an angle bead?

Accepted Answer

Angle beads can be cut to length using tin snips, a hacksaw, or similar tools. Make sure you take care not to bend the profile during cutting, or it will lose its straight edge and be harder to attach to the substrate.

Question 5

5. Do you have to use corner beading on drywall?

Accepted Answer

Corner beading isn’t strictly needed but is standard practice. Beads help create and maintain straight edges and protect the corners from damage over time, making them more useful than not.

Question 6

6. What is a thin coat angle bead?

Accepted Answer

A thin coat angle bead is designed for drylining jobs where you plan to plaster surfaces with a thin ‘skim’ layer. They’re designed to match the thinner plaster layer, maintaining consistent thickness and sharp edges on low-build finishes.

Angle beads (Corner beading)

3mm Galvanised Internal Thin Coat Angle Bead - 2.4m

3mm Galvanised Internal Mini Mesh Angle Bead 2.4m

10mm PVC Angle Bead White - 3m

45mm Expamet Maxicon Galvanised Internal Angle Bead - 3m

15mm PVC Angle Bead White - 3m

45mm Expamet Maxicon Galvanised Internal Angle Bead - 2.4m

15mm PVC Corner Bead - 2.5m