Short Answer:
To install drywall corner bead correctly:
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Cut the bead to length.
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Secure it straight and tight to the corner.
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Apply thin coats of joint compound.
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Feather each coat wider than the last.
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Sand lightly and prime before painting.
Straight bead plus thin coats equals clean corners.
Now let’s go step by step the way I actually do it on jobs.
What Is Drywall Corner Bead?
Corner bead reinforces outside drywall corners.
Without it, corners chip, dent, and crack easily.
Corner bead:
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Protects the edge
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Keeps the corner straight
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Creates a clean 90-degree line
In older Cleveland homes, I often see damaged corners from years of traffic. Installing bead correctly makes a huge difference in durability.
If you want my full drywall tool and supply setup, it’s here:
https://shoplowes.me/4qXiCjQ
What Type of Corner Bead Should I Use?
There are three common types.
Metal Corner Bead
- Most common. Durable. Straight.
- Good for high-traffic areas.
Paper-Faced Corner Bead
- Easier to blend. Less cracking if installed correctly.
- Great for remodel work.
Vinyl Corner Bead
- Moisture resistant. Good for basements and bathrooms.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Corner Bead
Measure the full height of the corner.
Cut the bead slightly shorter than the total height so it does not bind against the ceiling or floor.
Use:
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Tin snips for metal bead
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Utility knife for paper-faced bead
Clean cuts matter. Bent bead leads to wavy corners.
Step 2: Position the Corner Bead
Place the bead tight against the drywall corner.
Make sure:
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Both drywall edges are flush
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The bead sits straight from top to bottom
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It does not rock or bow
This is where control matters.
If the bead is crooked now, it will stay crooked.
Step 3: Secure the Corner Bead
How you secure it depends on type.
Metal Bead
Use drywall screws or nails along both sides.
Spacing about every 8 to 12 inches works well.
Do not overdrive screws. That can twist the bead.
Paper-Faced Bead
Embed it in joint compound instead of fastening mechanically.
Apply compound, press bead in, smooth it out.
If you are unsure about screw spacing, read:
How to Fix Nail Pops and Screw Pops in Drywall
The bead must sit tight and straight before mud goes on.
Step 4: First Coat of Mud
Use All Purpose joint compound for the first coat.
Apply mud to one side of the corner.
Run your knife from bottom to top in smooth strokes.
Then repeat on the other side.
Use a 6-inch or 10-inch knife for this stage.
Do not try to build thickness yet.
You are embedding and covering the bead.
If you need knife selection guidance, read:
Drywall Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
Let it dry fully.
Step 5: Second Coat
Switch to a wider knife, usually 10 or 12 inches.
Apply a thin coat to each side.
Feather the edges out wider than the first coat.
The goal is to blend the corner into the wall gradually.
Most corner problems come from trying to build too much mud too fast.
Thin coats win.
Step 6: Final Coat
For the final coat, I usually use a lightweight compound.
- Apply thin, even layers.
- Feather wider again.
At this stage, the corner should look straight and slightly raised.
That slight build is normal.
Once dry, sand lightly.
Sanding Corner Bead Without Ruining It
Sand lightly.
Do not sand aggressively along the edge.
If you sand through to the metal bead, you create more work.
Use a sanding sponge for better control near edges.
How Do I Fix a Crooked Corner Bead?
If the bead is slightly off:
- You may be able to build one side out with mud.
If it is noticeably crooked:
- Remove it and reinstall.
Trying to correct a badly installed bead with extra mud usually leads to bulky, uneven corners.
Why Is My Corner Bead Cracking?
Cracks usually happen because:
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The bead was not secured tightly
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The drywall underneath moved
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Coats were applied too thick
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Insufficient screws were used
Movement under the bead leads to cracks later.
If you are dealing with recurring cracks, read:
What Causes Hairline Cracks in Drywall and How to Fix Them
Do I Need a Corner Trowel?
A corner trowel is mainly for inside corners.
For outside corners with bead, standard taping knives work best.
If you are unsure which knives to buy, start here:
Drywall Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
What Is the Biggest Mistake With Corner Bead?
- Applying mud too thick: Thick coats over corner bead shrink as they dry. That shrinkage pulls away from the metal or vinyl edge and often causes hairline cracks along the corner. Heavy buildup also makes sanding harder and increases the chance of visible ridges under paint.
- Feathering too narrow: If you keep your mud tight to the bead and don’t feather it out wide enough, the corner will look bulky once painted. Light hits corners differently than flat walls. Narrow feathering creates a visible “hump” that shows up after primer and finish coats.
- Rushing dry time: Corners hold more compound than flat seams. If you recoat before the first layer is fully dry, you trap moisture underneath. That leads to cracking, soft spots, and corners that dent easily later.
Patience is what makes corners look professional.
Final Advice
If you are wondering how to install drywall corner bead correctly, focus on three things:
- Straight placement.
- Thin coats.
- Wide feathering.
Corner bead is not complicated. It just requires control and patience.
And if you are in Northeast Ohio and want crisp, clean drywall corners without sanding your whole house, Colin Can Help handles drywall repair and finishing professionally.