How to install a corner bead on a brick wall

This article is about how to install a corner bead on a brick wall. You probably already know that drywall corners require the installation of metal corner beads, but in the case of brick walls the situation is a little more shaded, as you have more options. Consequently, if you have a good team of workers, they could build the corners using plaster, provided they are located in an area where you cannot damage them.

The other option is to install a metal corner bead, as to reinforce the corners and to give them a neat look. Installing corner bead is a great idea if you plan to do the job by yourself, as it be easier for a beginner to make it look professional.

 

Made from this plan

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In order to install a corner bead on a brick wall, you need the following:

Materials

  • Metal corner bead
  • Finish plaster compound

 

Tools

  • Safety gloves, glasses
  • Measuring tape, carpentry pencil, l-square, spirit level
  • Aviation snips
  • Palette knife and float
  • Drill machinery with mixing palette

 

Tips

  • Make sure the corner bead is level and plumb

 

Time

  • One hour

 

How to install a corner bead on a brick wall

Metal corner bead

Metal corner bead

 

A corner bead can be either made of light metal or of composite materials (plastic). Therefore, in order to adjust the corner bead to the needed dimensions, you have to use a pair of tin snips, as you can see in the image. The technique is simple: measure the needed surface with a tape measure and cut the metal or plastic corner bead, with the help of pair of tin snips.

Smart Tip: Make sure you join two corner beads in a professional manner, otherwise your plaster coat won’t be able to hide the misalignment.

 

Corner bead joint

Corner bead joint

 

Therefore, you can see in the above image the right way in which you have to join two corner beads. This technique is essential, as there are cases in which you have to install a corner bead around a window or door opening.

Use the thin snips and cut one side of the corner bead at 90º, while the other side at 45º, as you can see in the image. Work with patience and wear safety gloves, as not to cut yourself in the sharp edges of the corner bead.

 

Brick wall corners

Brick wall corners

 

Installing a corner bead is not a difficult project, provided you use the right tools and materials. Consequently, when you have to install a metal corner bead on a brick wall, you have to measure the needed length, by using a good tape measurement. In addition, you might want to add 10-20% due to cutting waste.

Afterward, buy the needed pieces of metal corner beads (they come in several standard lengths: usually 6′ or 8′), but you have to choose the ones that require the least amount of cuts.

 

Using a L-square to install the corner bead

Using a L-square to install the corner bead

 

Next, you have to measure the length of the first corner and cut the metal corner bead as to fit into location. Afterward, you have to use the l-square, as to check if the surface is level and plumb. If you have found that something isn’t right, then you have to solve the problem first, by applying several coats of plaster.

Meanwhile, you need to mix finish plaster in a bucket. Mixing the putty is not difficult, just pour some water in a bucket, add the powder, let it for 5 minutes to soak water and then mix it thoroughly with a drill machinery with mixing paddle(or by hand, using a margin trowel).

 

Securing metal corner bead with finish plaster

Securing metal corner bead with finish plaster

 

Next, you have to apply the putty on the wall in several spots (at both ends and in the middle), by using a palette knife. Then push the metal corner bead into the putty until it gets secured. The finish plaster will dry out very quickly, so you must be really quick: make sure the corner bead is level and aligned with the wall.

Work with patience and take time to asses your work. Nothing can be worse that having to redo the steps, after noticing errors in your work.

 

Installing metal corner bead

Installing metal corner bead

 

As you can see in this image, we have installed the metal corner bead in several spots and we have checked its alignment, by using a spirit level and the l-square. Until know, things look pretty good and the next steps are much more easier.

Next, we have to fill the gaps with putty and add a couple of coats of finish plaster, as to hide the metal corner bead and give to our room a neat look. Make sure you use the proper tools: with the palette knife you spread the compound on the corner bead and with a float you have to distribute it in a even coat.

 

How to install corner bead

How to install corner bead

 

If the corner bead is not aligned properly (you can check with a spirit level), you have to remove it gently, level it and apply again putty, holding it into position until the compound has dried out. You have to remember that the finish plaster must have the proper consistency, it shouldn’t be too thin, as the bead would slip from the ideal position, yet not too thick as it won’t hold the metal bead properly.

The right consistency of the mud is close to the butter, meaning it shouldn’t slip from the trowel.

 

Installing corner bead on brick wall

Installing corner bead on brick wall

 

Continue applying compound of both sides of the corner bead, making sure you remove the excess material. It is important to spread the compound as evenly as possible, otherwise you will work hard on sanding the surface.

If you want to avoid possible complications (the metal corner bead might rust in time), you can choose to install a plastic corner bead, which can be installed in the same manner, but has the advantage of not getting rusted.

 

Finishing the corner bead

Finishing the corner bead

 

After you have applied the compound over the whole length and both sides of the corner bead, you have to spread a nice coat of  finish plaster, as to get a nice appearance. After the whole surface has dried out (at least 8 hours), you should apply the final coat of compound, which is designed for this purpose: the finish coat.

In order to apply the final coat, you have to use a large float and spread the material by using concentric moves. The procedure is not difficult, provided you work with patience and follow our tips.

 

Finishig the corner bead

Applying a coat of finish plaster

 

Last but not least, after the final coat has dried out, you have to sand the whole surface as to get a nice appearance and remove the irregularities. In order to finish the surface, you should start with a medium grit sandpaper. Afterwards, you have to use a fine-grit sandpaper over the whole surface, until the area looks properly.

Before painting the walls, you have to remove the dust and other residues by using a clean smooth material. It is essential not to use an abrasive cloth, as you risk damaging the walls.

 

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