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

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

My best tips on installing a corner bead:

Installing a corner bead on a brick wall is a crucial step to ensure clean, sharp edges for your finished surface. While corner beads are often associated with drywall, they can also be used on brick walls before plastering or adding finishing layers. Here are my best tips for installing a corner bead on a brick wall effectively.

1. Choose the Right Type of Corner Bead

For brick walls, it’s important to use a corner bead that’s designed for masonry work. Common types include:

• Metal corner beads: These are durable and commonly used for masonry work.
• PVC corner beads: Lightweight and rust-resistant, PVC beads are a great choice for areas prone to moisture.
• Expanded metal corner beads: These are ideal for use with mortar or plaster as they allow the material to bond more easily.

Make sure the corner bead is rust-resistant if the area is exposed to moisture, and choose one that’s sturdy enough for a masonry surface.

2. Clean the Surface

Before installing the corner bead, ensure the brick wall’s surface is clean and free from dust, dirt, or loose particles:

• Use a stiff brush or vacuum to remove debris from the corner where the bead will be applied.
• Wipe the area with a damp cloth if needed to ensure the surface is ready for installation.

A clean surface will help the adhesive or mortar bond properly to the brick and corner bead.

3. Cut the Corner Bead to Size

Measure the height of the corner where the bead will be installed and use tin snips or a hacksaw to cut the corner bead to the correct length:

• Make sure the corner bead extends from the base to the top of the wall for full coverage.
• If the corner bead will be installed over multiple corners (for example, in a staircase), cut individual pieces for each section.

Double-check that the bead fits snugly along the corner before proceeding.

4. Use Mortar or Adhesive to Attach the Bead

To secure the corner bead to the brick wall, you’ll need either mortar or construction adhesive designed for masonry surfaces:

• For mortar: Apply a layer of masonry mortar to the corner using a trowel. Press the corner bead into the mortar, ensuring it is fully embedded. Use the trowel to smooth and remove any excess mortar.
• For adhesive: Apply a bead of construction adhesive along the brick corner where the bead will be placed. Press the corner bead into the adhesive and hold it in place for a few moments until it bonds.

Ensure the corner bead is properly aligned and straight during this step, as any misalignment will affect the finished look.

5. Check for Alignment

Use a spirit level to check that the corner bead is perfectly straight and aligned along the corner of the brick wall:

• Adjust the bead as needed while the mortar or adhesive is still fresh.
• Make sure the bead forms a clean, sharp corner, as this will serve as the guide for your plaster or finishing coat.

6. Secure the Bead with Nails or Screws (Optional)

For extra security, you can further secure the corner bead using masonry nails or screws:

• Drill small pilot holes through the corner bead into the brick at regular intervals, typically every 12-16 inches.
• Insert masonry screws or nails to hold the bead in place while the mortar or adhesive sets.

This step adds extra reinforcement, especially for high-traffic areas or exterior corners.

7. Apply the Plaster or Finishing Coat

Once the corner bead is secured and the mortar or adhesive has cured (usually 24 hours), you’re ready to apply your plaster or finishing coat:

• Apply a base coat of plaster over the brick wall and corner bead, ensuring the material covers the metal or PVC bead entirely.
• Smooth the plaster using a trowel, blending it seamlessly into the rest of the wall while maintaining the sharp, straight edge formed by the corner bead.
• Let the first coat dry before applying additional coats if needed.

8. Smooth the Corners

After the final coat of plaster has been applied, use a sanding block or sponge to smooth the corner and ensure a flawless finish:

• Lightly sand the plaster around the corner bead to remove any bumps or ridges.
• Be careful not to expose the corner bead while sanding. The goal is to keep the corner bead hidden beneath a smooth layer of plaster.

9. Cure and Finish

Allow the plaster to cure completely (follow the manufacturer’s instructions), and then paint or finish the wall as desired:

• Apply a coat of primer before painting to ensure an even finish.
• If you’re installing the bead on an exterior brick wall, use exterior-grade plaster or render to protect the corner from weather damage.

Bonus Tip: Use Mesh Tape for Extra Reinforcement For added durability, apply mesh tape over the corner bead before plastering. This helps prevent cracks from forming at the joints and ensures a long-lasting finish.

How to install a corner bead on a brick wall

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to install a corner bead on a brick wall that creates sharp, clean edges and provides a strong base for plaster or other finishes. Whether indoors or outdoors, a well-installed corner bead is key to achieving a professional look that lasts.

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