What’s the deal with angle beads? An angle bead is a metal strip that encircles an external corner in a room. It is connected directly to the plasterboard and used to create a perfect corner. Prior to skim coating, it is attached to the plasterboard using glue.
Why would I want to do it on my own?
The materials are inexpensive and difficult to obtain. The benefit of this work is that if the end result isn’t correct, simply remove the beads and try again, with little damage to the plasterboard. If you’re unsure, go ahead and try beading one on. If it goes wrong and you don’t know what to do, ask the plasterer to finish it for you.
If you’re employing a professional plasterer to skim coat the boards, do it yourself and save money. He shouldn’t be concerned since he can simply check ahead of time before skim coating the plasterboard.
Tools for the job
What equipment will I require?
There aren’t any special or costly equipment you’ll need when doing this project as a DIYer.
You would need:
- Tin snips
- Tape measure
- Scissors (to cut the scrim tape)
- Materials:
Angle bead – usually comes as a 2.4m length, allowing an extra 10% for wastage/offcuts, etc.
A helpful hint
Only use ADA Fastfix plaster corner beads on the outer edges of your walls. Internal corners do not require beading, as scrim tape will suffice instead. is the best place you can deal with!
The way to put the anglebead onto plasterboard
Angle bead may be affixed to plasterboard in a number of ways, including with nails, screws, staples, adhesives, wet plaster, and glue. There are several options to consider, but I liked one in particular. So, without further ado, here is my go-to solution. I’ll get straight to the point so you can go on and finish it, but I’ll include the alternative methods at the bottom of this page just in case you’re interested.
Anglebead is attached to the wall using scrim tape
It’s crucial to comprehend a little about the form of adhesive used in plasterboard anglebead installation. The beading is firmly set in place after the skim coat of plaster has been applied. Simply said, the method used to fix it is merely a stopgap solution until the skim coat is completed.
With this in mind, the type of fixing isn’t critical. It just needs to keep the bead in place for a brief period. As a result, I chose a method that was simple rather than one that was durable.
Check the Plasterboard First
A thorough survey of both the verticals and horizontals is required. Minor modifications may be made while beadwork and plastering, so don’t squander this chance to double-check. A spirit level will help you with this.
Cutting the anglebead length
This is very simple if you have a pair of good tin snips.
The first step is to measure the length. The simplest method to get this right is not to use a tape measure, but rather to lay the metal corner bead against the corner and snip it there and then.
If you don’t have a pair of tin snips, a hacksaw will suffice. However, this may create burring; therefore, use a file or sandpaper to smooth off the extra metal.
Helpful Tip
With the longer lengths, try to stick the scrim tape in one piece; it’s surprisingly simple.
Attaching scrim tape to anglebead
Attach the corner angle bead to the window sill and then half of each metal wing in one go. Make absolutely sure the scrim is pressed firmly against the metal.
Attaching the bead to the plasterboard corner
To begin, carefully remove the beads from their corners. Then, lift up the bead and press it into the corner, making sure it doesn’t bend and ends up straight. A long level can be used to ensure that it is straight.
When everything is done, press the scrim tape down firmly to secure it in place. If another attempt is required, it’s possible to remove the scrim.