In modern construction methods, drywall is a common interior wall surface. The old method which involved the use of lath and plaster has been replaced by drywall. Lath and plaster interiors needed frequent repairs and took a long time to be perfect. Though it is a superior surface with a lot of smoothness to the corners and seams need to be plastered with joint compounds. Corner beads are the best way to ensure straight and long-lasting corners. The entire process of installing drywall corners is pretty easy. All you need to do is follow the following steps keenly without hurrying through the work. The more time you devote to it, the more satisfied will you be with it.
Things that are needed:
- Drywall knife
- Drywall compound
- Metal snips
- Drill
- Corner bead
- Drywall screws
- Primer
- Sander
- Paint brush
- Paint roller
Instructions
1. Cut corner beads. Cut the corner beads so that they fit with the metal snips. Use the drywall compound to and fill the seam where they meet the corner. Also apply a coat of the drywall compound over the corner bead. Use a drywall knife to give the corner a smoothness. After you have applied the drywall compound, place the metal corner, when the area is still wet. Take the corner bead and press it in the corner to secure it into the place.
2. Drive in the screws. You will find holes in the edge of the corner bead in regular intervals. Put in the drywall screws into these holes till the heads of the screws are a little embedded. Take drywall compound and apply it over the corner bead in horizontal strokes. Make sure that you apply it even over the screw heads and cover a little more area than just the corner. If you want to fill the valley created along each side of the bead then cover the area with the drywall compound using vertical strokes. Leave the coat completely undisturbed for at least 6 hours. This will help the compound to harden.
3. Cover the first coat. After you have applied the first coat of compound, apply a second coat to ensure that there are no voids and unevenness. Allow this coat to dry. Check with your hand to be sure. Use a drywall sanding screen to smooth out the surface of the second coat. If the sanding process causes any roughness, then apply another coat of compound and then sand it again. This will give you the perfect finish.
4. Primer the finished area. After you have allowed the compund to dry and sanded the extra bit off, apply primer over the whole area. Make sure that you cover the entire area. This will provide you the base to apply paint on.
5. Apply the paint. Make sure that the primer has dried up completely before you apply latex paint. Apply two coats of latex paint over the whole area. The color of the paint depends entirely on your personal choice and liking.
6. Finally, apply the sheen. After you ahve coverd the drywall corner with two coats of latex paint, apply sheen over the entire area. To do this, use a paint roller of medium-nap. This is the final sealing step of installing drywall corners so do not rush through it. Allow it to dry completely.
Avoid hurrying through the steps as the more you hurry, you will create the more extra work for yourself. The job is pretty easy and can be done without any professional help. You may hire a help, if needed. The materials needed are easily available in nearby hardware stores. You may have some of the materials at home and that will serve as a bonus. Regarding the primer and paint, it is always wise to avoid using old materials. The brush with which you plan to apply the primer and the paint should also be new and the bristles should be fine.
