Which is better paper or metal corner bead?

When it comes to installing corner bead for drywall projects, most DIYers and professionals have to decide between using paper or metal corner beads. Both options have their pros and cons in terms of durability, ease of installation, cost, and finish results. Making the right choice depends on factors like your project scope, budget, and personal preferences. This comprehensive guide examines paper vs metal corner beads in detail to help you determine which is the better option for your next drywall project.

What is Corner Bead?

Before diving into the paper vs metal debate, it’s important to understand what exactly corner bead is and why it’s an essential component for finishing drywall corners.

Corner bead is a thin strip of material that is installed on outside drywall corners to create clean, straight edges. It serves several important functions:

• It protects and reinforces the corners from potential damage.
• It provides a clean, straight edge for a professional finish.
• It makes applying joint compound and sanding the corners much easier.
• It creates a durable surface for paint adhesion.

Without corner bead, drywall corners are prone to cracking and chipping, especially on external corners. The paper facing is too fragile on its own to withstand daily bumps and knocks. Corner bead creates a protective barrier and finished look for corners.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of what corner bead is, let’s look at the two main material options – paper and metal.

Paper Corner Beads

Paper corner beads, sometimes called paper-faced metal beads, consist of a paper layer laminated over a metal core. The metal (typically galvanized steel) provides strength and structure. The paper facing makes it easy to embed the beads into joint compound for seamless finishing.

Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of paper corner beads:

Pros

• More affordable than metal beads.
• Paper facing bonds well with joint compound.
• Easier to cut and install around irregular corners.
• Creates smooth seamless finish when properly installed.
• Wide variety of styles and sizes available.

Cons

• Prone to damage if bumped or knocked before paint.
• Paper facing can bubble or peel if improperly installed.
• Not as durable or impact-resistant as metal.
• Prone to rust over time if metal core is exposed.

Overall, paper corner beads provide an inexpensive and easy finishing option for most drywall projects. However, they require proper installation to achieve best results. They also lack the durability of metal in high traffic areas.

Metal Corner Beads

Metal corner beads provide a more heavy-duty option for finishing drywall corners. They consist of metal L-shaped strips, most commonly made from galvanized steel or aluminum.

Here are the key pros and cons of metal corner beads:

Pros

• Very durable and impact-resistant.
• Hold up well to bumps and knocks.
• Long-lasting; won’t easily rust or deteriorate.
• Provide clean, well-defined corners.
• Wide choice of finishes like stainless steel or anodized aluminum.

Cons

• More expensive than paper beads.
• Harder to install around irregular corners.
• Require extra steps to get a smooth seamless finish.
• Can be tricky for DIYers to cut cleanly.
• Prone to dents if hit hard.

Metal corner beads are best for high-traffic areas like hallways or commercial buildings where durability is key. The extra labor and cost trade off for long-lasting performance.

Key Differences Between Paper vs. Metal Corner Bead

To recap, here are the main differences between paper and metal corner beads:

Cost

Paper beads are generally cheaper than metal beads. Paper beads can cost between $5-15 for an 8′ length depending on style and manufacturer. Metal beads usually range from $10-25 for an 8′ length.

Durability

Metal beads are much more durable, impact-resistant, and longer-lasting than paper. Paper beads can dent, crack, or peel if knocked before painting.

Ease of Installation

Paper beads are easier for DIYers to cut and install, especially around irregular corners. Metal requires sharper snips and crimping for clean professional results.

Finish Results

With proper prep and installation, both produce smooth, straight corner finishes. But paper makes it a bit easier to hide seam lines with joint compound.

Design Options

Paper beads come in a wider range of corner styles like bullnose, curved/archways, or decorative looks. Metal has fewer design options, mostly standard L-shaped 90-degree angles.

So in summary:

– Paper is more affordable and easier to install but less durable.

– Metal is more heavy-duty but costs more and requires advanced DIY skills.

Choosing Between Paper vs Metal Corner Bead

So which is the better choice for your next drywall project – paper or metal corner beads? Here are some key factors to consider:

Room Location and Traffic

For high-traffic areas like hallways or commercial buildings, metal’s durability makes it the best pick. For low-traffic areas like bedrooms, paper beads will suffice.

Budget

If budget is a concern, paper beads provide decent durability at a lower cost. Metal costs 50-100% more but lasts much longer.

DIY Skill Level

For DIY beginners, paper is more forgiving and easier to install. Intermediate/advanced DIYers can handle the cutting and crimping demands of metal beads.

Desired Finish Look

Paper makes getting seamless, smooth finish results a bit easier. But metal can also produce clean lines with some added effort.

Corner Style Needs

For specialty corner styles like bullnose or curved edges, paper beads have much more variety. Metal works best for standard 90-degree corners.

Also factor in existing corner conditions – are they irregular or perfectly straight? Paper flexes better for irregular corners.

How to Install Paper and Metal Corner Beads

Whichever material you choose, proper installation technique is vital for getting professional finish results:

Paper Corner Bead Installation

• Measure and cut beads to length using sharp utility knife or heavy duty scissors.
• Dry fit beads before installation and double check all miters and connections.
• Apply drywall joint compound to back of bead with taping knife.
• Press bead firmly onto corner surface to embed into compound.
• Use taping knife to remove any excess compound and ensure good adhesion.
• Allow compound to fully dry before continuing with finish coats.
• Apply 2-3 finish coats of joint compound, allowing drying in between coats.
• Carefully sand each coat to smooth any ridges or tool marks.
• Prime and paint corner for long-lasting finish.

Metal Corner Bead Installation

• Measure corners and cut metal beads to length using snips.
• Cut miters for any adjoining pieces using miter box and snips.
• Dry fit all pieces to ensure accurate fit before installation.
• Install metal beads by securing flanges to drywall using drywall screws, nails, or adhesive.
• Use crimping tool to fold back flanges for smoother finish.
• Apply joint compound over flanges and finish as with paper beads.
• Knock down any high spots with taping knife as you coat.
• Allow thorough drying between finish coats.
• Sand, prime, and paint for lasting professional results.

Proper prep work, clean cuts, and taking time with finish coats and sanding are the keys to success with both material types. Rushing the job leads to problem areas.

Tips for Choosing and Installing Corner Beads

Here are some additional tips to handle corner beads successfully:

• Buy beads once drywall is installed so you can take exact measurements.
• For specialty corners, make a template out of cardboard to match the shape.
• Cut beads just slightly longer than measurements to allow fine tuning of fit.
• Ensure corners are clean and dry before adherence.
• Apply ample joint compound for strong adhesion and crack prevention.
• Fold back paper flaps cleanly and remove all bubbles or wrinkles.
• Allow thorough drying between finish coats to prevent problems.
• Inspect installed beads under bright light to fix any imperfections before finishing.
• Clean excess compound from corners as you work to reduce final sanding.
• Lightly sand final coat with 220 grit sandpaper before priming/painting.

Applying these best practices will help you achieve smooth, seamless corner beads with both paper and metal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about paper vs metal corner beads:

Are paper or metal corner beads easier to install?

Overall, paper corner beads tend to be easier for DIYers to install because they are more flexible and forgiving when cutting and fitting around corners. Metal corner beads require sharper snips and crimping for clean results.

Do metal or paper beads provide a smoother finish?

Both produce smooth corner finishes when properly installed. Paper beads make it a little easier to hide seam lines and tool marks with joint compound. But metal can also look seamless with careful finishing work.

How long do paper and metal corner beads last?

Metal beads are substantially more durable and can last for decades without issue. Paper beads last 5-10 years on average before showing signs of wear like dents, cracks, or rust.

Can metal corner beads be used on irregular or uneven corners?

They can be challenging to work with on uneven corners. It takes advanced cutting and crimping skills. Paper or flexible metal beads are better suited for irregular corners.

Do I need specialty tools to install metal corner beads?

You’ll need heavy duty snips capable of cutting thin metal. A crimping tool also helps to properly fold back flanges. Specialized snips make mitering easier too.

How do I prevent corner beads from cracking or peeling?

Ensure surfaces are clean and dry before install. Apply ample joint compound behind beads for good adhesion. Avoid excess compound behind paper beads. Allow thorough drying between finish coats.

Conclusion

When it comes to paper vs metal corner beads for drywall finishing, both options can produce professional-looking results when properly installed. Metal corner beads are the most heavy-duty choice for high-traffic areas, while paper corner beads offer an affordable and DIY-friendly option. Consider factors like your project location, budget, skill level, and desired finish when deciding between the two. With good prep work, patience, and proper technique, you can achieve smooth, durable corners. Taking time with each step of the process is key – don’t rush the job. If in doubt, do some test samples on scrap drywall to hone your skills before tackling visible corners.