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Corner beads are rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) tools that are made at a 90-degree angle with holes throughout it and mesh wings. They are used to protect doors and windows, perfect the rendering around corners and ensure a neat finish.

Corner beads are sometimes a second thought when it comes to DIY rendering. Some people may not understand their function or purpose and skip using corner beads in the rendering process. However, at Sydney Cement Rendering, we recommend using corner beads for the highest-quality rendering projects.

Continue reading to learn more about corner beads.

What Are Corner Beads?

Corner beads are tools that are made from rigid PVC with holes and mesh wings. They are used during the rendering process to protect surface corners, including windows and doors, and to ensure a nice, neat rendering finish.

Once it is embedded into the render material, the holes allow the render to get through and act as a sort of glue to hold the bead in place. The mesh wings also add extra support.

Why Should You Use Corner Beads?

Corner beads, or any rendering beads for that matter, are sometimes overlooked in the rendering process. However, rendering professionals will strongly recommend that they should be used.

So, why should you use corner beads?

Extra Protection

The corners of walls tend to take a lot of damage over the years – from knocks to scrapes and is usually the prominent place where the render starts to deteriorate. Corner beads resist impact, reinforcing stress points and giving the render flexibility, preventing cracking.

Improved Rendering

If you have ever rendered a wall before, then you know how tricky it is to render the corners without any assistance. Even just a few small mistakes can turn your rendered wall into an eyesore.

Using corner beads ensures that your corners are sharp and neat and blend in seamlessly with the rest of the rendered surface.

Cost-Effective

Rendering beads are some of the most affordable rendering tools available and won’t break the bank, making it easier to include them in your rendering project.

Recyclable

Corner and other rendering beads are fully recyclable and usually made from recycled UV-stable PVC.

Protects Doors and Windows

Using rendering beads ensures that the render does not get onto doors or windows, which may be hard to clean and remove.

Different Types of Render Beads Available

There are different types of render beads available. You may need to use more than one, depending on their function and what you need it for.

  • Reveal bead: Named for its removable tab, it is mainly used around windows for a neat finish.
  • Stop bead: Used around windows and doors for thin coat render types. It allows for a neater render application and protects it from impacts.
  • Bellcast bead: Usually used above doors and windows, it acts as a barrier against water and prevents any water damage.
  • Movement bead: Used to support areas of the wall that are expected to have the most natural movement over time. Movement beads provide extra support and prevent the render from cracking.

How Are Corner Beads Used?

One of the common reasons why people may skip using corner beads during their rendering projects is that they may not know exactly how to apply them to the wall.

However, once you do some research and as long as you follow all the steps, you should have no problems.

Here is the best way to attach corner beads to your wall:

Prepare and Clean the Wall

Make sure the wall is clean from any debris, dust, or fungi growth, paying special attention to the corners of the walls. Measure the height of the wall and the length and width of any windows or doors.

You’ll use these measurements to measure and cut your corner beads.

Cutting the Corner Beads

Buy corner beads at your local hardware store. Cut the corner beads at a back angle using the previous measurements you took.

Mix the Adhesive

Put on your protective gear (safety goggles, gloves, dust mask and coveralls), and then mix the adhesive following the manufacturer’s instructions. It should be the same consistency as toothpaste – not too runny or thick.

The adhesive used should be a cement-based mixture, which is specially designed for the installation of rendering beads.

Apply the Adhesive to the Corners

Using a trowel and hawk, apply the adhesive to the wall’s corners. Apply it from the top of the wall to the bottom.

Ensure the adhesive is about 2mm thick.

Attach the Corner Bead

It’s time to attach the corner bead to the wall! Push the bead into the layer of adhesive, using a slight up-and-down motion to ensure that it is fully embedded and supported.

Final Touches

Leave the adhesive and corner beads for about 5 minutes, and then use a trowel to remove any excess adhesive. Push the excess adhesive away from the bead.

Apply the Corner Beads Around Windows and Doors

Apply the adhesive around the corners of the windows and doors, following the same steps you carried out on the wall’s corners.

Ensure that the corner beads are at right angles to the doors and windows. Let the adhesive and beads sit for about 5 minutes, and then remove any excess adhesive with the trowel.

Let it dry for at least 24 hours.

If you want to know more about corner beads and why we recommend using them during rendering projects, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

At Sydney Cement Rendering, we take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts. We provide our customers with the highest quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!