How to Install Drywall Corner Strips

Outside Corners

• 1

  Cut a piece of drywall corner bead to fit the outside corner of the wall. Nail the bead to the corner, taking care to place the nails through the holes in the corner bead and into the drywall and wooden studs underneath the drywall. Place the nails every 5 inches down the strip, taking care to set the heads below the drywall’s surface.

• 2

  Mix joint compound or drywall mud according to package directions.

• 3

  Cover the drywall corner bead with a thin coating of joint compound. Work the compound into the pre-drilled holes to cover them. Allow this layer of mud to dry. Lightly scrape off any rough edges of mud with a clean taping knife.

• 4

  Add a second layer of drywall mud with a 6-inch taping knife. Feather the edges onto the surface of the wall. Let this layer dry, then scrape off any rough edges with a clean knife.

• 5

  Place the third layer of mud onto the drywall corner bead with an 8-inch taping knife, feathering the edges and blending them with the wall’s surface. Allow this layer to dry. Use fine-grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges that remain.

Inside Corners

• 6

  Cut a piece of drywall tape the length of the inside corner. Fold the tape in half lengthwise.

• 7

  Mix drywall mud according to package directions.

• 8

  Spread a thin layer of mud, using a 4-inch taping knife, from both sides of an inside corner toward the middle of the wall. Set the tape into the mud. Run the knife along the tape to set it into the mud and to work out any air bubbles. Cover the tape with another thin layer of mud, feathering the edges. Allow this to dry and then scrape off any rough spots with a clean knife.

• 9

  Apply a second layer of mud with a 6-inch taping knife, feathering its edges to blend into the wall. Let it dry and scrape off the rough spots with a clean knife.

• 10

  Spread the third layer of mud with an 8-inch taping knife. Feather the edges. Let this layer dry, then sand any rough spots lightly with fine-grit sandpaper.