The Best Drywall Bullnose: Paper or Vinyl?

Types

• The two main types of bullnose corner bead are vinyl and paper-faced metal, which contractors call “paper bullnose.” Both types of bullnose bead provide a smooth rounded look for your wall corners, but there are a few functional and application differences.

Attaching the Bead

• Paper and vinyl corner bead install in similar fashion. The feature to look for when using either one is the ability to attach the beads with spray adhesive as opposed to nailing, which reduces the risk of “nail pops” on a finished corner. Both types are available for installation with spray adhesive.

Taping

• Both types of corners offer the ability to tape them out seamlessly, but pros often install the paper-faced bead because it features a paper flange on either side that mimics drywall paper tape. Because drywall contractors must tape out walls quickly, the paper flange allows the taper to apply the mud and smooth it in identical fashion to taping out the seams. For do-it-yourselfers, however, the paper flange can be hard to work with and may bunch or ripple. In addition, during the sanding process, you can scuff the paper-faced bead, requiring additional taping.

Repairs and Considerations

• Repairing paper-faced metal bead is a bigger project than repairing vinyl bead. You can cut through vinyl bead with a sharp utility knife. You’ll need a hacksaw, however, to cut through paper-faced metal bead if you need to replace a section. The paper face, however, holds drywall mud better than slick vinyl, reducing the risk of flaking or crumbling if someone bumps the corner with a hard object. During storage, paper-faced metal bullnose can dent or ding, which requires additional taping or renders the strip unusable. Vinyl's a bit more forgiving, but it can still crack if bent too far or stepped on.