How to Install a Drywall Corner

Cut the corner bead to fit with the metal snips. Apply a coat of drywall compound to the corner, filling the seam between the sheets where they meet at the corner. Smooth this off with a 6-inch wide drywall knife. Fit the metal corner over the drywall compound while it is still wet. Press the corner bead into the compound to stick it in place.

Drive 1-1/4 inch drywall screws through the holes in the edge of the bead every 18 inches. Drive the screws in until the heads are flush (the metal bead will dimple inward). Cover the corner bead with drywall compound, dragging it over the bead and screw heads with horizontal strokes, running over and past the corner, working it from both directions. Smooth the compound with vertical strokes to fill the valley along each side of the bead. Allow that coat to harden completely for four to six hours.

Spread a thin coat of compound over the first coat to fill any rough areas or voids in the first coat. Allow that coat to dry to the touch. Sand this topcoat smooth with a drywall sanding screen on an extension handle. Add another top coat, if needed, to smooth over any rough patches revealed in the sanding process and sand again once it is dry.

Apply a coat of primer over the drywall compound to seal it. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly then apply two coats of latex paint in your choice of color and sheen with a medium-nap paint roller.