How to Use Plaster Beads during Internal Wall Construction

Most new properties today are built using an internal frame construction, with plasterboard separating the various rooms and helping to define the structure. This is a tried and tested formula and various different types of plasterboard can be used depending on the design of the home, the use of the room in question and other practical reasons. Plasterboard is easy to work with and relatively easy to put in place, but it does need to be finished properly in order to make the home complete and provide the right type of finish. This is detailed work and will require a variety of different accessories in order to get it right, including fibre mesh and plaster beads for those all-important corners. How do plaster beads help to finalise the job?

Using Plaster Beads

Plasterboard, by itself, is not the most attractive product and features a drab, neutral colour and usually, manufacturer branding across the surface. To make it palatable and for it to fit the overall decor of the home, it will need to be covered with plaster according to a tried and tested process.

The worker will need to use the right type of accessory and will rely heavily on angle or topcoat beads, to keep the board in place and to help define a sharp edge. These plaster beads have to be attached to the wall in such a way that they will blend in with the background and be invisible, once the final layer of plaster has been introduced.

Preparation

To begin with, the beads need to be nailed onto the wall and through the plasterboard, so that they connect with a timber batten beneath. Two adjoining pieces of plasterboard can be secured in this way, in order to create the edge of the wall in question.

The bead will need to be cut carefully so that it is of the desired length using an appropriate snipping tool before it is nailed in place. Some people prefer to use some plaster skim instead, which dries quickly and will also keep the accessory in place while final preparations are made. Bear in mind, however, that it is important to use a spirit level tool so that the edge is completely straight and in line with the rest of the work.

Finishing Work

It is also important to ensure that the nails (if used) are struck well into the surface, and the nail heads must be absolutely flush. Where two adjoining plaster beads come together, the worker must ensure that they are carefully matched so that there are no inconsistencies because if there are, irregularities will come to the surface with the passage of time. The plaster or paint used to cover and complete the project will crack, and when this happens, the beads themselves may become visible.

The Right Approach

This type of job does require patience and a degree of skill. It is also important to use the best quality plasterboard accessories so that the finished job looks good and will stand the test of time.