Florida Homebuilder Centerline Homes | Real Estate Blog

Drywall corners are among the most vulnerable areas when it comes to getting banged and dented by traffic through a house. Under the joint compound that covers and finishes the corner is a length of lightweight metal or plastic called corner bead.  Corner bead can have either a right-angle or curved profile depending on the finish of the drywall. The objective when fixing the dented or damaged area is to straighten out this piece of corner bead and re-cover it with drywall compound.

Here’s how to fix the drywall:

1. Use a utility knife to cut away any loose drywall or drywall compound from around the damaged area.
2. Reshape the dented corner bead. To sculpt flattened or bent areas, gently pound a bolt or an upside-down nailset with a hammer.
3. Tack down the loose corner bead with drywall nails.
4. Using a putty knife, remove any loose existing joint compound.
5. Using a drywall knife, fill one side of the corner and draw it out so that it’s smooth. Allow the compound to dry.
6. Fill the corner’s other side and allow to dry.
7. Gently sand with fine sandpaper wrapped around a block or use a drywall sanding sponge.

You may need to repeat with a second or third coat of drywall compound if necessary and sand again.