How to Make a Drywall Bullnose Archway

Bullnose corners on drywall add an elegant, yet modern, finish on archways. The bullnose appearance is achieved by using a bullnose corner bead. The corner bead for archways is made from PVC. It has evenly spaced slices in it that allow it to bend with the curve of the archway. The bead is nailed into the wall, and the edges are covered over with drywall compound in a similar manner to standard corners. Take your time to produce a smooth transition from the bead to the wall for an aesthetically-appealing outcome.

Things You'll Need

• PVC bullnose archway bead, 96-inch lengths
• Utility shears
• Staple gun
• 5/8-inch staples
• 6-inch drywall knife
• Joint compound
• Medium-grit sanding block

Instructions

1. Fit the lengths of PVC bullnose archway bead over the corner edges of the archway. Mark the endpoints of the lengths with a pencil so that you know how much to cut off. Trim the bead to length with utility shears at the pencil marks.

2. Place the bead at one end of the archway on one corner edge and staple the flaps on either side of the bullnose. Use a staple gun equipped with 5/8-inch staples to fasten the bead in place. Work your way along the entire arch until it is completely fastened in place. Repeat this process for the opposite corner edge of the archway. There is a corner edge on each side of the archway opening.

3. Apply a thin coat of drywall compound with a drywall knife to the edges of the bead. Make the coat approximately 6 inches wide so that it covers the stapled tabs completely and blends with the wall. Allow the drywall compound to dry for 24 hours.

4. Add a second thin coat of drywall compound in the same manner, except this time apply a 9-inch wide coating so that it blends even further out to the wall. Taper the coat as it extends out over the surface of the wall so that it transitions smoothly. Allow the second coat to dry for 24 hours.

5. Sand the drywall compound lightly with a medium-grit sanding block so that it forms a completely smooth transition from the bullnose to the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice applying drywall compound on a scrap piece of drywall to get the feel for the application process with the drywall knife.

• Wear eye and face protection, while sanding drywall compound, to avoid injury.

References

• Vertri: Drywall Bullnose
• Mike Bell's Drywall School: How to Apply Bullnose (Round) Corner Bead on Drywall