Float beads

Cut beads to a small mitre finish

Do not cut completely through the bead but snap off the bead after making the cut (ask if unsure)

When fixing float beads around reveals (windows, doors) allow a tolerance of 10mm for the thickness of the backing plaster/render

So measure the height & width of the window opening and take off 20mm for the thickness of the float coat at both ends

To keep everything parallel you could use the top bead as a template for the bottom bead and so on…..

the beads should just be touching in the corners

the depth of the bead to the window frame should be equal for all beads so as to give an even window reveal

 when fixing beads to a corner of a wall do not fix the bead to the floor but allow an inch / 25mm, particularly if the floor is solid or in a bathroom or kitchen

apply the dabs to the wall, for a wall height of approx 8 feet we would use at least 4 dabs

although the recommended amount for this is 1 dab per linear metre we feel you would be better to have more to allow for non movement when feathering off the beads

 push the bead into the dabs and clean the excess with your trowel

level from both angles with your level and set the depth of the wall (10mm would be a good target)

 where a window is close to an external angle of a wall we have 3 beads to set parallel with each other so when we put a straight edge across the wall and it covers all 3 beads then the straight edge should touch all beads without rocking

Dotted lines represent the distance of 10mm  

measure the distance for the top bead from reveal to reveal horizontally

if the distance across is 92cm, then cut the bead at 90cm, thus allowing 10mm reveal return at each end

if the bottom bead reveal horizontally measures 93cm across you still cut the bead equal to the top bead at 90cm, so it would be easier to just use the top bead as a template for the bottom bead

the same will apply for the side beads, measure one side vertically and take off 20mm from the measurement allowing 10mm at top and bottom respectively unless the bottom had no bead and had a shelf fitted

so use one bead as a template for its opposite bead

when fitted the beads should be touching in the corners

so set the top bead first and set the thickness of the wall at 10mm

check the bead runs parallel by either measuring from the window frame to the outside edge of the bead at both ends of the bead or by lining a straight edge up along the outside edge of the bead horizontally across the top bead running parallel , if alls well the set the top bead level

set the side beads one at a time touching the top bead in the corner, if the side beads are the same length as each other and the top bead is leveled first then the bottom bead when fitted should be level when touching in the corners with the side beads

check this to make sure

 trowel tips || boarding a ceiling

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