Exploring the different types of plaster beads

No plastering or rendering project is truly complete without the professional finish that plaster beads provide. This essential construction element safeguards corners and plaster edges from damage and absorbs differential movements.

Clean edges and durability are universal benefits across all the various types of plaster beads. But they each come with additional features, tailored to different applications.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular plaster bead options:

Angle beads

Pictured: Galvanised Steel Micromesh Angle Bead

Angle beads are the most popular beads in the category. A must-have for construction jobs where you need defined, well-reinforced wall corners, these plaster beads are renowned for the straight, crisp finish they provide, all while preventing cracks or chips at the most vulnerable points.

Galvanised steel beads are the go-to option for indoor applications, while PVCu or stainless steel angle beads are the perfect choice for external applications (or spaces with high moisture levels) thanks to their resistance to corrosion.

Movement bead

Pictured: PVCu Movement Bead

Movement bead allows for movement between adjoining surfaces resulting in differential expansion of around +/- 3 mm within the plaster/rendered area.

Normally, these would be installed across bigger plastered areas (at intervals up to 5m) to allow for some shifts without damage to the wall finish. If you’re using movement beads outdoors, we’d recommend PVCu, or stainless steel beads for greater durability against the elements.

Stop beads

Pictured: Galvanised Steel Dry Wall Stop Bead

Especially good for areas around doors and windows, stop beads also excel at creating a neat edge on the border between plastering and other materials (such as wood or tiles). There are even several subcategories of stop beads – including renderstop beads and drip beads – which have been designed to allow for water drainage, keeping moisture away from the substrate.

Arch beads

As the name suggests, these thin coat plaster beads are intended for areas with curved shapes, like arches. Thanks to the superior flexibility arch beads offer, they can be used for all sorts of decorative openings, where a combination of form and function is needed.

Perfect for both classic and modern indoor settings, arch beads come in a PVCu finish.

Shadow gap beads

Pictured: Galvanised Steel Architrave Bead with Flange

Another plaster bead variation which falls under the decorative banner, shadow gap beads, also known as architrave beads, are a favourite for minimalist, contemporary designs which rely on clean edges and neat details for optimal visual appeal. Popular spots for these beads around a room include the border between door frames or skirting boards and any neighbouring plaster.

As well as creating tidy borders between materials, shadow gap beads are an aesthetic way to give joinery features or wall and ceiling abutments an extra level of structural support.

Edge beads

Pictured: Galvanised Steel Plasterboard Edging Bead

Edging beads, also commonly referred to as plasterboard edge beads, are created for use with plasterboard wall linings. The structural support element is particularly prevalent here, since the edges of plasterboard tend to be more fragile, especially if they’ve been cut.

With the help of an edge bead, you get sturdy protection alongside a smooth finish.

Catnic plaster beads - support for any structure

With so many iterations of the plaster bead, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by choice. But not to worry, the friendly, and experienced team at Catnic is here to assist you and answer all questions you may have. You can also check the plaster bead & mesh brochure, which provides detailed information about each product.

Get in touch now to find the best plaster beads for your construction project.