Chances are, if you’ve ever worked in the field of drywall finishing, you’ve used a Trim-Tex Tear Away® L Bead before. It’s trusted by tradespeople around the world to finish drywall against windows, as well as doors, concrete columns, wood beams and more. And, if you’ve never used Tear Away Beads before, or just aren’t sure if you’re doing it right, well, it’s about time you learned about this essential solution — here’s your ultimate guide to using Trim-Tex Tear Away Bead on windows for a faster, easier, flawless finish.
The Ultimate Guide to Using Tear Away® Bead Around Windows

What is Tear Away L Bead?
For generations of drywall finishers, Tear Away L Bead is the go-to solution for finishing drywall wherever it butts up against another, non-drywall surface (typically a window, door or other architectural detail). It consists of two rigid vinyl flanges (return leg and mud leg) that protect the rough edge of the drywall, and a removable tear-off strip that acts as a mask, protecting the neighboring material from joint compound during installation.
By the time you’re done, using a Tear Away in these kinds of areas — as opposed to a regular Architectural L Bead, or even, as we’ve seen on a couple jobsites, a basic corner bead with one leg snipped short — you’re able to get an impossibly clean, aesthetically flawless finished edge. There are many imitators but, as any true drywall pro can tell you, there’s only one Trim-Tex Tear Away L Bead — accept no substitutes.
