Do i put joint compound over j bead?

Question

I am remodeling a bathroom in my house and it was suggested to me that i put vinyl j bead between the outside edge of the bathtub and the drywall to create a nice finish. When I am finished the walls with joint compound, do I need to mud and tape (either/or?) the seam between the j bead and the drywall itself?

Answer 1

The "J" channel reinforces and provides a finished appearance to the drywall.  You use it the same as an outside corner in respect to joint compound.  Apply the moulding to the edge of the drywall and secure the drywall to the studs, then apply the joint compound to hide the edge of the moulding just as you would cover the corner bead.  Sand the surface, and repeat until you have a level, smooth surface.  Then prime and paint.  

Do not fill past the "J" channel to the edge of the bathtub, allow the clean edge of the "J" channel to remain.  After painting, caulk the space between the "J" channel and the bathtub with a good waterproof caulking, such as a silicone.