How to Repair Drywall Cracks

Tap to Read ➤ Mamta Mule

Drywall cracks aren't all that hard to mask, if you know how to fill them in. Let's take a look at how to repair cracks on a drywall, making it look as good as new.

Drywalls can get damaged by foreign elements or not carefully moving furniture around. Nails that are embedded in the drywall, can be weighed down by what's perched on them, ruining the wall over time. For cracks that are small or large, you'll find the following quite helpful in mending them.

Repairing Small Drywall Cracks

Materials Required

Sandpaper Premixed joint compound 3" spreader Primer Paint

Procedure

Start sandpapering the surface using medium-grit coarseness. Sand the area in the vicinity of the crack, as well as over it. Sanding will remove the compound that has been dislodged, allowing a fresh layer of this to be applied.

Fill the crack with joint compound using the 3" spreader. Hold the spreader against the surface and press it firmly on the wall. Make sure the crack is packed; even out the layer by spreading the compound. Leave it to dry over the next 8-10 hours.

Now, sand the surface to remove any uneven spots around the dried area. Apply a coat of primer, wait for it to dry before applying a coat of paint. If required, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to smoothen the surface, gently. Once the paint dries, apply another coat and let that dry too. To repair hairline cracks, use a tube of silicone caulking to fill them.

Repairing Large Drywall Cracks

Materials Required

Fine-grit sandpaper 4-inch taping knife 10-12 inch taping knife Premixed joint compound Plastic mud pan Drywall tape Primer Paint

Procedure

Start by using a 4" taping knife. Scrape the edges of the crack to remove loose compound. If the crack is wide enough, insert the knife into it and scrape the loose compound. Put the premixed joint compound in the mud pan. Using the same 4" knife, fill the cracks with the compound.

Place tape around the crack, pushing it over the excess compound around the edges, using the knife. Scrape the tape to remove the excess compound around the area. Reapply a thin coat of compound using the 4" knife and let it dry overnight.

Now with the 12" knife, apply another coat and let it dry completely. Once the compound dries, use sandpaper to even out the surface before using primer. Once the primer dries, coat the wall with paint; wait for it to dry before applying the next coat. Sand the wall gently to give it a smooth, even finish.