Have you ever noticed a crack in your wall? It’s a common problem many people face. But don’t worry, fixing drywall cracks is easier than you think! Whether it’s a small line or a bigger gap, you can fix it yourself with a little effort and the right tools. In this post, we will teach you the best way to fix drywall cracks. You’ll learn 10 easy tips that anyone can do to make your walls look good as new! Plus, we’ll share insights on when to call the professionals at Eagleriver Painters if the cracks are beyond your ability to fix. Let’s dive in!
Why Fix Drywall Cracks?
Before we jump into fixing cracks, let’s talk about why it’s important. Cracks in drywall can happen for many reasons, like house settling or temperature changes. Sometimes, they are just small, and fixing them is no big deal. But if you don’t fix cracks, they can get bigger and hurt the wall more.
Fixing drywall cracks keeps your house looking nice and helps prevent more damage. So, let’s get started and learn the best way to fix drywall cracks!
1. Look at the Crack Closely
The first thing you need to do is look at the crack carefully. Is it tiny or is it a bigger gap? If the crack is small, it’s easy to fix. But if it’s large, you might need more tools or help.
Here’s how to tell:
- Small cracks: These are less than a quarter inch wide. They are easy to fix yourself.
- Big cracks: These are wider than a quarter inch and might need extra care.
If the cracks are very big, you may want to ask a professional for help. But if it’s a small crack, we’ll show you how to fix it in no time.
For other common repairs, you might also be interested in learning how to repair cracks in drywall, which shares more useful techniques.
2. Get the Right Tools
Now, it’s time to get your tools. Here’s a list of things you will need to fix drywall cracks:
- Joint compound (this is also called drywall mud)
- Drywall tape (if the crack is big)
- A putty knife or drywall knife
- Sandpaper
- Primer and paint
- A small paint brush or roller
- Gloves and goggles (for safety)
- Guide on how to choose the right drywall tools
Having the right tools makes fixing the crack easy and quick!
If you need help with some other tools, such as how to install drywall anchors, check out our helpful guide for more tips.
3. Get the Area Ready
Before you start fixing the crack, make sure the area around it is ready. This will make your job cleaner and easier.
- Clear the space: Move any furniture or things away from the wall.
- Clean the crack: Use a small knife or scraper to clean out any loose bits or dirt from the crack.
- Protect the floor: Put a cloth or old towel on the floor to catch any dust.
Getting everything ready will make it easier to fix the crack.
If you are interested in painting walls after fixing cracks, check out these easy wall painting ideas for inspiration.
4. Use Drywall Tape for Bigger Cracks
If the crack is big, you’ll need to use drywall tape. There are two kinds of tape: paper tape and mesh tape. Mesh tape is easier to use, so we’ll stick with that.
- Spread a thin layer of joint compound over the crack.
- Stick the drywall tape over the compound while it’s still wet.
- Smooth the tape down gently, so it stays flat on the wall.
- Cover the tape with another layer of joint compound.
The tape helps hold the drywall together and stops the crack from coming back.
If you need further guidance on cutting drywall, you might also want to learn how to cut drywall for those tricky corners and edges.
5. Apply Thin Layers of Joint Compound
When fixing a crack, don’t put too much joint compound on at once. Applying it in thin layers works best.
- Use your putty knife to spread a thin layer of joint compound over the crack.
- Smooth it out, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect.
- Let it dry completely (this can take about 24 hours).
If the crack is big, you may need to add two or three layers. Just let each layer dry before adding another.
6. Sand the Area Smooth
Once the compound is dry, it’s time to sand it down. This makes the wall look smooth and even.
- Use fine sandpaper or a sanding block to gently sand the area.
- Be careful not to rub too hard. You want to smooth out bumps, not hurt the wall.
Sanding is a very important step to get a nice, clean look.
7. Prime the Area
Now that the crack is patched and smooth, it’s time to prime it. Priming helps the paint stick better and keeps the patched area from looking different from the rest of the wall.
- Use a good primer made for drywall.
- Spread a thin layer of primer over the patch.
- Let it dry before painting.
Priming makes sure the paint covers well and the wall looks great!
8. Paint the Patch
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint the patched area. Make sure the paint matches the color of the rest of the wall.
- Use a paintbrush or small roller to apply the paint.
- If you need, add a second coat of paint after the first dries.
Painting will make the patch disappear and blend with the rest of the wall.
If you’re looking to update your home with custom windows or want to make a bigger change, consider reading more about custom window designs.
9. Check Your Work
After the paint dries, look over your work. Is the patch smooth and even with the rest of the wall? If you see any bumps or spots, you can sand and repaint.
- Sand lightly if needed and touch up with more paint.
- Make sure the patched area is smooth and blends in well.
Taking the time to check your work will make your wall look even better.
10. Know When to Ask for Help
If the cracks are big or you notice them getting worse, it might be time to ask for help. Sometimes, cracks are a sign of bigger problems, like a settling foundation or water damage. If you think the cracks could be caused by these problems, call a professional.
At Eagleriver Painters, we are experts at fixing drywall and handling bigger issues. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Check out our page on how to repair a broken window or how to install a prehung door if your home needs additional repairs.
Conclusion
Fixing drywall cracks can be a simple and easy job when you follow these 10 tips. Whether you have a tiny crack or a bigger gap, you now know the best way to fix drywall cracks. By following these steps, you can keep your walls looking great and avoid further damage.
Remember, fixing cracks involves checking the size of the crack, gathering your tools, applying joint compound, sanding, priming, and painting. And if the cracks seem like a bigger problem, always feel free to contact the experts at Eagleriver Painters. We are here to help!
If you need help with drywall or any other home repairs, reach out to us at Eagleriver Painters. We offer top-quality services, and we’re ready to help make your home beautiful again! And don’t forget to check out more helpful tips, like how to repair cracks in drywall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Patch and Repair Drywall?
Patching and repairing drywall is easy when you follow these simple steps:
- Clean the Crack: Remove any loose debris or old paint from the crack.
- Apply Joint Compound: Spread a thin layer of joint compound over the crack.
- Sand Smooth: Once the compound dries, sand it until it’s smooth.
- Prime and Paint: After sanding, prime the patched area and then paint to match the rest of the wall.
These steps will help you make your drywall look as good as new!
How to Repair a Crack in Drywall?
Repairing a crack in drywall is straightforward:
- Prepare the Crack: Use a utility knife to remove any loose material around the crack.
- Use Drywall Tape: For larger cracks, apply drywall tape to help hold the repair together.
- Apply Joint Compound: Spread joint compound over the tape and crack, smoothing it out with a putty knife.
- Sand and Paint: Sand the area once the compound dries, then apply primer and paint.
With a little time and patience, you can easily fix those cracks.
How to Repair Cracks and Holes in Drywall?
Fixing cracks and holes in drywall can be done in a few steps:
- Clean the Area: Clear out any loose debris from the crack or hole.
- Patch Large Holes: For bigger holes, use a drywall patch or mesh tape.
- Fill with Joint Compound: Apply joint compound over the patch or crack.
- Sand Smooth: After the compound dries, sand the area to make it smooth.
- Prime and Paint: Finish by priming the patched area and painting over it to blend with the wall.
This method will leave your wall looking like new!
How to Fix Cracks in Drywall?
To fix cracks in drywall:
- Examine the Crack: Determine how wide or deep the crack is. Small cracks need less work than large ones.
- Use Joint Compound: For small cracks, apply joint compound directly over the crack. For larger cracks, use drywall tape first.
- Smooth and Sand: Once the compound is dry, smooth it out and sand it until it’s even with the wall.
- Prime and Paint: Finish up by priming and painting to match the rest of the wall.
Simple steps like these will ensure your drywall stays smooth and crack-free!
How to Repair Drywall Cracks?
To repair drywall cracks, you need a few tools and the right steps:
- Clean the Crack: Scrape away any loose material or old paint from the crack.
- Apply Drywall Tape: For bigger cracks, use mesh or paper drywall tape to help strengthen the repair.
- Spread Joint Compound: Use a putty knife to spread a layer of joint compound over the tape and crack.
- Smooth and Sand: After the compound dries, sand the area smooth.
- Prime and Paint: Once the sanded area is smooth, prime it and finish with paint.
Following these steps will keep your walls looking fresh and flawless.