|
|
|
How To Repair
Cracks In Drywall |
Small cracks can be
repaired easily with a little time and effort.
Tools: Lightweight drywall compound, Sandpaper coarse (80
grit) and fine (150 grit), Utility knife, putty knife, wall
repair tape, scissors, brush, ladder, drop cloth.
Lay your drop cloth to protect floors and furnishings.
Check the width of your crack. A crack can only be repaired
if it is wide enough to accept joint compound. Run an old
credit card along the length of the crack. If the card
sticks, the crack must be widened.
Scrape the crack with a utility knife to remove any loose
debris. Brush out all the dust or the plaster will not
stick.
Measure the length of the crack, and cut your wall repair
tape a few inches larger on both ends. Apply the tape to the
crack, sticky side down, and smooth it out.
Using a putty knife, apply a generous amount of the joint
compound over the tape, feathering the compound out as you
go. This first coat does not have to be perfect; you will be
sanding out any imperfections after it dries. The first coat
must dry at least 8 hours. After it has dried completely,
use the coarse grit sandpaper to smooth out any large bumps.
I have also used a wet washcloth to smooth it out, but it
must be allowed to dry completely again before you re-mud.
Apply the second coat of compound, this time being a little
more careful with the application and feathering. Allow to
dry completely, and use the fine grit sandpaper to sand out
imperfections.
Apply a third coat of compound, allow to dry, and sand with
fine grit sandpaper. Three coats usually does it, but you
may have to apply a fourth coat if you still have
imperfections. If your wall has a texture to it, you can
apply texture using the joint compound (watered down a bit)
with a roller. An orange peel texture will need a regular
paint roller, while a coarser grade texture may require a
coarser roller. Experiment on cardboard until you get the
texture you desire. You may sand the texture lightly if
necessary.
Prime this area before you paint it, using a water base
interior primer. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
eHomeResource.com
Home Tips &
Related Articles |
|
