Drywall cracks are an annoying issue for many homeowners. But don’t worry! Fixing Drywall Cracks can be simple and fun if you know what to do. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or someone with a bit more experience, this guide will help you step by step to fix those pesky cracks quickly. Let’s dive into 10 easy-to-follow tips!
1. Remove Loose Paper and Obstacles
Before you start repairing the crack, it’s important to clear the area. Sometimes, when drywall cracks, it leaves behind loose paper and dust. These things can get in the way and make it hard to fix the crack properly.
Here’s how to do it:
Take a utility knife or any sharp tool and carefully trim away any loose or torn paper. If there’s any dust or debris in the crack, use a brush or a soft cloth to clean it out. Removing these obstacles will give you a nice, clean surface to work with. It’s like making sure your table is clean before you start drawing—you need a smooth surface to create a perfect finish!
2. Find the Stud
Next, it’s time to locate the stud behind the drywall. Why does this matter? Well, drywall is attached to the wooden studs in your walls. If your drywall crack is near a stud, reinforcing it will make the repair stronger and prevent future cracking.
Use a stud finder (a handy little tool that helps you locate where the studs are) and run it along the wall until you find the stud near the crack. Mark that spot lightly with a pencil. Knowing where the stud is will help later on when you add screws to secure the drywall.
3. Add Screws to Stabilize the Crack
Once you’ve located the stud, it’s time to add screws to make the drywall more stable.
Why do this? Over time, drywall can shift or sag slightly, which can cause cracks. By adding a couple of screws near the crack, you help hold everything in place and reduce the chance of the crack getting worse.
Here’s how to do it:
Grab a drill and drywall screws. Place the screws a few inches apart on both sides of the crack, making sure they go into the stud. Tighten them just enough to hold the drywall securely, but be careful not to go too deep into the drywall!
4. Apply the Adhesive Spray
Now that the crack is stabilized, it’s time to prepare the area for patching. This step helps the repair material stick better to the wall.
Get yourself some adhesive spray from your local hardware store. Spray a thin layer over the crack. Think of this step as using glue to fix a broken toy—the adhesive helps everything stay together.
Wait a few minutes for the adhesive to become tacky (slightly sticky). Now, your wall is ready for the next steps.
5. Apply the Mesh Tape
Mesh tape is your best friend when fixing drywall cracks. It’s like a strong band-aid that covers the crack and helps hold everything together. Mesh tape is designed to be self-adhesive, which makes it super easy to apply.
Here’s what to do:
Unroll the tape and carefully stick it over the crack. Make sure the tape covers the entire length of the crack and that it lies flat against the wall. The tape helps prevent the crack from reappearing after you’ve patched it.
6. Add the Drywall Compound
With the mesh tape in place, it’s time to apply the drywall compound, also known as “mud.” This is the material that fills in the crack and creates a smooth surface on your wall.
Take a small amount of compound on a putty knife and spread it evenly over the tape. Make sure the compound covers the entire tape and crack area. It’s like frosting a cake—smooth and even is key! The first coat doesn’t need to be perfect. You’ll be adding more coats later.
Once you’ve applied the compound, let it dry completely. This can take a few hours, depending on the product you’re using.
7. Add More Coats of Drywall Compound
The first coat of compound is just the beginning. After it dries, you’ll notice that the patch might not be completely smooth or blended with the rest of the wall. That’s why adding more coats is important.
Lightly sand the dried first coat with fine sandpaper to smooth out any bumps. Then, apply a second coat of drywall compound. This time, spread the compound a little wider than the first coat, blending it into the surrounding wall. Let it dry again, and repeat the process until the patch looks smooth and even. Usually, two or three coats are enough.
This step is like painting a picture—you add layers until everything looks just right!
8. Sand the Patch
Once your final coat of drywall compound has dried, it’s time to make everything super smooth by sanding the patch. This is one of the most important steps because it ensures that the repair blends perfectly with the rest of the wall.
Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the patched area. Be careful not to sand too much! You just want to smooth out any rough spots or bumps. If you sand too hard, you might damage the patch and have to start over.
Think of this like polishing a shiny object—you want it to be smooth and flawless before you’re done!
9. Prime the Patch
Now that your patch is sanded and smooth, it’s time to prepare it for painting by applying a primer. Primer helps seal the drywall compound and ensures that your paint will stick properly to the patch.
Apply a thin layer of primer over the patched area using a paintbrush or roller. Let it dry completely before moving on to the final step. This step is like preparing a canvas before painting a masterpiece—you want the surface to be perfect for the final coat.
10. Paint and Finish
You’re almost done! The final step is painting the patched area to match the rest of the wall.
Choose a paint color that matches your wall, and apply a thin coat over the patched area. If necessary, apply a second coat for even coverage. Once the paint is dry, step back and admire your work!
Just like that, your drywall crack is fixed, and your wall looks as good as new. Whether you’re a child or an adult, following these simple steps will help you fix drywall cracks like a pro!
Conclusion
Fixing drywall cracks doesn’t have to be a tough or frustrating task. With these easy-to-follow steps, anyone—from kids to adults—can handle the job like a pro. By removing loose paper, stabilizing the crack, and applying drywall compound, you can restore your walls in no time.
Take your time with each step, and remember, the more care you put into your repair, the better. The better the results will be. Not only will your vegetables look smooth and flawless. But you’ll also feel proud of how long you’ve been doing it yourself. Plus, the next time a small crack appears, you’ll know exactly what to do.
Feel free to contact Best Anchorage Painters if you need a little extra help or want the job done by professionals! Whether it’s drywall, door installation, or any other maintenance needs, we’re here to help you keep your home looking its best.