How to Repair Cracks in Drywall

Cracks in walls are something most people notice in their homes at some point. These small lines can make a room look worn out, and you might even worry they’ll get worse. But the good news? Repairing drywall cracks is often easy, and you don’t have to be a repair expert to do it!

In this easy guide, we’ll walk you through everything step-by-step, so you’ll know exactly how to repair cracks in drywall. We’ll go over why these cracks appear, how to make them disappear, and even when it’s best to call in a professional for help. Let’s jump in and learn how to make your walls look great again!

Why Do Drywall Cracks Happen?

Cracks in drywall often show up over time. Here are a few common reasons why these pesky cracks might appear:

1. House Settling: When a house settles, it moves a bit on its foundation. This movement causes pressure on walls, and sometimes, this pressure causes tiny cracks.
2. Changes in Temperature or Humidity: Extreme temperature changes or humidity can make drywall expand and contract, which sometimes leads to cracks.
3. Poor Installation: Sometimes, if drywall isn’t put up properly, cracks can appear sooner than expected. This can happen if the drywall tape wasn’t applied well or if the screws weren’t placed securely.

Knowing why cracks happen is useful. This way, you can take steps to prevent them in the future, keeping your walls in better shape for a long time.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before starting, gather some tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need for a basic drywall crack repair:

• Putty knife
• Utility knife
• Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
• Drywall joint compound (also called drywall mud)
• Drywall tape (for larger cracks)
• Sponge or cloth
• Primer and paint (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Repair Cracks in Drywall

Follow these steps to make the crack disappear and have a wall that looks brand new again.

Steps 1: Prepare the Crack

• Widen the Crack a Little: Use a utility knife to carefully make the crack a bit wider. This allows the compound to stick better.
• Clear Out Loose Material: After widening, gently scrape away any loose bits of paint or drywall using a putty knife. This will create a stable base.
• Clean the Area: Wipe around the crack with a damp sponge or cloth. Removing dust helps the compound stick well.

Step 2: Apply Drywall Tape (For Larger Cracks)

• Place the Tape Over the Crack: Put a piece of drywall tape directly over the crack. Make sure it covers the entire crack and extends a bit beyond the edges.
• Smooth the Tape: Press the tape down firmly, using a putty knife to smooth out any bubbles or creases.

Steps 3: Apply the Joint Compound

• Spread a Thin Layer of Compound: Take a bit of joint compound and use a putty knife to spread a thin layer over the crack.
• Add More Layers If Needed: Let the first layer dry for about 24 hours. If the crack is deep, add another layer and smooth it out.
• Level the Surface: Smooth the compound so that it blends with the wall. Try to make it as even as possible.

Step 4: Sand the Surface

Once the compound is dry, it’s time to sand the area.

• Start with Medium Grit Sandpaper: Use medium grit sandpaper to even out the surface, then switch to fine grit for a smooth finish.
• Check for Smoothness: Run your hand over the area to feel for any bumps. If it’s not completely smooth, you may need to add a bit more compound, let it dry, and sand again.

Step 5: Prime and Paint (Optional)

To make the repair disappear completely, paint over the area.

• Prime the Area First: A coat of primer will make the paint blend better with the wall.
• Paint to Match: Use the same paint color as the wall to finish the job.

Tips for a Perfect Repair

Here are some extra tips to help you get the best results:

• Use Lightweight Compound: It’s easier to work with and dries faster, which is great for smaller repairs.
• Apply Thin Layers: Instead of one thick layer, apply a few thin layers. This will help the repair look smooth.
• Check Your Lighting: Good lighting lets you see details more easily, making it simpler to spot any spots you might have missed.

Extra Tips for Fixing Cracks in Drywall

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s dive deeper. Here are more helpful tips, ideas, and answers to questions people often have when they learn how to repair cracks in drywall.

Why Is Drywall Compound Important?

Drywall compound, sometimes called “mud,” is a thick paste that fills in cracks, holes, and any uneven spots on drywall. It’s like a magic putty! Here’s why it’s so useful:

1. Smooth Finish: Compound dries smooth and covers imperfections, making walls look brand new.
2. Strong Bond: It helps keep cracks from showing up again by forming a strong seal.
3. Easy to Paint Over: Once the compound is dry and sanded, you can paint it, and it will blend right in.

What to Do if Cracks Keep Coming Back

Sometimes, cracks show up in the same spot over and over. If this happens, it could mean there’s a bigger issue, like:

1. House Settling: Homes shift and settle over time. This movement causes walls to press against each other and form cracks.
2. Humidity Changes: Dry or humid weather can make walls expand or contract, causing cracks to reopen.

When cracks keep coming back, try these tricks:

• Use Fiberglass Tape: Fiberglass tape is stronger than paper tape. It holds up well against movement.
• Apply More Layers of Compound: For stubborn cracks, use three layers instead of just one or two. Make sure each layer dries completely before adding the next.
• Use Flexible Paint: Flexible paint stretches a bit and can move with the wall, which may help stop cracks from reopening.

If the crack still returns, it may be time to call a professional like Best Anchorage Painters. They can help figure out what’s going on with your wall and fix it for good.

Common Drywall Repair Mistakes to Avoid

Even though drywall repair is easy to learn, there are a few mistakes that can make the process trickier than it needs to be. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Applying Too Much Compound at Once: Adding too much at one time can make the surface bumpy. It’s better to use thin layers and build up slowly.
2. Not Waiting for Each Layer to Dry: If you add another layer too soon, it might not stick well. Let each layer dry fully, usually for about 24 hours, before moving on.
3. Skipping the Sanding Step: Sanding is essential! It smooths out any rough spots, making the repair invisible once you paint.
4. Not Using Primer Before Painting: Without primer, the repaired spot might look different from the rest of the wall. Primer helps the paint go on evenly.

Quick Fixes for Tiny Cracks

If you see very small cracks, you can fix them even faster. Here’s how to handle tiny cracks:

1. Use a Small Brush or Toothpick: Dip a tiny brush or even a toothpick into some compound. Gently push it into the crack, filling it in.
2. Smooth It Out with a Damp Sponge: Use a slightly damp sponge to smooth over the spot. This may help avoid sanding.
3. Paint Over the Crack: Once the compound is dry, paint over the area to match the rest of the wall.

These simple steps make tiny cracks vanish without much work.

Can You Prevent Drywall Cracks?

There’s no way to stop every crack, but there are things you can do to keep your walls in good shape.

• Control Indoor Humidity: Use a dehumidifier if your home feels damp. This keeps walls from expanding and contracting as much.
• Check Your Home’s Foundation: If your home shifts a lot, it could be because of foundation issues. A professional can help stabilize it.
• Use Quality Materials: High-quality drywall, compound, and tape are more durable and hold up better over time.

Taking care of your walls can help reduce the chance of cracks forming in the first place.

How to Fix Other Drywall Problems

Sometimes, you might see more than just cracks. Here’s how to fix other common drywall issues.

1. Small Holes

If there’s a small hole in your wall, like from a nail or pushpin, here’s an easy fix:

• Clean the Hole: Dust around the hole so the compound will stick well.
• Fill It In: Use a bit of compound to fill the hole. Smooth it out with a putty knife.
• Let It Dry and Sand: Once dry, sand the area lightly.
• Paint Over It: After sanding, paint to match the wall.

2. Large Holes

For bigger holes, you’ll need a patch:

• Cut Out a Square: Use a utility knife to cut a square around the hole.
• Attach a New Piece of Drywall: Cut a new piece to fit, and secure it in place.
• Cover with Drywall Tape: Place tape over the edges to blend the new piece with the wall.
• Apply Compound, Sand, and Paint: Cover with compound, sand it smooth, and paint to match.

Why You Might Need a Professional for Bigger Jobs

Some drywall problems are simple to fix on your own, but bigger issues may require expert help. Here’s why hiring a pro can be a great idea:

1. They Have the Right Tools: Professionals bring all the right equipment, which can make repairs faster and easier.
2. They Know Advanced Techniques: For large or complex repairs, professionals have the know-how to make sure everything looks perfect.
3. They Work Quickly: With experience, they can complete repairs fast without sacrificing quality.
4. It’s Less Stress for You: Letting a pro take care of the repairs means you can relax, knowing the job will be done right.

Best Anchorage Painters offers professional drywall repair in Anchorage and nearby areas. They handle everything from small touch-ups to larger fixes and other home maintenance needs. Give them a call today to get help with your drywall repair!

Extra Tips for Painting After a Repair

Once your repair is done, painting is the final step to make the area blend with the rest of the wall. Here’s how to make it look seamless:

1. Use the Right Paint: Match the paint type—whether it’s matte, semi-gloss, or gloss—so the finish looks the same as the rest of the wall.
2. Feather the Paint: Instead of painting just the patched area, feather the paint out a bit to blend. This makes the repair less noticeable.
3. Do a Second Coat: After the first coat dries, add a second coat. This ensures the patched area matches perfectly.
4. Check for Color Match: If your wall has aged a bit, the original color might look different. Paint a larger section if needed to blend the old and new colors.

Safety Tips for Drywall Repair

Safety is important when working with tools and materials. Here are some simple tips:

1. Wearing a Dust Mask: Sanding drywall creates dust, which isn’t good to breathe in. Wear a mask to protect your lungs.
2. Use Eye Protection: Protect your eyes, especially if you’re cutting or sanding above your head.
3. Keep the Area Ventilated: Open windows or use a fan to keep fresh air flowing, especially if using primer or paint.
4. Clean Up After: Drywall dust can make a mess, so clean up your area to keep it safe.

When to Call a Professional

While small cracks are easy to fix yourself, sometimes bigger problems need an expert touch. Here’s when you might want to call a professional:

• Large or Deep Cracks: If the crack is wide or deep, it might need a professional to assess if it’s related to structural issues.
• Recurring Cracks: If the same crack keeps coming back, an expert can help find the root cause.
• Multiple Cracks Across Walls: Several cracks might mean the house is shifting more than usual.

Best Anchorage Painters can help with tricky drywall repairs, making sure everything looks perfect. They handle other home maintenance too, from installing doors to setting up windows. Living in Anchorage? Contact Best Anchorage Painters to keep your home in the best shape!

Conclusion

Drywall cracks can make a home look worn out, but with the right steps, you can fix them easily. By widening, cleaning, taping, applying compound, sanding, and painting, you can make cracks disappear and keep your walls looking fresh.

Need Help? Contact Best Anchorage Painters Today! For those larger, more complicated cracks, or if you’re short on time, Best Anchorage Painters is ready to help. From drywall repairs to window installations, their team ensures high-quality, professional results.