How to fix a crack in drywall

DIY Depot is here to walk you through repairing a crack in drywall! All the required tools and paints/sealants are available at your nearest DIY Depot!

STEP 1

Purchase a pre-mixed or setting joint compound, which will be in powder form. Use a mud tray and a mixing knife to mix the compound together, and avoid using spackling. The above-mentioned joint compound, mud tray and taping knives are available from DIY Depot! It is important to note that a setting-type joint compound is a more difficult substance to both apply and sand afterwards, and is recommended for more experienced DIY individuals as it dries quickly.

STEP 2

Next, cut a V-notch shape 1⁄4” to 1⁄8” (around 0.64 to 0.32 cm) along the crack. The “V” shape will help keep the compound securely in place. Use a paint brush or a hand vacuum to remove the excess dust from the crack.

STEP 3

Firmly apply coats of the joint compound over the crack, using a 3 to 4” (7.6 to 10.2 cm) putty knife. Allow the compound to dry completely between coats, and layer on as many coats as necessary to fill the crack. The average is 3 coats.

Drying time is estimated anywhere from 20 minutes per coat of setting-type joint compound to 24 hours for a thick first coat. If the cut is deeper than 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm), you might be required to press a strip of mesh or paper tape into the first layer of the compound before it dries, to better seal the crack.

STEP 4

Once dried, sand the joint compound using medium-grit sandpaper. Smooth out the compound to match the flatness of the wall with a sanding block. For your safety, it is advised to wear a dust mask whilst sanding to avoid inhaling particles. Make use of 80-grit (medium-grit) sandpaper to eliminate larger bumps, and 120-grit for the finishing touches.

STEP 5
Lastly, paint over the crack by first using latex primer, followed by wall paint. The patched area will not blend in with the rest of the wall if you do not use primer first. However, you can make use of a paint and primer in one to make less work for yourself. A paint and primer in one only requires one or two coats applied directly on the affected area.