If you’ve ever noticed cracks in your drywall, don’t worry! Fixing them is easier than you think. If you like doing things yourself or just want to learn, this easy guide will help you understand step by step. We’ve made it so clear that even kids could understand it. Let’s get started and fixing drywall cracks!
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1 Step. Remove Loose Paper and Obstacles
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Before we can start fixing drywall cracks, we need to prepare the area. This step is important because it sets the foundation for the repair.
First, look at the crack and gently peel away any loose paper or debris that might be sticking out. Sometimes, the paper on the drywall can peel off. It’s important to remove these pieces so we have a smooth surface to work with.
Use a small knife or your fingers to gently remove any obstacles, like dirt or crumbling drywall. Think of it like cleaning before painting a picture—you need a clean canvas!
2 Step. Find the Stud
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The next step is finding the wall stud behind the drywall. A wall stud is a vertical piece of wood that holds up your walls, and it can help you make the repair more stable.
You can use a stud finder, which is a tool that helps you locate these pieces of wood. If you don’t have one, you can tap on the wall to listen for a solid sound—this usually indicates the location of the stud.
Once you’ve found the stud, you’re ready for the next step!
3 Step. Add Screws to Stabilize the Crack
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Now that you’ve located the stud, we need to add screws to help stabilize the drywall around the crack. This ensures that the crack won’t get bigger or cause more problems down the road.
Take a few drywall screws and gently drill them into the wall near the crack, making sure they go into the stud. Be careful not to overtighten them—just snug enough to hold the drywall in place.
This is like making sure your puzzle pieces won’t move around while you work on fixing them!
4 Step. Apply the Adhesive Spray
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Now that the area is stable, it’s time to apply some adhesive spray. This special spray helps the materials we’ll use later stick to the wall and stay in place for a long time.
Hold the spray can about 6 to 8 inches away from the crack, and give it a light, even coat. This step is quick and easy, but it makes a big difference in ensuring the patch holds up over time.
Think of it like glue before you put on a bandage—it helps everything stick better.
5 Step. Apply the Mesh Tape
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Next, we’re going to cover the crack with mesh tape. Mesh tape is a special sticky tape that helps keep the crack from reappearing.
Peel off a strip of mesh tape and carefully place it over the crack. Make sure the tape is straight and covers the entire length of the crack. The tape will help reinforce the wall and give it extra strength.
This step is like putting a protective layer on the crack, kind of like a bandage on a cut!
6 Stap. Add the Drywall Compound
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Now comes the fun part! We’re going to use a drywall compound, which is a thick paste that fills in the crack and smooths out the surface.
Using a putty knife, scoop up some drywall compound and spread it over the mesh tape. Make sure to cover the tape completely and spread the compound smoothly. You want to create an even surface that blends in with the rest of the wall.
It’s a bit like icing a cake—just spread it evenly and smoothly!
7 Step. Add More Coats of Drywall Compound
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The first coat of drywall compound is just the beginning. To make sure the repair looks perfect, we need to add a few more layers.
Let the first coat dry completely, which usually takes a few hours. Once it’s dry, gently sand it with fine sandpaper to smooth out any bumps. Next, put on another layer of drywall mud. Use your putty knife to spread it out evenly.
You may need to do this two or three times, sanding lightly between each coat. This step makes sure the crack is filled and the surface looks even and smooth.
8 Step. Sand the Patch
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Once you’ve applied enough coats of drywall compound and everything has dried, it’s time to make it smooth! Sanding is the final step to ensure that the repaired area blends perfectly with the rest of the wall.
Take a fine-grit sandpaper and gently sand the area until it feels smooth to the touch. Be careful not to sand too much, as this could create uneven spots. Your goal is to make the surface as smooth as the surrounding wall.
Sanding is like polishing a gemstone—it takes a bit of time, but the result is worth it!
9 Step. Prime and Paint
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Congratulations, you’ve fixed the crack! But there’s one last step to make everything look perfect: priming and painting the wall.
Start by applying a layer of primer to the area you just repaired. Primer helps the paint stick better and ensures that the repaired area looks just like the rest of the wall. Once the primer is dry, you can paint over the patch with the same color as your wall.
And there you have it—your wall looks as good as new!
Conclusion
Fixing drywall cracks doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these 9 simple steps, anyone can tackle a drywall repair with confidence. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or just starting, this guide was written with you in mind.
From cleaning up loose stuff to putting on the last layer of paint, each step helps make your walls look great. So the next time you see a crack in your drywall, don’t worry—you’ve got this!
If you need help, Matsu Painters can fix walls, lights, pipes, and other things in your home. Happy fixing!