Vanishing Act: Your Guide to Smooth, Seamless Drywall Repairs
All of a sudden, there it was: a crack in the wall the size of the Grand Canyon. While that may be a slight exaggeration, that’s often how it seems when you first notice a drywall crack.
Now what? How do you fill a crack in drywall without making it stand out like a sore thumb, and once it’s repaired, how do you keep it from coming right back?
We’ve got the answers.
Here, the expert team at Benson Drywall guides you through drywall repair preparation techniques, material selection, repair methods, and more, to ensure a paint-ready finish and an effective solution to cracked drywall.
Table of Contents
What Causes Drywall To Crack?
- Settling: This occurs in both new and older homes. New homes settle as they age, causing the wooden frame to shift and pull on the drywall. Both new and old homes can experience seasonal settling that results in hairline cracks.
- Structural movement: A shifting foundation, uneven settling, or soil expansion can lead to significant, long cracks, especially near windows or doors.
- Changes in moisture and humidity: Dry air in the winter and high humidity in the summer can cause expansion that leads to cracks in the drywall.
- Improper installation: If not enough mud was applied during drywall installation, drywall tape may pull away from the wall and leave vertical cracks or cracks along seams.
- Lifting roof trusses: In colder locations, roof trusses can lift during the winter and cause the ceiling to separate from the wall.
How To Fill a Crack in Drywall in 7 Steps
#1: Gather Your Tools
- Putty knife (6-inch): For applying and spreading the mud
- Utility knife or 5-in-1 tool: For widening and cleaning out the crack before filling
- Taping knife (10–12 inch): For feathering the mud to create a smooth finish
- Stud-finder and drywall screws: For locating and securing loose drywall
- Drywall tape (paper or fiberglass mesh): For reinforcing the location of the repair and keeping the crack from returning
- Joint compound (mud): For filling (lightweight) or setting type, for faster drying
- Mud pan: For holding the compound while you’re completing the project
- Sanding block (120–220 grit) or sponge: For smoothing the compound once it has dried
#2: Prepare the Crack
Using the 5-in-1 tool or utility knife, gently widen the crack to create a slight 1/8 to 1/4 inch V-groove. This allows the compound to penetrate and better adhere to the drywall. Once you’re done, wipe away any loose debris and dust.
#3: Secure the Drywall
Carefully press around the crack to check for movement. If the drywall appears to be loose, use a stud finder to locate the nearby studs and install drywall screws approximately one to six inches away from the crack to secure the loose section to the studs.
#4: Tape the Crack
#5: Apply Mud
Place a high-quality setting-type compound over the tape and force it through the mesh. Products like Easy Sand 45 or 90 work well for this application.
#6: Feather & Layer
Feather and layer the repaired area by using a 6-inch knife for the first coat and a 12-inch blade for the remaining coats. The edges should be feathered outward to blend with the wall.
#7: Sand & Prime
Once everything is dry, sand the area to a smooth finish with 220-grit sandpaper. Work gently, taking care not to tear the paper. Once complete, apply a primer before painting over the area to prevent the repair from flashing.
Additional Tips for Filling Cracks in Drywall
- Use a setting compound: Setting-type compounds, also referred to as hot mud, dry to a harder finish and shrink less than pre-mixed compounds. This makes them the superior choice for filling cracks and keeping them from reappearing.
- Add backing: If the drywall crack is located between two studs, stabilize the area by installing a wood backing behind the drywall.
- Match texture: If you are working with
- Address any settling: If house settling is the cause of the crack, it may continue to be a problem for several years until the house is fully settled. Using fiber-mesh tape can help manage the issues in the meantime.
Commonly Asked Questions About How To Fill a Crack in Drywall
How Big of a Crack Can You Fill With Drywall Mud?
Drywall mud is typically used for filling gaps up to 1/2-inch wide. If you’re dealing with cracks that are larger than 1/8 to ¼-inch, use a setting-type compound (hot mud) to avoid the problems of excessive shrinkage and cracking.
Gaps larger than ½-inch should be filled with solid material, like drywall scraps or backing.How Do You Fix a Hairline Crack in Drywall?
- Widen the crack.
- Use a putty knife to apply paintable spackle or use a joint compound like mesh tape.
- Once dry, sand the area to a smooth finish.
- Repaint.
How Do You Hide a Small Crack in Drywall?
- Using a utility knife, create a V-groove in the crack
- Applying joint compound and embedding mesh tape
- Applying additional coats of mud, as needed
- Feathering the edges to blend with the wall
- Sanding
- Painting
What Is Best To Fill Cracks in Drywall?
The best option for filling drywall cracks is using a combination of hot mud and paper tape for added structural strength. For easier application, fiberglass mesh tape may also be used. If you’re dealing with a non-structural hairline crack, a high-quality lightweight spackling paste should be sufficient for making the repair.
How Do You Fix a Crack on a Ceiling?
Before undertaking the task of fixing a crack on a ceiling, first evaluate the area for structural issues. If the crack moves, install drywall screws on either side of the crack to secure it to the joists. Then tape and fill the crack with primer before covering with joint compound.
Can I Fix a Crack in Drywall On My Own?
- Use a utility knife to slightly widen the crack into a V-shaped groove.
- Use a putty knife to join the compound to fill the groove.
- Reinforce the area by applying a strip of drywall tape over the crack.
- Cover the tape with an additional layer of joint compound and smooth it out.
- Once the area is fully dry, lightly sand, apply primer, and repaint.
Common Mistakes in DIY Drywall Repair
- Insufficient surface preparation: Failing to properly clean, sand, or remove loose sections of paper keeps the products from adhering properly. Beveling the edges of the repair enables the compound to get into the surface and create a secure hold.
- Using the wrong tape or compound: Failing to use a setting-type compound (hot mud) can result in weak repairs that are prone to cracking. Paper tape is the optimal choice for securing drywall cracks in corners.
- Applying too much compound: Using too much mud in a single coat can lead to cracking, shrinkage, and the need for excessive sanding. For best results, apply multiple thin layers of compound rather than one thick layer.
- Over or under sanding: Excessive sanding or using too much pressure can expose the drywall paper and result in a fuzzy, damaged surface. Instead, choose a sanding sponge and apply light pressure.
- Failing to apply primer: Skipping the primer means the repaired section will absorb paint differently than the existing wall, leaving an obvious “halo” or variation in the sheen.
- Not feathering the edges: Failing to feather the edges of the repaired area results in a poor blend and will leave an obvious bump in the wall.
- Failing to match textures: Not replicating the pre-existing wall texture results in an obvious repair.
- Ignoring the underlying cause of the problem: Fixing cracked drywall without dealing with the underlying issue, such as structural problems or a water leak, will result in recurring damage.
Skip the Hassle of DIY! Call Benson Drywall, Portland’s #1 Choice for Professional Drywall Installation and Repair
Benson Drywall is your go-to choice for drywall installation and repair.
We stand behind the quality of our work with a one-year warranty, and you can rest assured knowing we use only the highest grade materials and proven techniques.
Your satisfaction is our priority.
Our expert craftsmanship and personalized services include drywall installations for home remodels and drywall repairs for both residential and commercial properties.
Get your Portland drywall repair done right with Benson Drywall.