How to Fix Wall Cracks Before Painting

Having cracks on your walls is surely a headache, and painting over one would not improve it, it would make it worse. This simple guide walks you through the fix yourself.

A crack in your drywall can lead to other problems, like insects crawling into your walls. Drywall cracks often increase with time and can decrease the overall strength and integrity of your walls. Better to work on the problem now than face it again in the future.

We'll guide you through how to fix wall cracks before painting. The steps are kept simple so you spend less time reading and more time working. Cracks can be caused naturally or by work behind the wall that required cutting the drywall.

Types of Cracks

Shrinkage cracks

The most common crack where plaster is made of lime and cement. It happens as the plaster dries and the content shrinks, causing numerous cracks. Easily fixed by applying the plaster again after cleaning.

Plaster-peeling cracks

Caused when the structure of the plaster is distorted, maybe by pressure from moving furniture. Check by applying pressure on the crack: if it moves, it's a plaster-peeling crack. Clean the cracked plaster, sand the area, and reapply.

Brickwork cracks

Cracks in brick plaster or where brick lining is cracked. Clean the crack, cut grooves so filling can be inserted easily, and fill with cement or caulking that levels the bricks without changing the structure.

Drywall cracks

Caused when drywall is cut to reveal underground wiring or piping, or when the integrity of the drywall is lost. If the crack is big, replace the piece of drywall by cutting to size and fixing the new piece with drywall screws.

After fitting a new piece, apply mesh tape over the areas that will receive plaster. If the drywall hasn't been cut but has cracked from other causes, apply mesh tape before filling with plaster. Push the hot mud plaster in with applying blades, then sand the excess.

Fixing Wall Cracks Before Painting

After you've finished working on the cracks, prepare the area for paint. Sand the plaster or cement and clean the surfaces to achieve a smooth working area. Cover areas you don't want painted. Choose the right color, a mismatched color leaves the area looking patchy.

Tips To Avoid Cracks In Walls

• Use studs behind your drywall to strengthen the wall and reduce chances of cracking
• Use high-quality plaster and backing materials
• Walls made of bricks are less likely to crack, use the highest-quality bricks, plaster, and cement
• A strong structure and foundation dramatically reduce the chance of cracks appearing
• Check for water leakage or soil contamination before construction
• Always hire a professional with verifiable records when hiring out the work
• Use strengthening techniques like mesh tapes or screws with special compounds