How to Repair Drywall Cracks

Drywall cracks are the inevitable consequence of a house settling or humidity changes wreaking havoc on your interior walls. They usually appear as hairline fractures around door frames or corners, signaling that the house is shifting ever so slightly. Ignoring them doesn't make them go away; it just makes them wider and more difficult to hide during your next painting project. Fixing a crack properly requires more than just slapping a bit of filler into the gap. If you don't reinforce the area, the crack will simply reappear within a few months. When done well, the wall should be completely flat, with the repair invisible beneath a fresh coat of paint. This process is less about strength and more about creating a flexible bridge over the fractured seam.

1. Widen and Clear the Crack. Use a utility knife to gently widen the crack into a slight V-shape. Brush away any loose debris or crumbling gypsum so the filler has a clean surface to grip.
2. Tape the Fracture. Lay self-adhesive fiberglass mesh tape directly over the crack, ensuring it is centered. Press it firmly against the wall to make sure it sticks flat without any wrinkles.
3. Layer Compound Thin. Using a 6-inch drywall knife, press lightweight joint compound through the mesh holes. Feather the edges outward so the compound sits flush with the wall surface.
4. Smooth the Surface. Once the compound is bone-dry, use a fine-grit sanding block to knock down any high spots. Wipe the dust away with a slightly damp cloth.
5. Feather the Final Layer. Apply a second, thinner layer of compound, feathering the edges even further out into the surrounding wall. This 'hides' the repair by making the transition invisible.
6. Prime and Paint Over. Sand the final coat until smooth, apply a coat of drywall primer, and finish with your wall paint. Using a roller rather than a brush will help match the surrounding wall texture.