Crafts & DIY
Do you have wall cracks? Handyman demonstrates the easiest way to fix them
Every homeowner should know this.
Sasha Alonzo
07.27.23

Home repairs can be a costly affair if you’re always calling in the professionals.

But thanks to the internet, we now have access to a plethora of DIY videos that guide us through simple repairs.

Not only does this save us time, but it also keeps our wallets happy.

Today, we’re going to delve into an easy guide on fixing wall cracks.

MonkeySee - YouTube
Source:
MonkeySee - YouTube

If you’ve lived in a house that’s not brand new or absolutely perfect, you’ve likely come across cracks in your walls or ceilings.

These cracks, though generally harmless, are the result of your house settling over time.

Despite their benign nature, they can be an eyesore, marring the beauty of an otherwise flawless wall.

But don’t fret, with these easy steps, you can rectify these blemishes in just a few minutes.

MonkeySee - YouTube
Source:
MonkeySee - YouTube

Ready to bid adieu to those annoying wall cracks and welcome a smooth, finished wall?

It’s easier than you think!

All you need to do is follow along with Ken’s steps.

The best part?

This DIY project takes only a few minutes and is super easy. Start by preparing the area.

MonkeySee - YouTube
Source:
MonkeySee - YouTube

Most cracks tend to appear around thresholds and doors.

As we’ll be painting later, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Grab some painter’s tape and cover the exposed areas around the door that you don’t want to be painted.

Once that’s done, it’s time to open up the working surface.

MonkeySee - YouTube
Source:
MonkeySee - YouTube

This next step might be the most fun part of the process!

To gain better access to the crack, we need to widen it a bit.

The best way to do this is to take an old screwdriver and run the tip through the drywall, scoring and widening the crack.

Once you’ve widened it, clean it with a damp cloth.

Then, it’s time to apply some fiberglass tape.

MonkeySee - YouTube
Source:
MonkeySee - YouTube

We want to ensure that once fixed, the crack doesn’t reappear.

To achieve this, use self-adhesive fiberglass tape and cover the area well.

This step reinforces the area and prevents the problem from recurring.

After this, it’s time to apply some drywall joint compound.

MonkeySee - YouTube
Source:
MonkeySee - YouTube

Applying drywall joint compound might sound fancy, but it’s quite straightforward.

Spread some compound onto the area to fill in the spaces.

Using a paint knife, press the compound into the area with some pressure.

Allow it to dry, then scrape off any bumps with a pass or two of the knife.

Repeat this process for the second coat.

After the second coat is dry, apply a third and final coat, ensuring there are no lumps or bumps.

Once that’s done, it’s time to scrape and sand the wall.

MonkeySee - YouTube
Source:
MonkeySee - YouTube

We’re almost there!

Using the painting knife, smooth out any rough spots in the compound.

Then, take your sander of choice (a wood block with 100 grit sand or Ken’s preferred choice of a specialized drywall tool) and go over the area to ensure it’s super smooth.

Don’t forget to get into the crevice of the ceiling!

Once you’ve dusted off the area, it’s time to prime and paint.

MonkeySee - YouTube
Source:
MonkeySee - YouTube

Priming is crucial if you want the wall patch to blend seamlessly with the rest of the wall.

Apply a primer and wait for it to dry.

Once it’s dry, go ahead and paint the area.

After the painting is done, don’t forget to remove your masking tape!

If you’re dealing with a troublesome crack in the wall, these tips are sure to help you.

Check out the full tutorial in the video below and share this with your friends and family.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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