Being a homeowner has its fair share of maintenance and repair projects, many of which you can do at home.It's possible to repair cracks in just a few hours with a small amount of basic materials.
Step 1: Buy either pre-mixed or "setting-type" joint compound.
The joint compound is in powder form.You can mix it with a taping knife.Don't use spackling.Hardware stores and home centers sell joint compound, mud trays and taping knives.The setting-type joint compound is not the best option for beginners.Pros prefer it because it dries quickly.
Step 2: A V-notch is cut along the crack.
The shape of the compound will help keep it in place.Dust can be removed by brushing it out with a paint brush or using a hand vacuum cleaner.
Step 3: Joint compound should be applied over the crack.
Use a 3 to 4 in knife.Between coats, let the compound dry.To fill the crack, layer on as many coats as necessary.3 coats is the average.It takes from 20 minutes for each coat of setting-type joint compound to 24 hours for a thick first coat.If the cut is deeper than 4 inch, you may need to press a strip of mesh or paper tape into the first layer of compound to seal the crack.Thinner coats are easier to sand down and match the wall once dry.
Step 4: The dried joint compound can be sanded.
To smooth out the flatness of the wall, use a sanding block.It's a good idea to wear a dust mask when sanding.It is possible to eliminate larger bumps by using a medium-grit sandpaper.To avoid having to sand as much at the end, sand in between coats.
Step 5: Paint over the cracks with latex primer and wall paint.
If you don't use primer first, your patched area will not blend in with the rest of the wall.You can use a paint and primer in one.You only need a coat of paint on the affected area.
Step 6: If the crack gives, gently press on the wall.
The plaster may come apart from the lath strips if it moves toward the wall.If the plaster is loose, screw it onto the lath strips.Put the screws into the plaster.If there is an electric cable behind the wall, use shorter screws.
Step 7: If the crack is less than four inches wide, use a putty knife.
This will create a bigger surface for the compound to adhere to.
Step 8: Spread ready-mixed or setting-type joint compound.
Use a taping knife or a putty knife.For beginners, ready-mixed joint compound applies more smoothly.The compound must be mixed with a "mud tray" and a knife.It can be smoothed out when it is partially dry, so there is no need for sanding.If you want the compound to stick better, you need to damp the crack before applying it.
Step 9: If the crack is large, cover it with mesh tape before applying plaster.
If there is movement in the wall which causes a crack, this will prevent the new plaster from cracking.Let it dry.The room should be between 55 and 70 F.
Step 10: 2 or 3 layers of compound should be applied over the taped area.
A wet sponge can be used to smooth out the final layer.Extending the compound another 2 to 3 inches outside the previous layer's edges is recommended.The last layer should be at least 12 inches (30 cm) beyond the original area.You should use a knife for this.To remove bumps, lightly sand each layer.When applying the compound, use a feathering technique.Start at the center and pull the knife to the outside edges of the coats, increasing pressure further away from the middle.
Step 11: Paint over the patched area to match the rest of the wall.
If you can see a raised section where you did your repair, sand it flush to the wall to blend in.It is smart to wait at least 24 hours prior to painting to make sure the compound is completely dry.
Step 12: The crack should beEnlarged with a chisel and hammer
A thin crack will not be filled by patching material.Undercutting should be done to 1 inch below the edges of the crack.There is more surface area for the patching material to grip.
Step 13: You can clean the crack with a paint brush or a vacuum.
It should be washed with water and dried with a hair dryer.
Step 14: The area should beprimed with a concrete bonding adhesive.
This will help the patching material adhere better.To spread a thin layer around the edges, you'll want to use an old paintbrush.
Step 15: Use a pointed trowel or a stiff putty knife to apply a coat of patching.
Let the layers dry between coats by pressing them into the crack.Continue until the crack is filled and the rest of the wall is level.
Step 16: Before the patch dries add texture to it.
The patched area will look bad if it is not smooth.It can be difficult to match new concrete with old concrete.If you want to see if the texture matches, apply a coat of patching mix to a piece of wood and rough it up.The patch can be sealed with a brush and water.