Fixing Drywall Cracks: Best Methods and Tools

Drywall cracks are a common household problem, but the good news is they are easy to fix. Whether you’ve noticed a tiny crack or a larger one, addressing it quickly prevents bigger issues down the road. Let’s dive into the best ways to fix drywall cracks using tools that are simple to handle. With these methods, your walls can look brand new again in no time.

At Best Matsu Painters, we understand that keeping your home in perfect condition can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help with all your maintenance needs, from drywall repairs to plumbing and electrical work. But for those who enjoy taking on small home repairs themselves, we’ve prepared this simple guide to walk you through how to fix drywall cracks easily and effectively.

What Causes Drywall Cracks?

Before we jump into how to fix drywall cracks, it helps to know what might cause them in the first place. Drywall cracks can happen for several reasons:

• House settling: As houses age, they tend to shift slightly, which can lead to cracks in the walls.
• Temperature changes: When the weather changes from hot to cold or from dry to humid, the drywall can expand or contract, causing cracks.
• Improper installation: Sometimes, cracks appear if the drywall isn’t installed properly or if it isn’t secured tightly.
• Moisture: Water damage from leaks can weaken drywall, leading to cracks and damage.

Understanding what caused the crack can help you decide how to fix it and prevent it from happening again.

Gathering the Right Tools

To get started with fixing drywall cracks, you’ll need the right tools. Luckily, you don’t need any complicated equipment—just a few basic items that you can find at any hardware store:

• Putty knife: A wide-blade knife used to apply joint compound smoothly.
• Joint compound (also called drywall mud): This thick paste is used to fill in cracks and holes.
• Sandpaper: You’ll need fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface after the repair.
• Drywall tape: For larger cracks, this helps reinforce the area and prevent future cracking.
• Paint: After repairing the crack, you’ll want to touch up the area with paint that matches your walls.

Now that we have everything, let’s get started on the process!

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Drywall Cracks

1. Preparing the Area

Before you begin, take a good look at the crack. Make sure there’s no loose drywall or dust around it. You can use a brush or a damp cloth to gently clean the area. If the crack is large, you might need to widen it slightly with a utility knife so that the joint compound has more surface to grip onto. This may sound strange, but it helps in the long run!

2. Applying Joint Compound

Next, take your putty knife and apply a thin layer of joint compound directly over the crack. Spread it smoothly, and don’t worry if it’s a little messy at first—you’ll have a chance to smooth it out later. Make sure the compound fills the entire crack. If you’re working with a larger crack, you may want to use drywall tape here. Simply place the tape over the crack and apply more joint compound on top.

3. Smoothing the Surface

Once the joint compound has dried (this could take a few hours), it’s time to smooth it out. Use your fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the surface until it feels smooth to the touch. Be careful not to press too hard—you just want to even it out.

4. Painting Over the Repair

Now that the surface is smooth, you’re ready to paint! Use a small brush to paint over the repaired area, blending it in with the rest of the wall. If the crack was small, one coat of paint should do the trick. For larger repairs, you might need two coats to completely hide the patch.

And that’s it! Your drywall crack is gone, and your wall looks as good as new.

Tips for Preventing Future Cracks

While fixing drywall cracks is simple, preventing them from coming back is key. Here are a few things you can do to keep your walls in tip-top shape:

• Control humidity: Keeping a steady level of moisture in your home helps reduce the expansion and contraction of materials.
• Fix leaks promptly: Water damage is a big cause of cracks, so be sure to repair any leaks right away.
• Regular maintenance: Check your walls now and then for small cracks or other issues and fix them before they get bigger.

When to Call a Professional

While many drywall cracks can be repaired with these simple steps, sometimes you might run into a crack that’s too large or tricky to handle on your own. For example, if you notice that the crack keeps coming back even after repairs, it could signal a bigger problem with your home’s structure or foundation. In these cases, it’s a good idea to call in professionals to assess and fix the issue properly.

At Best Matsu Painters, we specialize in drywall repairs of all sizes. If you find yourself dealing with a crack that just won’t go away, or if you’d rather leave the job to an expert, our skilled team is ready to help. We pride ourselves on getting the job done right the first time, so you can relax knowing your home is in good hands.

Conclusion

Fixing drywall cracks doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and the steps we’ve outlined above, you can handle most small cracks yourself. However, if you ever need help, you can count on Best Matsu Painters to step in. We are your local experts, not just in painting but in a wide range of home maintenance tasks like drywall repair, plumbing, and electrical work.

Whether you decide to do it yourself or call the professionals, keeping your walls in great shape will make your home feel fresh and well-maintained. Don’t wait—take action on those cracks today!