Repairing cracked drywall seams can be frustrating at best. If there is only a very, very small crack present, you may be able to scratch out the crack to a wider size and then just apply new spackling compound. Using a sharp, pointed tool such as an old fashioned can opener (church key), scratch put a groove wider and slightly longer than the crack. It needs to be at least 1/8" deep but deeper is better. There are patching compounds available today made just for patching cracks but are not intended for large areas. If this is a painted wall some whole sanding will also be required. Spackle will not stick to a smooth painted finish. Sand the area nearby the crack at least a integrate of inches wider than the crack and then go ahead and apply the patching composition development sure you force the spackle down into the crack. Right after applying the spackle, re-wipe the area with your knife to remove any excess spackle from the area leaving a flat surface. Depending upon what type of composition you purchased the drying times vary quite a bit from minutes to hours. After the spackle is wholly dry use a 100 or 120 grit drywall sanding paper to smooth area so it is flush with the existing wall. Prime the drywall and setup the final paint.
In a case where the cracks are much bigger along the seams, it may caused by the drywall tape pulling loose, corporal damage or perhaps even excess moisture. Determined remove any and all loose materials at taped areas. You cannot and I repeat, cannot re-spackle old tape. The drywall tape has dinky holes that allows the spackle to pass through and anchor the tape to your seams. The spackle "wets" the tape helping it not only to stick to the drywall but allows the spackle to form a bond on both sides to the drywall. Once it is used, the holes are filled thereby development the tape useless. Trying to short cut will only cause the seam to re-crack later.
DRYWALL SETTLEMENT
After removing all loose materials, lightly sand the damaged areas being right not to tear or sand through the paper layer of the drywall underneath. Once the area is smooth to the touch make sure you have sanded evenly onto the surrounding area so as not to leave an edge that will show through the accomplished work. Using a six inch wide spackle knife, setup a even coat of new spackle over the seam. Place your new drywall tape over the seam and using the knife, push the tape firmly onto the drywall removing all excess spackle as it squeezes out from under the tape and sides of the knife. Do not remove too much spackle so as to leave the paper dry. Once the area is as smooth as you can make it, apply a second lighter coat over the same area development sure the new tape is wholly embedded in fresh spackle.
After drying for one day to assure all the spackle is dry, re-sand the whole area to once again regain a smooth feel to the whole repaired area. Using your twelve inch knife, spread a second coat to the whole repair development sure you blend smoothly onto the adjoining wall surfaces. Do not leave any ridges or sharp edges where you meet the old wall finish.
Once this second coat of spackle is dry, which will be much less than the base coat as it is much thinner, apply, using your twelve inch knife, a third very thin coat of fresh spackle. You will practically be able to see through this coat as it is used to fill small indents or scratches left by sanding the second coat. Again after the third coat dries, very lightly sand the repair for the last time to assure a totally smooth accomplished area. Apply a coat of drywall primer to seal the newly repaired drywall area and then paint your wall.
If the drywall seams have wholly cracked or split open there may be a structural question that needs to be re-mediated before you fix the drywall seams. Building settlement, foundation problems or other items may result the drywall finishes so be sure they are repaired first.
Once you are sure there are no other problems present, as in a minor repair, remove all loose or damaged materials. If the drywall itself is cracked, cut the drywall back to a stud and setup a new piece of drywall. The repair is the same as a minor crack only on a much larger scale.
Installing small pieces of drywall for patching creates what are called butt joints which are much harder to conceal. You will be forced to spread your spackle over a much larger area to regain a smooth appearance and not a bump in the wall. With custom you can do this work and save yourself a great deal of money.
If you are in a hurry and the repair is relatively small, there are quick drying materials available such as Durobond 90 which when added to spackle makes the spackle rock hard in ninety minutes. There is also a forty-five dinky type available but only real pros should try and use it. Forty-five minutes flies by as a matter of fact fast. When I say it dries rock hard, it is practically impossible to sand when dried so any small defects left in the covering with your knife will show later. Be careful.
Remember to keep your tools clean, do not pry open cans or lids with your knifes as it will dent or chip the edges of the knives and work as clean as you can to avoid tiring cleanup later.
Diy - How to repair Drywall Seams DRYWALL SETTLEMENT
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