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Drywallcan crack, especially in key places like doors and windows.
But the results will look truly professional.
Unless these issues are fixed, cracks will develop again in the drywall.
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Hairline-thin cracks that extend above doors or windows may not always indicate a serious problem.
These are stress points that can crack drywall over time.
Safety Considerations
Wear breathing protection when sanding drywall joint compound.
Protect the area with plastic sheeting to prevent thedrywall dustfrom spreading.
Usingdust control joint compoundwill minimize the dust.
Find the Stud
With the stud finder, locate the stud closest to the crack.
In many cases, the crack will be parallel to the stud.
It will often run either directly over the stud or to the side.
Be certain that the screws penetrate the stud underneath and don’t spin freely in the drywall.
Apply the Adhesive Spray
Spray the adhesive spray along a 3- to 4-inch-wide strip on the crack.
Mesh tape has an adhesive backing but the adhesive can be unreliable, especially in warm rooms.
Adhesive spray ensures a tight bond.
Firmly press down the tape with the drywall knife or by hand.
Tip
Work quickly.
Adhesive spray dries in about a minute.
Add the Drywall Compound
Add drywall compound to the wide (12- or 14-inch) drywall knife.
fire off the knife lengthwise over the crack.
The width of the patch should be at least 24 inches or two knife widths.
For large areas, it’s often best to use apaint roller and a wall texturecompound.
Paint the Wall
Let the patch dry.
No, you cannot properly fix cracks in drywall without using tape.
Even using paper drywall tape instead of mesh tape is preferable to using no tape.
As a quick fix, you could paint over hairline drywall cracks.
But this is an incomplete fix and the crack will soon reappear.
It’s best to properly fix the crack in the drywall for better-looking, longer-lasting results.
Poorly installed drywall can be removed and replaced by a drywall contractor.
