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Apply another layer of joint compound over the tape.Once the tape is evenly applied, leave the joint compound to dry for a few minutes. Don’t overdo it, or you risk scoring the tape.
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Do this at least twice to ensure that the tape is adhering nicely around the crack.Īpply the tape to the crack and then smoothen it with your putty knife. Dip your putty knife into the compound and then use it to smooth the tape over. It allows for smoother application and prevents the compound from invading the crack.Īpplying a joint compound is an essential step to ensure a great finish. Use scissors when cutting to ensure that the tape doesn’t have ragged edges. It bears noting that this should be done before applying a compound to prevent folds and bumps from forming. Measure and cut short lengths of paper drywall tape or fiberglass mesh joint tape and then cover the crack. Dip a medium-bristle brush in a TSP and water solution and gently brush away any crumbs or dust from the crack. That should give the joint compound some wiggle room for later.Ĭlear the affected area of dust or any dirt sticking to it. Stick the point inside the crack, and open the edges to about ⅛ of an inch. Grab a putty knife or a lever-type can opener. The first step to fixing a small crack is to widen it. Is it moving in a way that seems like it will break away from its foundation? In that case, you must contact a specialist who can install a new plaster for you.īut if it feels like it’s going to hold, then good on you. How do you determine if it is about to break away from the lath? Simple: give it a gentle push. It’s at least as long as the plaster is still securely attached to the lath inside the wall cavity. It goes without saying: the smaller the crack, the easier it will be to repair. How to repair hairline cracks in plaster walls
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All you need is some knowledge on how to do it the right way. Yes, you can patch it with minimal expense and effort. If you can believe it, it is easier to repair than its more popular counterpart. Thankfully, fixing hairline cracks in plaster walls shouldn’t be a major cause of concern. And the notion of carrying out repairs or replacing plaster walls sounds like it’s a lot of work, not to mention costly. Damaged plaster has an aspect of finality to it.