How To
Fix Cracks in Drywall

Houses settle over time, and as they do, it is not uncommon for cracks to appear in the drywall, especially around windows and doors. Structurally, these cracks are not a problem, but they greatly affect the appearance of your home. If you’re ready to freshen up the paint in a room, then be sure to cover up the crack to make it look as good as new. It only requires a few materials and the process is simple. 

At Pottery Barn, we’ve put together these tips to help you complete this project.

Materials:

• Shrink-free spackling
• 1.5" to 3" putty knife
• Fine grit sanding sponge
• Fiber tape
• Tack cloth
• Paint
• Paint brush or mini roller

For large cracks or stress cracks, start by applying fiber tape along the length of the crack. The tape helps give with future movement to prevent any further damage to your wall as settling occurs. If it is just a small crack, then the fiber tape is not necessary. Use the putty knife to apply the shrink-free spackle over the tape and into the crack to fill it in. Spread the excess spackling onto the surrounding wall and taper it to make it smooth and even.

It is very important to allow the spackle to dry completely (overnight, if possible) before going any further. Working with the wet spackle will only damage it, requiring you to start the project over again. Once it has dried, sand the entire surface with the fine grit sanding sponge to remove any rough spots and make the entire surface smooth. Be careful not to sand the spot excessively or you may expose the tape. Wipe off all of the dust from the spackle using the tack cloth.

Use a small brush or a mini roller to apply your chosen paint. Emerald Interior Paint and Primer in One from Sherwin-Williams to get the perfect finish on your wall without the hassle. Once the paint is dry, your wall will be as good as new with no evidence that the crack ever existed.

No one likes to have cracks in their drywall, but they do occur from time to time as the house settles. Fortunately, the fix is simple and one that you can complete on your own. You just need a few supplies and a little bit of patience to restore your drywall to its original condition.