How to Hide a Crack in Drywall Joint Using Molding

Drywall cracks are a common occurrence. House settling and the heat-related expansion and contraction of joint compound can cause such cracking. Most cracks occur at the joint where two drywall boards meet and migrate along the seam. While drywall cracks can be hidden with molding, unless the underlying drywall is repaired, the crack will continue to grow, requiring constant attention. Repairing the crack before covering it with molding requires more work initially, but is a better long-term solution.

Tape measure
Drywall knife
Quick-drying joint compound (mud)
Drywall tape
Medium-grit sandpaper
Molding
Hand or circular saw
Carpenter's level
Hammer or nail gun
Finishing nails

Instructions

- 1
  Scoop a dollop of quick-drying joint compound onto your drywall knife and press it along the length of the crack; mud vertical cracks from top to bottom; let convenience guide you on horizontal cracks. Refill your knife and continue across longer cracks.
- 2
  Press a strip of drywall tape along the crack and into the mud using your drywall knife. Apply a thin layer of mud to the tape, scrape away the excess and let it dry. Smooth the joint compound with medium-grit sandpaper.
- 3
  Measure the crack and cut a length of molding the required length. From the nearest corner, measure and mark the wall every 16 inches to identify wall studs; nailing between studs yields a weak connection. Hold the mold against the wall, covering the affected area and drive a finishing nail through the molding and into the wall and wall stud.
- 4
  Place a carpenter's level on the molding and adjust the mold until it is completely level. Drive a second finishing nail through the molding at the next stud (16 inches to the right or left). Continue until the cracked area is covered.

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