How to Fix a Crack With Filler

Plaster and Drywall Cracks

• 1

  Widen the crack to at least 1/8 inch with a hand-held lever-type can opener. Use the pointed end to widen the crack. Widening the crack will give the filler compound more surface area to bond with, and will make the repaired area stronger.

• 2

  Trim away any rough edges with a utility knife. Vacuum out the crack to remove any debris.

• 3

  Apply a thick layer of joint-filler compound to the crack with a putty knife. Spread the filler compound on evenly, so that it's slightly higher than the surface of the wall. Allow the filler compound to dry before continuing.

• 4

  Sand the joint filler down to the level of the wall surface. Use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper to sand the joint filler. Vacuum the area again to remove the dust produced from sanding.

• 5

  Apply a coat of primer, and allow it to dry. Paint over the crack area with paint that matches the color of the wall.

Asphalt and Concrete Cracks

• 6

  Insert a thin wire brush or other tool into the crack, and try to remove as much debris and dirt as you can.

• 7

  Rinse out the crack thoroughly with a hose or a pressure washer. Allow the crack to completely dry before proceeding.

• 8

  Shake the bottle of asphalt/concrete crack filler to thoroughly mix the ingredients.

• 9

  Place the nozzle of the crack-filler bottle into the crack. Squeeze the bottle to begin filling the crack with the filler compound. Coninue filling the crack until the filler compound is flush with the surface of the asphalt or concrete. Allow it to dry overnight.

• 10

  Check the crack filler the next morning. The filler compound will settle into the crack, so you will probably need to apply another layer to make the filler level with the pavement's surface.