How to Paint a Wall With the Paint Cracking

Clean the wall using a mild soap and medium-bristle scrub brush. Apply pressure, scrubbing the wall vigorously to remove any loose paint and debris.

Prepare the work area by setting out drop clothes or painter's plastic on the surrounding floors and any furniture in close range of the wall. Tape off the surrounding walls and trim using painter's tape.

Assess the cracks in the paint. Take into consideration the size and depth of the cracks as well as the amount of work required to repair them.

Roughly fill the cracks using spackling puddy and a puddy knife. Use only the amount needed, as any excess puddy must be sanded down before painting. Allow the puddy to dry thoroughly.

Sand the cracks smooth to match the rest of the wall. Use a fine-grit sandpaper wrapped around a piece of wood or sanding block. This ensures a smooth finish and helps avoid gouges and dips caused by uneven pressure when sanding.

Apply two coats of latex primer using a paint roller, allowing time to dry between coats.

Apply a latex-based paint to the wall using a paint roller. Paint in even strokes and always in the same direction. Allow time to dry.