Paint to Repair Plaster Walls With Spider Web Cracks

Causes of Spiderweb Cracks

• There are a wide variety of potential causes of cracks in your plaster walls. These may include the natural expansion and contraction of your home through changing temperatures, the settling of your foundation and even changing soil conditions. Vibrations from a nearby railroad track or industrial plant can even cause cracks to appear. These cracks may be harmless, or they may indicate underlying structural issues that have to be addressed before fixing the cracks. Even hairline cracks can be a sign of a larger structural issue.

Painting to Repair Cracks

• Many spiderweb cracks can be repaired by painting them. These cracks are not deep or wide, so they do not represent significant damage to the plaster. You simply need to sand over the cracks with a medium- or fine-grit sandpaper, feathering the edges. Then wipe the area clean and paint it with latex paint. Cracks that are wider or deeper than spiderweb cracks may require a filler, such as drywall compound, putty or caulk.

Diagnosing the Severity

• The severity of the crack will determine your options for fixing it. Cracks that are wider than 1/8 inch or that extend over large areas may need more extensive repairs, such as spackling, the application of additional plaster or the installation of drywall panels. It is important to also look for other signs of damage, such as soft patches of plaster, stains or popping nails. These could indicate bigger issues, such as water damage or dry rot, which will require more extensive repairs.

Dealing with More Severe Underlying Issues

• Failing to deal with the signs of more serious underlying issues such as water damage or dry rot can compromise the structural integrity of your house and lead to potentially catastrophic damages later. If you notice signs of more serious issues, consult with a professional who can evaluate the extent of the damage and can make recommendations for repairing the structure of your house, which may include rebuilding parts of the frame or replacing sections of the plaster.