How to Fix a Small Crack in the Wall

Run a utility knife through the crack in the wall, angling the blade slightly to remove dirt and debris stuck within the crack. The crack should lie flat and even after it has been cleaned.

Push on the wall on each side of the crack with your hands so you can feel the crack’s movement. Locate a stud on either side of the crack, and use nails to secure the drywall back into the stud. Push on each side of the crack again to make sure the drywall is secured into place.

Cover the crack and nails with a strip of drywall mesh tape. Press the tape firmly against the crack, and smooth it with a putty knife to ensure there are no bubbles.

Smooth a thick layer of joint compound over the mesh tape and a 1-inch surrounding area using a putty knife. Angle the blade of the knife slightly to scrape away excess joint compound and return it to the container. Do not let the mesh surface of the tape show through the drywall compound. Drywall compound shrinks as it dries; therefore, do not worry about a small mound on the surface of the wall after applying the compound. Allow the compound to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Using 220-grit sandpaper, sand the surface of the joint compound until it is smooth and even with the rest of the wall. If you sand too much and expose the mesh tape, apply another coat of joint compound and repeat the process.

Paint over the patched area as usual.