How to Fix Cracks in Sheet Rock Walls

Sheetrock, or drywall, is a form of wall material made up of thin, flat sheets of pressed chalk covered with paper. The sheets are melded together at the edges by a plaster called joint compound. If you have cracks in Sheetrock walls, chances are it is along one of the seams. By pulling away the tape and plaster and replacing it, you can make those seams look like new.

Wide drywall knife
Mesh drywall tape (self-stick)
Joint compound (plaster)
Drywall pad sander

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape off some of the old joint compound from the seam with a drywall knife, starting at one end of the cracked area on the seam. Remove enough of the compound to expose the drywall tape and get hold if it with your fingers.
- 2
  Pull away the tape slowly so it takes the rest of the compound off with it without ripping. If it rips, push under the exposed end with your drywall knife to restart the process. Pull away the whole strip where it was cracked, exposing the seam between the drywall sheets. Scrape away the residual plaster.
- 3
  Press your mesh drywall tape along the seam, covering the whole exposed line.
- 4
  Spread joint compound over the tape with your drywall knife. Make the seam of plaster slightly wider than the tape. Get the plaster flat and smooth.
- 5
  Allow the compound to set for six to eight hours. Use your drywall knife to scrape away any ridges or bumps in the dried plaster.
- 6
  Apply a second layer of compound, slightly widening the seam as you do. Keep it flat and smooth. Let it dry six to eight hours. Scrape it and add a third coat of compound, again making it slightly wider than before.
- 7
  Let the third coat set for 12 hours. Use your drywall pad sander to sand it smooth. The wall is now ready for repainting.

Basement Wall Finishing

How to Get Rid of Nicotine Smell in Walls

Wall Repairs