How to Fix a Crack in the Drywall Next to the Shower

Clean out the crack in the drywall and make it a straight cut. Clean out the crack with a drywall knife and remove any loose drywall to remove any jagged edges.

Scoop a small amount of spackle on to the drywall knife and press it into the crack. Add additional spackle to the crack to fill it up level with the surrounding drywall. Wait at least 24 hours for the spackle to dry.

Sand the area if necessary to bring the spackle level with the drywall. Add another layer if it shrank during drying. Wait 24 hours for the new coat of spackle to dry.

Place a strip of mesh drywall tape to the crack. Measure the crack and cut the tape 1 to 2 inches longer.

Cover the tape with a layer of drywall mud. Apply the drywall mud with a putty knife. Hold it at a 45-degree angle to the wall and swipe it over the tape. Allow the mud to dry overnight.

Sand the area with a block sander to make the area smooth without going down to far to expose the drywall tape.

Add a layer of drywall fill coat to the repaired area. Extend the repair at least double the original size. If the repair is 6 inches wide, the final repair should be at least 1 foot wide to hide the seams. Wait 24 to 36 hours before you sand the wall the final time.

Sand the entire area with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth all edges.

Apply a coat of primer to the patch with a roller.

Paint the wall using a roller to match the surrounding paint.