Repairing cracks in walls before painting is an important step in ensuring a smooth and professional looking finish. Here are the steps you can take to repair cracks in walls before painting:
Clean the area around the crack: Use a wire brush and water to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the crack and the surrounding area.
Patch the crack: For small cracks (less than 1/8 inch wide), use a paintable caulking compound to fill the crack. For medium cracks (1/8 inch to 1/4 inch wide), use a joint compound (also called “drywall mud”) and a putty knife. For large cracks, it’s best to consult with a professional contractor.
Allow the patch to dry: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.
Sand the patch: Once dry, use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the patch and make it level with the surrounding wall.
Prime the area: Apply a coat of paint primer to the patched area, which will help the paint adhere better and give a more even finish.
Paint the wall: Apply paint to the patched area and the entire wall. Use a paint roller or paint brush to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Repeat if necessary: If the crack is still visible after the first coat, it may be necessary to repeat the above steps and apply a second coat of paint.
It is important to note that even if you repair the crack, the underlying issue that caused the crack may still remain. To prevent the crack from reappearing, you need to fix the underlying issue.
How To Fix Large Cracks in Walls
Large cracks in walls can indicate structural issues and should be inspected by a professional contractor. Here are a few common methods that a contractor may use to repair large cracks:
Epoxy injection: This method involves injecting a two-part epoxy into the crack, which bonds and hardens to create a strong, permanent repair.
Metal lath and cement-based patching compound: This method involves attaching metal lath (a mesh-like material) to the wall and covering it with a cement-based patching compound. This creates a strong, durable repair that can be painted or wallpapered over.
Replacing the section of the wall: In some cases, the contractor may determine that the best course of action is to remove and replace the damaged section of the wall. This is typically done when the crack is indicative of a major structural problem.
It’s important to keep in mind that the repair process will vary depending on the material of the wall and the size and location of the crack. A professional contractor will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for your specific case.