Stress crack in the wall?

Find out How to Fix a Crack in Drywall that keeps Coming Back

(And mistakes to avoid settling crack)

Wall crack sucks!

It’s not only ugly, but these cracks can be sore in the eyes and thus not something you can ignore for a long time, plus they can cause massive damages if they go unrepaired.

Sounds familiar?

Can feel your pain, man! But don’t worry, If you have this problem in your home or the ceiling crack keeps coming back, I’m gonna show you How to fix a crack in the drywall that keeps coming back with a few ingredients.

How to Fix a Crack in Drywall that keeps Coming Back (7 Easy Steps)

Last summer, I noticed a few cracks in my kitchen room wall. I have never faced this before, so I get confused about what to do(which is pretty obvious). There was two way on my hand:

Call the professional
Or Do it by myself

As it was quarantine time, finding a professional wasn’t easy at all (not safe also). So, instead, I call my friend who gives this type of home improvement.

And guess what?

He assures me it’s not that hard or any major structural issue for extensive care. I can do it myself with some simple steps. And here is what he told me to do…..

What you need for fixing:

Let’s get to the main part how do you fix a drywall seam that keeps cracking?

Table Of Contents

How to Fix a Crack in Drywall that keeps Coming Back (7 Easy Steps)

Step #1: Scrap and Tidy the Repair Area

The first thing you need to do is scrape out the crack area and remove any loose debris. Be sure to apply some pressure so that you can remove everything loose, particularly on the edges.

Why do cracks reappear?

Though scrapping will only make the crack even larger, it is a good thing because you will have enough room for the filler to get into the crack and adhere.

Step #2: Clean the Crack

After scraping out the crack and removing all the dirt and dust, it is time now to wipe it using water to get rid of any remaining bits of dust.

This step is important since it ensures no dust or dirt remains in the crack; otherwise, the filler will not properly adhere. So why do stress cracks keep coming back? It happens when the structure gets older.

Step #3: Spread Fiberglass Mesh Tape Over The Crack

Some people would add spackling or joint compound to the crack on their drywall and leave it at that. However, as time pass, the crack will appear again because the spackling or compound will not be able to hold on for an extended period of time.

But spreading fiberglass mesh drywall tape over the crack on the drywall gets rid of the need for the first coat of joint compound, which is a pretty big deal.
Make sure you center the fiberglass tape on the crack properly, and since one side of the tape is sticky, you can position it on the crack while you ready your Patch Plus Primer. Can I use caulk to fix drywall cracks? If you’re dealing with the ceiling, then you can consider it.

Step #4: Place a Thin Layer of Patch Plus Primer to the Fiberglass Mess Tape

Take out your 3M Patch Plus Primer and add it to the drywall patch. Patch Plus Primer is a known tool for repairing cracks because it does not need a primer coast like another conventional joint compound.

It, therefore, helps you save money and time.

Just a small point to note, when purchasing a Patch Plus Primer, check it and ensure it has not been opened or tampered with since it might be damaged and unusable. This also applies to any product packed in a container, such as a pre-mixed joint compound.

Add a thin layer of Patch Plus Primer substance over the fiberglass mesh tape, and make sure it is enough to fill the cracks and make the tape stick even more to the drywall.

Sometimes the crack is too long, around 2 to 5 feet, in which case consider adding the Patch Plus Primer to the tape using your 6-inch drywall knife. Scoop the patch into a mud pan and use a little larger knife.

Starting at the center of the tape, apply the spackling while spreading it in a downward movement from the middle, and then apply the rest of the spackling in an upward movement, again from the middle of the tape.

Using downward and upward movements as you apply the spackling allows the tape to stretch along the holes, thus preventing it from wrinkling.

Once you have applied the spackling, let it dry for around 30 minutes.

Step #5: Apply the Second Layer of Patch Plus Primer

Remember you added a thin layer of Patch Plus Primer in the first step? The reason for that was to prevent the formation of big humps where the fiberglass is located on your wall.

For this second application, use a 6-inch knife to add another layer of the Patch Plus Primer, ensuring the width of the new layer is two inches to the left and two inches to the right of the middle of the tape.

Try to smooth out the compound using your knife as you did in the step above and using an upwards and downwards motion from the center.

Note that you may have to apply the third layer of Patch Plus Primer depending on how you want your drywall to appear as well as your skill level.

Step #6: Smoothen the Patch Plus Primer

If you decide to cut corners on sanding your patch plus primer, the area on the wall will be noticeable. So, this is a step you want to take as much time as possible to make sure everything runs smoothly.

For this task, use a fine-grit sanding sponge to smoothen the edges of the joint compound or to spackle. Make sure you move the sanding sponge in circular motions over the repair area to allow the patch to blend nicely into the drywall.

Step #7: Apply Paint on the Wall

If you use Patch Plus Primer, you don’t need to prime it, and you can paint it over after just 30 minutes.

However, make sure you use a high-quality roller or paintbrush. Note that you want to use the right tools and quality products when doing minor repairs such as drywall cracks.

How to fix structural cracks in walls?

You can use a Purdy 2 inch brush for this job. It is known for its durability, and its bristles are ideal for drywall painting.

P.s: Remember to rinse your brush always in warm water before wrapping it in a seal.

Final words……..

Crack in the drywall is fairly common whether the house is new or old. However, without using proper technique when repairing it, the crack will keep on coming back, giving you an endless circle of home improvements. Use the steps shared in this guide to fix your drywall for good.

And you’re not alone, actually. We all face Seasonal drywall cracks often.

Still confused about how to repair stress cracks in drywall? Watch this video to learn more.

Best of luck & Chao!