Home and Garden | Fixing Cracks and Gashes in Drywall - Inside Wall

You can repair stress cracks or minor gashes in drywall easily, using only joint compound and mesh tape. With most cracks, there is no need to cut out and patch sections of drywall; you don't have to provide backing if the cut does not go all the way through the panel. Simply treat it as though it were a drywall joint that you were finishing from scratch. Apply tape over the damaged area, and apply the customary three coats of joint compound, sanding the final coat as necessary.

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Easy
Estimated Project Time: 2 days, including drying time
Estimated Project Cost: $10.00 for materials; $25.00 for tools
Start Tips: Before using joint compound, loosen it up by blending it with a masher.
Safety Tips: When cutting drywall or sanding, wear a dust mask and safety goggles to protect eyes and lungs from irritating dust created by powdered gypsum and joint compound.
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Utility knife, or small putty knife	120-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge
Mesh or paper tape	Dust mask
Joint compound	Safety goggles
6- and 10-inch taping knives	Screw or nail, as needed

Fig. 1

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Prepare the crack
Clean out the crack by making a V-shaped cut along its length with a utility knife or small putty knife. Undercut slightly to create a key for the patching material to grab on to. Carve out all of the loose or broken gypsum, and clean off any torn face paper. Push on the panel around the crack. If the panel shows any movement, drive fasteners along each side of the crack into the nearest framing members. This will help to stabilize the panel and prevent further movement. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 2

2) Apply the first coat of joint compound
If you're using mesh tape, apply it directly to the crack, and then spread a first coat (the rough coat) of joint compound over the tape. (If you're using paper tape, apply the rough coat first and embed the tape in it. Fiberglass mesh tape is recommended for fixing cracks, because the seams don't require strength as much as they do flexibility.) Smooth out the joint compound, feathering its edges. Let this coat dry completely. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 3

3) Apply subsequent coats and then sand smooth
Using a taping knife as a scraper, knock down any burrs or high spots on the first coat. Then apply a second coat of joint compound, and let it dry thoroughly. Scrape down any burrs or high spots on this coat. Apply a third coat of joint compound, allow it to dry, and then sand this final coat with sandpaper or a sanding sponge until smooth. (Fig. 3)