How to repair ceiling cracks

Create that flawless finish on your ceiling once again by fixing those cracks.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

• Dust sheet
• Ladder
• Putty knife
• Drying compound
• Sandpaper
• Plaster washers
• Drywall screws
• Screwdriver
• Trowel
• Fly screen
• Fibreglass mesh tape
• Damp cloth

The steps to follow

1. Cover your work area with a dust sheet.
2. Spread a thick coat of drying compound into the cracks with a putty knife and press it down firmly.
3. Scrape off the excess drying compound.
4. When the compound has dried, sand it lightly with medium grade sandpaper.
5. Apply a thin coat of drywall compound.
6. You can also repair ceiling cracks by fixing plaster washers with drywall screws.
7. Simply, screw the plaster washers through the cracked ceilings into the lath.
8. Continue fixing plaster washers along the ceiling cracks.
9. Apply a coat of drying compound using a trowel to the cracked area and spread it evenly on top of the plaster washers.
10. Next place a piece of fly screen onto the surface or use fibreglass mesh tape to tape over the area. This is a crucial step in preventing ceiling cracks from reappearing.
11. Apply a second coat of drying compound and let it dry for 24 hours.
12. Smooth the area with fine grade sandpaper.

Note:
Don't apply too much pressure when sanding, you're just removing the excess drying compound and smoothing the surface.

13. Wipe the area with a damp cloth before you start decorating.