Cracks in drywall joints occur for several reasons. The settling of the home, shrinkage of the framing lumber or improper amounts of drywall compound behind the joint tape. Drywall joints are the mating places between two pieces of drywall. In normal home construction, two drywall pieces are secured to the wooden framing and a piece of paper tape fills the joint. Drywall compound is then spread over the tape to fill in the gaps and crevices.
Instructions
1. Cut down or across the cracked joint with the sharp edge of the razor knife. Pry the putty knife under the old paper tape. Pull the old tape and joint compound from the wall.
2. Scrape the wall with the edge of the putty knife to remove all of the old joint compound.
3. Cut a piece of the perforated joint tape to length that is slightly shorter than the repair crack. In most cases, the perforated tape must be cut 1/8 inch shorter. Press the tape to the drywall surface, centering the tape over the crack. The perforated tape is self-adhesive and will stick to the drywall with minimal pressure.
4. Spread a thin layer of joint compound over the new tape. Smooth the edges to feather along the drywall surface. Allow the compound to completely dry. This may take 12 hours or longer depending on interior conditions.
5. Apply a second coat of joint compound over the repair area. Feather the edges so the new compound blends on to the existing drywall surface.
6. Sand the new joint compound with the drywall sanding paper after the compound has fully cured.
7. Fill in any minor gaps or crevices with a final application of the joint compound. Sand smooth a second time.
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