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Repairing Cracks

Room by Room : Episode RXR-1603 -- More Projects »
Matt Fox explains some simple ways to repair cracks and holes in drywall:
  • For a broken section, remove any loose drywall and use an old paintbrush to dust the spot. Apply wall-patching compound with a putty knife. Since the compound shrinks as it dries, build up a little bump and feather it out from the hole. Once dry, sand the area smooth with 120-grit sandpaper or a block sander if it's a large patch. Rub the area with your fingertips to remove any sandpaper marks and prime the spots before painting.
  • If there is a stress crack, use a putty knife or five-in-one tool to open it a little wider. Remove the dust, and then fill the area flush with drywall compound . Firmly press a piece of nylon mesh tape over the area, and then apply another layer of the drywall compound (thicker on the tape and feathered out toward the wall). Once dry, sand smooth and prime before painting.
Also in this Episode
Room by Room : Episode RXR-1603
•An Adult Playroom
•Repairing Cracks
•Art Band with Stencils
•Window Blind and Shade Options
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