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How to Repair Cracks in Drywall

Settling cracks can be easily repaired and sanded for a smooth finish.

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120 Grit sandpaper 200 Grit sandpaper Joint compound Putty knife Sanding block Sponge Utility knife

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How to Repair Cracks in Drywall

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" Shifting or settling can sometimes cause small cracks to appear in either plaster or wallboard walls. Here is how to repair the crack. Using a utility or puddy knife, slightly widen the crack. A wider crack will give the patching compound a good holding surface. After you've widened the crack, blow or vacuum out all the loose material. Lightly sand the surface of the wall with 120 grit sandpaper to roughen the surface surrounding the crack. Dampen the crack and the surrounding area. Moistening the area keeps the filler compound from drying out too fast and cracking. Using a 2-inch puddy knife, spread spackle into the crack. When the compound is dry, sand again with 120 grit sandpaper wrapped around a small block of wood. If there is still imperfection, first wipe the repaired area with a damp sponge to moisten the surface. And then apply compound with the 2-inch puddy knife and allow to dry. Sand again with 200 grit sandpaper and you're ready to prime and paint the finished repair."

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Repairing Cracks in Drywall

…crack using 120-grit sandpaper. This will roughen…
…area with a wet sponge. Keeping the surface…
…sanding with 120-grit sandpaper wrapped around…
…patched area with a sponge to keep it moist…
…sand with a 200-grit sandpaper for a smooth surface…

Repairing a Large Hole in Drywall

…is almost dry, use a wet sponge to smooth the edges of the…
…completely dry, sand it with 80-grit sandpaper to knock down the high spots…
…patch seams with an 80-grit sandpaper to knock down any high spots…
…hours and sand with a 120-grit sandpaper attached to a sanding block…

Repairing Chipped Corners in Drywall

…and wipe the area clean with a damp sponge. Chip away loose plaster and wipe down the area with a damp sponge. Step 2: Apply the joint compound…
…completely dry, sand the area with 120-grit sandpaper until smooth. Vacuum the dust as you…

Patching a Textured Wall

…pencil to trace around the patch and mark the location on the wall. Next use 120-grit sandpaper to sand smooth the area under the patch. Use a damp sponge to wipe down the area around the hole and remove any dust. Sand off the texture…

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