How to Fix a Crack in a Wall or Ceiling Quickly & Easily

Amanda C, Hometalk Team
by Amanda C, Hometalk Team
7 Materials
$20
1 Day
Medium

Did you know that fixing a crack in some drywall on a wall or ceiling can be quick and easy? We have had a long crack in the ceiling of our living room for quite some time and I thought I might as well go ahead and try to patch it up.


With a couple of standard items from the hardware store, you can eliminate a crack and have it patched up in a jiff!

Disclaimer: Hometalk may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via Amazon links in this article but at no cost to you.

Tools and materials needed for the DIY project

Tools and materials

Ceiling crack

Here is a nice picture of what I was working with. This went the full stretch of the ceiling on either side of the fan.

Drop cloth

1. Lay the drop cloth

Lay drop cloth over all the floors and furniture of the room you will be working in as this project will cause lots of dust.

Placing mesh joint tape on the crack

2. Place mesh joint tape

Lay mesh joint tape over the crack you are going to work on starting at one end and laying it over the entire length of the crack.

Press against the tape

3. Press

Cut off the end of the tape with a taping knife. You can just press against the tape and pull the tape roll from the line of tape.

Applying joint compound to the crack

4. Apply joint compound

Spread joint compound over the entire crack and the tape you just laid down making sure to cover the tape entirely.

Spreading the compound

5. Evening out the compound

Even out the compound by running over it with a metal tape knife. Allow to dry completely. I let mine rest overnight.

Sanding down the compound

6. Sand

Use your sanding block to sand down any rough spots and even out the compound with the rest of the ceiling.


Tip: Make sure you wear a mask and goggles as this stuff creates LOTS of dust.

Applying Goodbye Cracks spray

7. Apply Goodbye Cracks spray

Once everything is nice and sanded and smooth you can spray it with your Goodbye Cracks spray.


This will help to keep the crack from reappearing by shrinking and expanding with the change in temperatures and moisture. Allow this to dry for 30 minutes and apply another layer.

Painting the ceiling

8. Paint

Paint your ceiling or wall to cover up the seam you covered.

Crack painted over

Once the paint has dried take a step back and marvel at the crack that is no more!

How to fix a crack in a wall or ceiling

How to fix a crack

Here is a before and after of the crack I covered. Sometimes you will need to re-drill drywall into a beam beforehand or clean away broken pieces from the crack beforehand.

How to fix a crack in the ceiling

Here is another angle of the fix!

Suggested materials:
  • 3.5 Qt. Pre-Mixed Joint Compound   (Home Depot)
  • 2 in., 4 in. and 6 in. Tape Knife Set   (Home Depot)
  • 9 ft. x 12 ft. 0.7 mil Drop Cloth (3-Pack)   (Home Depot)
See all materials
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 23 questions
  • Kathlyn Parsneau Kathlyn Parsneau on Jan 19, 2019

    What if your ceiling is made with bumpy material.

  • Brenda Simpson Brenda Simpson on Nov 27, 2020

    I have old plaster ceiling. A crack in the kitchen is driving me crazy! I’m afraid if I tape it, I won’t be able to sand it enough to be flush and I will certainly have to paint the whole room? Professional plasterers cost a fortune. Thanks, Brenda

  • Josh Josh on Jan 02, 2023

    What is the best way to fix cracking paint on a ceiling after it's dry

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 51 comments
  • CromL CromL on Aug 18, 2020

    Wow, it's a great work! I must try it, cause I also have a crack. I think I'll reply here when I'll finish it.

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