How to Repair a Cracked Drywall Seam

Drywall seams sometimes develop cracks over time. It can be from the room settling. Perhaps there weren't enough nails or screws used during the building process. Sometimes there just isn't enough drywall mud used in the finishing process. Whatever the reason, if you have a room with a cracked drywall seam, you can repair it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scraper
• Utility knife
• Drywall tape
• Drywall mud
• Pan
• Water
• Taping knife
• Sand paper

1. Locate the drywall seam to repair. Remove the drywall finish over the tape as well as a little bit beyond it. Use a scraper to remove the finish.

2. Pry the old drywall tape away from the seam. Use the utility knife to cut it loose from the wall.

3. Cut a new piece of drywall tape. Put it in place. Put some mud in your pan. Thin it just a little bit with water.

4. Apply the thinned mixture to the taped seam with the taping knife to begin the repair process. Get enough mud on the tape to adhere it firmly to the wall. At this point you don't need to worry about making the tape look good. Just cover it as evenly as possible.

5. Let the taped seam dry. Clean the mud pan and taping knife. Gently sand out any ridges and bumps after the seam dries.

6. Place more mud in your pan. Float the mud over the seam. This time you are trying to match the new seam with the wall. Keep working the mud until it is even. Let it dry. Sand out any ridges if necessary.

7. Use the mud to re-apply drywall texture to match the wall. You may have to experiment with various tools to get the same look. Once you apply the texture, let it dry and paint it.