How to Fix Minor Cracks in a Plaster Ceiling

Few things can be more unsightly in a house than cracks running across your ceiling or walls. Where old plaster is concerned, cracks, whether they're major or minor, can be a common sight. Settling in the house, vibrations from above, or shrinkage from within the plaster can all be the cause. While you can fix the crack, you can't simply fill it with joint compound, because it will eventually come back. Instead, you'll need to tape and patch the crack for a lasting finish.

Mesh tape
Scissors
Joint compound
4-inch, 6-inch and 10-inch drywall knives
Mud pan
Spray bottle filled with water
Ceramic tile rubber grout float

Instructions

- 1
  Apply the mesh tape to the crack and cut it to length with the scissors. For cracks that are curved, cut many smaller pieces of mesh tape and overlap them end to end so they follow the curve of the crack.
- 2
  Use the 6-inch drywall knife to scoop some joint compound into the mud pan.
- 3
  Load the 4-inch drywall knife with joint compound and apply a layer over the mesh tape, trying to keep it 1/8-inch thick. Once all of the mesh tape is covered, run the 4-inch drywall knife over it again and remove half of the joint compound so you now have a very thin layer, then allow the compound to dry.
- 4
  Apply a very thin layer of compound over the area using the 6-inch drywall knife. To keep shrinkage and cracking to a minimum, this layer should be no more than 1/16-inch thick. Allow this coat to dry.
- 5
  Use the 10-inch drywall knife to lightly scrape off any rough areas of joint compound from the first two coats.
- 6
  Apply a third coat of joint compound, this time with the 10-inch drywall knife, keeping this layer 1/16-inch thick. By using a wider knife on each application, you'll be able to taper out the patch to get a seamless appearance.
- 7
  Slightly wet the patched area by spraying it with water, then apply minimal pressure to the rubber grout float and run it over the patched area to smooth it out one last time.
- 8
  Prime and paint the ceiling according to the manufacturer's instructions on the primer and paint.

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