Marilee
04-29-2002, 06:19 PM
Prepare the Crack
Clean out the crack by making a V-shaped cut along its length with a utility knife or small putty knife. Undercut slightly to create a key for the patching material to grab on to. Carve out all of the loose or broken gypsum, and clean off any torn face paper. Push on the panel around the crack. If the panel shows any movement, drive fasteners along each side of the crack into the nearest framing members. This will help to stabilize the panel and prevent further movement.
Fig. 2 2) Apply the First Coat of Joint Compound
If you're using mesh tape, apply it directly to the crack, and then spread a first coat (the rough coat) of joint compound over the tape. (If you're using paper tape, apply the rough coat first and embed the tape in it. Fiberglass mesh tape is recommended for fixing cracks, because the seams don't require strength as much as they do flexibility.) Smooth out the joint compound, feathering its edges. Let this coat dry completely.
Apply Subsequent Coats, and Then Sand Smooth Using a taping knife as a scraper, knock down any burrs or high spots on the first coat. Then apply a second coat of joint compound, and let it dry thoroughly. Scrape down any burrs or high spots on this coat. Apply a third coat of joint compound, allow it to dry, and then sand this final coat with sandpaper or a sanding sponge until smooth.
Clean out the crack by making a V-shaped cut along its length with a utility knife or small putty knife. Undercut slightly to create a key for the patching material to grab on to. Carve out all of the loose or broken gypsum, and clean off any torn face paper. Push on the panel around the crack. If the panel shows any movement, drive fasteners along each side of the crack into the nearest framing members. This will help to stabilize the panel and prevent further movement.
Fig. 2 2) Apply the First Coat of Joint Compound
If you're using mesh tape, apply it directly to the crack, and then spread a first coat (the rough coat) of joint compound over the tape. (If you're using paper tape, apply the rough coat first and embed the tape in it. Fiberglass mesh tape is recommended for fixing cracks, because the seams don't require strength as much as they do flexibility.) Smooth out the joint compound, feathering its edges. Let this coat dry completely.
Apply Subsequent Coats, and Then Sand Smooth Using a taping knife as a scraper, knock down any burrs or high spots on the first coat. Then apply a second coat of joint compound, and let it dry thoroughly. Scrape down any burrs or high spots on this coat. Apply a third coat of joint compound, allow it to dry, and then sand this final coat with sandpaper or a sanding sponge until smooth.