Hairline cracks in gypsum wallboard, or drywall, particularly at the top corners of windows and doors, are signs that the wall framing has settled or moved a little—a common condition and one that’s easy to repair. But if the crack isn’t repaired properly, it’s likely to reappear.
1) Using a utility knife with a sharp blade, widen the crack so that it has a V-shaped profile.
2) Using a broad-bladed putty knife, spread joint compound over the groove so that it fills the area and covers an inch or two on either side. Smooth the compound evenly and then allow it to dry.
3) Apply self-adhesive fiberglass joint tape over the groove.
4) Using a 6-inch drywall knife, completely cover the tape with a second coat of joint compound, “feathering out” the compound smoothly and evenly a couple of inches beyond the earlier coat. Allow it to dry.
5) Sand the area smooth with fine sandpaper. Be careful not to sand down to the tape or to scuff the paper surface of the surrounding wallboard.
6) Touch up with paint to match (it may be necessary to repaint the entire wall for a perfect match).
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