Repairing a Crack

Using Paper Tape:

• Using the pointed end of a painter's tool or a drywall knife, widen the crack and remove any excess debris or drywall dust.  The crack must be wide enough to receive the compound.
• Using a 4" drywall knife, fill the crack with drywall compound. 
• Next, apply a thin wide coat of compound making sure that you cover 2" on either side of the crack. 
• Start applying the paper tape 1" before the crack.  
• If the crack has a lot of bends, tear the tape off at each bend and carry on until the crack is covered.  Be careful not to overlap the tape. 
• With your taping knife, apply a skim coat of compound over the tape.  
• Then, apply a slight pressure over the tape embedding the tape, removing any air bubbles, and wiping out any excess drywall compound. 
• Allow to dry, then sand lightly, removing any raised or rough areas.
• Apply a second coat of compound using a 6" or 8" knife, feathering the edges 2" beyond the previous coat. 
• Allow to dry, then sand lightly, removing any raised or rough areas.
• Repeat with a third coat, using an 8" or 10" knife, if necessary.
• Use a Pole Sander or Hand Sander for sanding.

Using Mesh Tape:

• Using the pointed end of a painter's tool or drywall knife, widen the crack and remove any excess debris or drywall dust.  The crack must be wide enough to receive the compound.
• Using a 4" drywall knife, fill the crack with drywall compound. 
• Start applying the mesh tape 1" before the crack.  
• If the crack has a lot of bends, tear the mesh tape off at each bend and carry on until the crack is covered.  Be careful not to overlap the tape. 
• With your 4" drywall knife apply a thin wide coat of drywall compound over the mesh tape. 
• Allow to dry, then sand lightly, removing any raised or rough areas.
• Apply a second coat of compound using a 6" or 8" knife, feathering the edges 2" beyond the previous coat. 
• Allow to dry, then sand lightly, removing any raised or rough areas.
• Repeat with a third coat, using an 8" or 10" knife, if necessary.
• Use a Pole Sander or Hand Sander for sanding.