Q: 'How do I invisibly repair cracks in a textured ceiling?'
Repairing & Sealing Cracks in Concrete; HOW-TO VIDEOS. Tip of the nozzle at an angle with a utility knife matching the width of the crack and insert the tube into a standard caulk gun. NOTE: for cracks or joints over ¼ inch, a Backer Rod should be placed in the crack before applying the sealant. Jan 09, 2018 Hairline cracks in ceiling paint. Discussion in 'Painters' Talk' started by bond007, Jan 9, 2018. Bond007 Member. Guys bit of advice required please. Doing some diy with repairing cracked paint work around house on ceilings. Whats best way to tackle it? Go over with a waterbased paint or a primer first? Do I need to take the flaking off? How to Fix Hairline Drywall Cracks with Latex Caulk. Latex caulk is one of the most common substances used to repair hairline cracks. This is because using something that is liquid allow you to penetrate the crack and fill it completely, yet it still dries to a finish that you can paint over.
Oct 25, 2008 I have a few large cracks that have appeared in my ceiling, can you just paint ober them. Use a flexible decorator's caulk or gap filler. It must be the type that is workable with water and a finger or brush and described as 'permanently flexible'. Cracks can cause structural damage. If you don't fix ceiling cracks, the cracks can. Using selfadhesive fiberglass mesh tape to repair a ceiling crack. Cracks in ceilings are caused mostly by settling of the house and the expansion and contraction created during that settling. To repair a crack in a ceiling: Score.
— Hank Vassaux, Powell, Ohio
A:
Tom Silva replies: That depends somewhat on the age of your house. Textured ceilings installed before 1979 or so may contain asbestos, a substance you don't ever want to mess with. So if your house is more than 25 years old, have the ceiling tested. If a test comes back positive, you can forget about the cracks because you'll probably be getting a new ceiling. A licensed asbestos abatement contractor will be able to tell you what your options are.
If the ceiling tests negative for asbestos or your house is less than 25 years old, here's how to proceed. First, remove your earlier repairs. Matching a texture is tricky enough, and having tape and compound in the way makes it even more so. Use a stiff putty knife to scrape off the ceiling texture right down to the drywall's paper surface. Then clear a space about 3 inches wide on each side of the crack. Fill the exposed crack with a paintable caulk and coat the repair area with latex primer.
To replace the texture, get one of the aerosol-spray texture-repair kits sold at home centers. They come in several varieties to match various ceiling textures, including splatter, orange peel, knock-down, and acoustic, also know as 'popcorn.' Follow the instructions, and practice your technique before you tackle the ceiling. I can't promise that the repair will be invisible, but your ceiling should be much improved.