Full Tutorial On How To Fix A Drywall Crack Like A Pro

Don't use mesh tape for drywall repairs! This is a way simpler DIY (do it yourself) tutorial using FibaFuse. From start to finish. Tape, Float, And texture. This is a butt-joint where the two sheets of drywall meet. Over time the tape will crack and this is how we repair it!

[DonJuanDM]

I've seen a dozen of videos for learning how to repair plaster wall/ceiling cracks. This guy is the most experienced by far and his craftsmanship is really on another league. Very impressive.

[RichardJr]

There is nothing like watching a professional do a job, give his experience for commentary & see the finished product that you know will hold up. Great job & thank you for the lesson.

[cap]

This guy is the REAL DEAL -- great work -- BRAVO!

[jeevespreston]

Truly an experienced hand, a pleasure to watch someone work who knows exactly what they're doing...

[photographer]

I was in the painting business for 50 years. The one thing I would do differently is to cut out the crack into a V shape so that the plaster or spackling would be sure to fill the crack. I used paper tape but I suppose what was used in this video is better. I once repaired a long crack in a ceiling that had been repaired three times over the years and it always came back, but mine held.

[stevef.]

Notice that he is using a bright light shining at an angle on his repair. This is major important. With the light, you are able to see every detail of the repair. Great video, I'm impressed.

[luisgovea]

I like to dig into the cracks to see whats really going on. Then ill add screws if needed to. Then ill scrape off all the tape and mud about 2.5 inches each side of crack (that allows my 4" knife to fit in) so i can prefill and retape then i fill it back up with multiple coats after it sets. Once its filled to the surface ill make sure to skim coat and feather out my edges with plus 3 and let dry overnight to cure correctly. Plus 3 makes it easier to sand and gives you a better finished product in my opinion

[barrelmitt]

I apprentice 45 years ago, Joe D. taught me how to sponge and skim. Well done. I thought I was watching myself work.
I have no problem hiring you and know that it was correct.

[walley]

mesh tape has a purpose but it seems a lot of people think it's easier simply because it is self-adhesive. but it's actually 2x thicker than paper tape and makes you use a lot more mud. We used to use mesh tape when building portable buildings where you want to have flexibility, or on reoccurring cracks when using spackling.

[CraigHutchinson-tybn]

For quick jobs where client is living in the home your working in this approach is absolutely appropriate...no sand no dust

[keithlazarcheck]

Best video I have seen in regards to technique on applying mud and the WHY they do it that way.

[shaneherian]

I also always check for flex in the joint and add screws in the studs which I find is normally needed.

[HomerSparkle]

I'd never heard of FibaFuse until this video. Thanks for the tip!

[jamescathcart]

Good job. Harbor freight hoppers do the job. I enjoy watching how everyone does it a little different. When I first started doing repair wok, I did'nt know what hot mud was. Boy, was it a game changer. In and out on repairs. Made alot of money just doing one repair a day!

[keesdejong]

From Holland - enjoyed watching this, loved the skills and the total control on the process.

[Paul-ghky]

As a retired City of Los Angeles employee, I can watch people work all day.

[stich]

I've switched to nothing about fibafuse for all my flats. I always put screws in just as an insurance policy. If you haven't bought one of the big 36-in rolls and cut it down for patches yet you should do it. Life changing. Well. Maybe not life-changing but pretty good for those fist size or baseball size type holes. I used to do calli patches but now that I have that big fibafuse I would rather do that with a little bit of backing way easier much tighter.

[smittysdaytona]

If at all possible I will dig the old tape out, if it doesn't come I will scrape the texture off for less buildup a little more work but comes out nice with less floating

[Ghostdogsurvivalist]

Scott, nice video. I scanned the comments and did not see a response on the "cheesing" over glossy paints. Flat paints are very water permeable, thus not used in "wet" areas. Glossy paints help keep the water from penetrating. When you mud over flat paint you get some drying and setting on the back side locking the mud to the surface. When on glossy paint the area contacting the wall does not dry at all and has not bonded. When you work the top it will break free and you will get the "cheesing" affect. We also see more tiny air bubbles on glossy walls. Best wishes from Az.

[JT_]

DIYer here. Started using Fibafuse exclusively. Contractor use mesh tape for repairs, which did not hold up. The tape separated at the crack leaving rough glass fibers. Repaired with Fibafuse and it looks great.

I have several 8’ long, straight cracks in a ceiling where the wallboard panels meet (cracks appeared after 15 years perhaps due to foundation settlement/separating). I plan on creating a “V”, adding screws on each side of the crack and repairing with Fibafuse. Does this sound like the right approach?