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Now paint can transform a room, but painting over cracks and holes won’t make them disappear
and may even make them more noticeable. So it’s important to fix them before you start
painting. Now here are some basic steps to filling imperfections in your wall before
you start painting. Although cracks are more common in all the homes, all homes can develop
cracks from movement or settling in the home’s foundation just like it is here. Now you may
discover holes and gouges in the wall when you remove pictures, wall hangings, or shelves
like we have right here.
Fixing these minor holes and cracks isn’t hard, so you wanna start by covering the furniture
and floors with a drop cloth to protect against dust and debris. Now before you add filler
to minor or hairline cracks use a utility or putty knife to widen the crack and remove
any loose material. Create a trench that is a little deeper and slightly larger than the
crack. Now for long cracks, remove the plaster or sheet rock material at intervals to help
the filler hold. And for small holes, use a utility or putty knife to dig out the hole,
and make the inside of the hole just a little bit bigger than the outside. The goal is to
provide enough space for the filler, and to help prevent it from falling out of the hole
or crack in your wall. Obviously for some repairs this won’t be necessary if there
is already adequate space for filler.
Another common issue that requires repair is nail pox; this is where sheet rock nails
have popped and now show. These need to be counter sunk by hitting them with a hammer;
the indentation left can be easily filled. The next step is to use a brush or vacuum
to remove dust and debris. You may also use a damp cloth. If you don’t remove the dust
and clear the area, it may effect how well the filler dries and grips the surface of
the wall. For all these repairs, use spackle or joint compound as filler. A variety of
fillers are available, including ready mixed and quick drying.
Now no matter what type of filler you’re applying, use a small flexible putty knife
for small areas, or a bigger one for large areas. Spread several thin layers of filler
rather than one thick layer. Applying several thin layers will help create a smoother effect.
Now add as many layers as necessary, but make sure that each one dries before adding another
one. Do the best you can to blend the repaired crack or hole with the rest of the wall.
After you’re finished applying the filler, lightly sand with fine grade sand paper, or
wipe the repaired area with a damp cotton cloth to help smooth and blend the repair
with the surface of the wall. Make sure that the filler is completely dry before you start
this process. Now wipe any dust from the wall with a clean cotton cloth before you start
to paint. Now this is important: prime all repaired areas to help seal the filler, and
help prevent it from absorbing some of the new paint.