how to fix ceiling cracks

Wall and Ceiling Repair Simplified: 11 Clever Tricks

We know these products work-because we use them!

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

1 / 11

Cure for Chronic Cracks Family Handyman

Cure for Chronic Cracks

Some cracks keep coming back no matter how well you repair them. For those pesky recurring cracks, we prescribe Good-Bye Cracks. It forms an elastic film that stretches and contracts along with the crack. It works best on hairline cracks, but it's worth a try on wider cracks too. Start by cleaning loose material out of the crack and fill it with joint compound. Then spray on two to three light coats of Good-Bye Cracks. The film isn't sandable, so a smooth, even coat is critical (practice on a scrap of cardboard first). When the film dries, prime and paint. [embed_shop_button shop_btn_text="Shop Now" shop_btn_url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LNS6O8/?tag=fhmeag-20" shop_btn_tab="true" /]

2 / 11

Whole Wall Cover-Up

Some walls are so bad that the best fix is to tear them out and install new drywall. Wall liner is the next-best fix. It's basically extra-thick, paintable wallpaper that acts as a big patch over the whole wall. Some versions are smooth; some have a textured or patterned surface. Fill cracks and holes with joint compound, prime the patches and then hang the liner just like wallpaper. [embed_shop_button shop_btn_text="Shop Now" shop_btn_url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EMWO7G/?tag=fhmeag-20" shop_btn_tab="true" /]

3 / 11

Fast Patch Backing Family Handyman

Fast Patch Backing

If you're installing a drywall patch, you've got to screw the patch to something. Usually, that means installing wood backing. But here's a quicker, easier way: Screw drywall repair clips to the surrounding drywall and screw in the patch. Then break off the tabs and you're ready for mud. [embed_shop_button shop_btn_text="Shop Now" shop_btn_url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QKLBLA6/?tag=fhmeag-20" shop_btn_tab="true" /]

Here's one of our favorite drywall repair kits:

4 / 11

Mini Texture Gun Family Handyman

Mini Texture Gun

We've had some good results using texture from aerosol spray cans—and some disasters. The texture blasts out fast and heavy. One wrong move and you've got an over-textured mess. This little hand-pump gun is much easier to control. It spits out just a little texture with each blast. So you can spray on a light texture, then add more until it looks right. Still, it's best to practice on some cardboard first. Also have a bucket and sponge handy in case you need to wipe away a misfire and start over. We got good results matching orange peel, splatter and knockdown textures, but lousy results with popcorn ceiling texture. [embed_shop_button shop_btn_text="Shop Now" shop_btn_url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074MCKVBD/?tag=fhmeag-20" shop_btn_tab="true" /]

5 / 11

Simplest Crack Solution Family Handyman

Simplest Crack Solution

Step Saver Stress Crack Tape sounds like the perfect solution for cracks. Just stick it on and paint over it. So we gave it a try. The tape was still visible from across the room—even under two coats of paint. If you take a few minutes to skim over it with joint compound, the tape disappears completely. But will the tape stretch and stay stuck through seasonal crack movement? We'll get back to you on that... In the meantime check out these 8 painting myths you need to stop believing. [embed_shop_button shop_btn_text="Shop Now" shop_btn_url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I5SPY64/?tag=fhmeag-20" shop_btn_tab="true" /]

6 / 11

Chair Rail Family Handyman

Chair Rail

If your kitchen walls are banged up from chairs slamming into them, instead of repairing the damaged wall, cover up the dings and dents with chair rail.

7 / 11

Bigger Cover Plates Family Handyman

Bigger Cover Plates

'Oversized' plates cover an extra 1/4 in. or so of wall on all four sides. And sometimes that's just enough to hide damage and save you the trouble of making a repair. Home centers carry oversized plates for common configurations like single and double switches and outlets.

8 / 11

Texture in a Jar to Repair Cracks in Ceiling Family Handyman

Texture in a Jar to Repair Cracks in Ceiling

For small repairs on popcorn ceilings, such as hairline cracks in ceiling, dab on this stuff. Start with a light application, let it dry and add more if needed. With some careful brush work, you can perfectly match the surrounding texture and easily cover minor cracks in ceiling. [embed_shop_button shop_btn_text="Shop Now" shop_btn_url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074M7BW57/?tag=fhmeag-20" shop_btn_tab="true" /]

If you've got ceiling tiles, check out how to cut them in the video below, if you need to repair them.

9 / 11

Ceiling Stain Solution Family Handyman

Ceiling Stain Solution

If you have a water-stained ceiling, a stain-blocking primer is mandatory to prevent the stain from bleeding through a fresh coat of paint. You could roll on primer, but there are two spray-can products you should consider first: Kilz Upshot and Zinsser Covers Up are both stain-blocking primers, and both have nozzles that shoot upward—perfect for ceiling work. Upshot is tinted to match aged, unpainted ceiling texture. Covers Up is a lighter shade of off-white. So if you're lucky, the primer will blend in and you won't have to paint the whole ceiling. [embed_shop_button shop_btn_text="Shop Now" shop_btn_url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XF7J2Y7/?tag=fhmeag-20" shop_btn_tab="true" /]

10 / 11

Instant Patch Family Handyman

Instant Patch

Every fix-it guy we know—DIYer or pro—loves selfstick metal patches. Just stick one over the hole and mud over it. Find them in sizes from 4 x 4 in. to 8 x 8 in. [embed_shop_button shop_btn_text="Shop Now" shop_btn_url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IOQKUQG/?tag=fhmeag-20" shop_btn_tab="true" /]

11 / 11

Patch and Protect Family Handyman

Patch and Protect

If your wall has a doorknob crater, instead of repairing the damage, cover up the crater with a stick-on bumper. These bumpers are super inexpensive. Next, find out how to fill screw holes in drywall with this step by step guide. [embed_shop_button shop_btn_text="Shop Now" shop_btn_url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LM4HBH/?tag=fhmeag-20" shop_btn_tab="true" /]

Originally Published: January 29, 2020

Sign up for DIY projects sent right to your inbox

Complete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter!

cover

Subscribe & SAVE 1 Year Subscription
for only $10!