How To Repair Cracks in Walls Before Painting?

Hey there, home lovers! It's your friendly neighborhood mascot Blobby from Neo by Nippon Paint! In this blog, we’re tackling a problem that can ruin the flawless look of your walls—cracks! Whether it's tiny hairline fractures or deep crevices, I’ve got all the tips and tricks to repair them before painting. Trust me, a smooth wall is a happy wall!

Why Do Cracks Appear on Walls?

Before we jump intowall crack repair, let’s understand why they appear:

- Structural Movement – Buildings settle over time, causing cracks.
- Moisture & Humidity – Excess moisture weakens plaster and paint.
- Poor Construction Materials – Low-quality plaster or improper application leads to early cracks.
- Temperature Changes – Expanding and contracting walls can create fissures.
- Leaky Pipes & Water Seepage – Hidden water damage can cause cracks.\

Types of Cracks & Their Solutions

Every crack tells a story (and some need urgent fixing)!

Here’s how to deal with different types:

1. Hairline Cracks (Thin, surface-level cracks)

Hairline cracks are very fine, shallow cracks that appear on the surface of walls and ceilings. They don’t pose any serious structural risks but can ruin the appearance of your walls.

Solution: Use high-quality acrylic-based crack filling concrete to fill these small cracks. Apply it smoothly and let it dry before sanding and priming the wall. This ensures the crack is completely sealed before repainting.

2. Shrinkage Cracks (Appear after plaster dries)

Shrinkage cracks are usually seen in freshly plastered walls. They occur due to the loss of moisture in the plaster, causing it to contract and form fine cracks.

Solution: Apply a flexible crack filling concrete that can expand and contract with the wall. After applying, let it dry and then sand it smooth before painting. Using a good-quality primer also helps prevent future shrinkage cracks.

3. Structural Cracks (Deep, zigzag cracks)

Structural cracks are serious and typically appear in a zigzag pattern. They occur due to foundational issues, seismic activity, or extreme pressure on the building structure. It becomes worse when left unattended.

Solution: These need an expert intervention! Reinforce with concrete crack repair fillers and consult a professional. If the cracks keep appearing or widening, it’s best to call an engineer to assess the damage before applying any crack filler.

4. Ceiling Cracks (Appear due to weak structure or leaks)

Ceiling cracks can form due to structural weaknesses, water leakage, or heavy weight above the ceiling (like an attic or another floor).

Solution: First, identify the cause of the cracks. If it’s water leakage, repair the source of the leak before addressing the cracks. Use a strong ceiling crack repair solution to fill the gaps, sand it down smoothly, and repaint the ceiling for a seamless finish.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Before we begin, gather these essentials:

✔️ Putty knife or scraper
✔️ Wall putty or filler
✔️ Sandpaper
✔️ Primer
✔️ Paint (Neo by Nippon Paint’s wide range, of course!)
✔️ Brush or roller
✔️ Damp cloth
✔️ Safety gloves & mask (better safe than sorry!)\

Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing Wall Cracks

1. Inspect & Clean the Crack

The first step in wall crack repair is to examine the crack closely. If it’s a hairline crack, it’s an easy fix. If it’s a deeper crack, we might need a bit more work.

• Use a scraper to widen small cracks slightly. This helps the filler bond better.
• Remove loose dust or old paint chips.
• Wipe the area with a damp cloth to get a smooth surface.

2. Fill the Crack

Now, it’s time to seal cracks in walls.

• Use a high-quality wall putty or crack filler.
• Apply it with a putty knife, pressing firmly into the crack.
• Smooth it out evenly and let it dry as per the instructions.
• For deeper cracks, apply the filler in layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.

3. Sand it Down

Once the filler is completely dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. This step ensures that your wall looks even when you apply paint later.

• Gently sand in circular motions until the area is flush with the wall.
• Wipe away dust with a clean, damp cloth.

4. Apply Primer

Priming is crucial in concrete crack repair to prevent uneven paint absorption.

• Choose a high-quality primer that suits your wall surface.
• Apply a thin, even coat and let it dry completely.

5. Repaint for a Flawless Finish!

Now for the fun part – painting!

Choose your favourite shade.

• Use a roller for larger areas and a brush for edges.
• Apply at least two coats for the best finish.
• And there you have it!

The same formula applies to ceiling cracks. Cracks in the ceiling can be just as annoying! To repair ceiling cracks follows a similar process:

1. Remove any loose plaster or paint.
2. Fill the crack with a flexible filler, as ceilings may move slightly due to vibrations.
3. Sand the area smooth once dry.
4. Apply primer before painting to ensure good adhesion.

While small cracks can be fixed at home with crack filling concrete, deeper or recurring cracks may need professional help. If you notice:

✔ Large, structural cracks
✔ Frequent reappearance of cracks
✔ Water leakage near cracks then it’s time to call wall crack repair experts near you to handle it!\

Book a free professional visit. Our experts will visit your home and recommend the perfect solution.

Save this blog to use it as a guide to ensure the experts are doing the right job!

Stay tuned for more tips from yours truly, Blobby!