How to Fix Cracks in Paint

Very few things will create a negative vibe in your home quite as quickly as cracked paint will. It can become quite an eyesore that draws attention in your otherwise carefully planned decor.

This task will quickly rise to the top of your priorities and we are on hand to help show you how to fix it in this actionable guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing Cracks in Paint

Here are all of the steps you will need to know when repairing your walls.

Remove the Flaking Paint

The first step to repairing cracked paint is to remove any flaking paint. As with any painting project, the aim is to have a clean, dry, and stable surface to work from. This is the standard painting practice.

You will want to take a metal scraper over the crack taking away anything which is loose.

Clean

Now that you have ensured there is no flaking paint or blistered paint it is time to give it a quick wipe-down to make sure you have no dust that may contaminate your repairs. For this task, we recommend our cleaning agent Maalipesu.

Make sure it is completely dry before coming on.

Fill in the Crack

Now it's time to fill in the crack. For this, you will need a filler and that metal scraper that you used to get rid of the loose paint. Give the scraper a quick clean and then use it to apply a thin layer of your filler to the surface over the crack.

Read the instructions on the filler about the amount of time you need to wait for it to dry in case you need to apply any more. Usually, it doesn't take too long, and some fully dry within one hour.

Sand Smooth

Once you have given the cracked paint time to dry completely it is time to sand it smooth. This will help create a seamless appearance that will help the surface blend into the rest of the wall.

Repaint the Surface

After all of this prep work, you will be pleased to learn that it is time actually paint. If you are just painting a small crack on an internal wall you might have some paint left over from when you last decorated which can save you from having to pick up more paint and keep the colour blended into the rest of the wall.

Alternatively, if you do not have any paint lying around check out our collection of interior wall paints or our ceiling paints if that is what you are repairing. We have a wide collection of paints suitable for all needs in our vast array of colours.

Start by priming the wall. Unsure whether this step is needed? Take a look at our guide here.

Apply your chosen paint with the allowed drying time as per the instructions outline.

If it's been a long time since you painted the wall we do have a colour-matching service that will enable you to find the perfect shade.

Preventing Future Cracking in Paint

Anyone who has had paint cracking and chipping in the past will want to avoid having to spend time periodically repairing hairline cracks.

There are many reasons for paint cracking spanning from fairly innocent causes to it being an indicator of serious structural problems with your home.

Most of the time it will be relatively easy to avoid such as poor surface preparation before painting, poor quality paint, or improper application of the paint. These situations can generally be dodged by ensuring you follow proper painting practices and buy quality products.

In other cases, this could be far more serious such as structural cracks which you will need to consult a professional in order to make sure your home is safe. If you have any doubts it would be best to consult a professional.