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

[@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.

[@RichardJr1134]

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.

[@photographer128]

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.

[@shamrock4500]

I agree, I had to fix 2 window seam cracks the homeowner had used Bondo to "fix", I was taught to cut out a V as well. I hate mesh tape.

[@leroychavez9409]

I prepared the job site with plastic, then started to v shape, then, I prepared filled the crack, and 2 day's later, I mudded and tape the ceiling, then after a few days it was finished. three coats is what I had. I used Durobond. Anyway, the crack came back. I noticed the crack was all the way through the drywall. I had to use backer board. it worked. what a waste of time.

[@photographer128]

Durobond is just joint compound. I used to use Synkoloid spackling for the initial filling of the crack. It dries hard and much more durable. It sounds like whatever you patched is not secure and moves by contraction & expansion. If there is only a small movement, the new crack may develop behind the paper tape and you still won't see it, but no patching will hold big movements.

[@leroychavez9409]

it is a foundation problem. for now I have it very secured. it's been about three weeks, I'm waiting to see what might happen. thanks for replying to Sir.

[@leroychavez9409]

thanks for replying to me Sir.

[@3cap97]

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

[@walley2637]

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.

[@shaneherian3638]

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

[@scottssheetrockservices]

I do too if the board is loose, I’ll tap on it with a sideways fist if it’s moving all reattach, but if it’s solid, the plaster and fibafuse gets it done!

[@jeevespreston]

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

[@stevef.8041]

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.

[@luisgovea7921]

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

[@HomerSparkle]

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

[@Raidthang]

You can get it in large sheets too . Excellent product .

[@keithlazarcheck4164]

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

[@CraigHutchinson-ty9bn]

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

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Yessir!!!!

[@barrelmitt1544]

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.

[@jamescathcart4762]

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!

[@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.

[@keesdejong4727]

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

[@EromliG1995]

This dude is an ACE.

[@SOLDOZER]

Had Scott do some work in my house last year in Katy and he did an awesome job. About to call him for more.

[@smittys19daytona]

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

[@honselld1]

Dudes an artist

[@stich1960]

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.

[@jackpestaner6925]

Excellent skills and thanks for the tip on the fiber tape

[@Paul-gh9ky]

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

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Enjoy your retirement!!!

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Hopefully not in Los Angeles

[@DrywallSolutions1970]

Cracks are caused by movement of the sheetrock. You should have used some nails or screws before taping. I like watching other experienced drywallers. Never to old to learn. Great video.

[@davothegreat9990]

Exactly what I do. Always use screws around the crack and surrounding area. V out crack. Prefill and use paper tape. Cracks comes back after that you've got bigger problems.

[@MichaelJones-sd7vp]

I only use mesh tape if I use fast setting joint compound. I sets harder than ready mix.

[@HandyRandy3200]

I love that fibafuse tape!

[@JT_70]

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?

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Yeah, check and see if there’s any sheet rock loose along the studs and re-screw one or two on each side of the seam if it’s regular joint tape, I prefer to remove the tape rather than cut the sheet rock personally, and with the fiba tape as long as the seam is not very tight I don’t cut into it personally. Don’t need to necessarily cut a V just a slice in it. Floats camera texture. Hope this helps!

[@colemant6845]

Great video... How about showing a house that is 30 years old with Paper Taped Corners that are all cracked and Peeling.... Only the taped Corners throughout the entire house or cracking and delaminating.... This would be a great video!... Many elderly homeowners I talk to have this problem... Thanks!

[@billhamilton7524]

Sweet ,,those hoppers use a lot of air ,more than a pancake compressor can handle causing a continues drop in pressure hence a different texture pattern ,,those patch jobs are tricky in the middle of the wall like that for obvious reasons ,,nice job.

[@jerseyjim9092]

Some say mesh tape only fails when you use joint compound rather than hot mud to set it.

[@scottssheetrockservices]

That may be true.. however what mud is used on the ones that I repair is unbenounced to me. I know you don’t have that problem with fiba fuse using regular mud

[@ebk6257]

100% mesh has not failed me when I patch, but I always Hot mud then top with all purpose

[@JasonEllingsworth]

You are doing drywall finishing correctly. Most do not. Bucket mud has no business being on your first 2 coats and is the rookie way of doing it. Always use quickset 45 for tape/block and then skim with your premixed.@@ebk6257

[@tomwooley743]

I have been using fibafuse tape for years and and it is the only tape that I use

[@ChrisLascari]

I just tried fibafuse for the first time the other day. That stuff is a good product

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Nice work. The only thing I would consider is priming the area before spackling over, and repainting the whole wall. Thanks for sharing!

[@NathanHarrison7]

Great video. Very informative. Subscribed.

[@bludika]

i love FIbafuse! the only thing i use, EXCEPT corners since paper is easier to crease and mud

[@scottssheetrockservices]

I’m in 100% agreement! The only way you could use fiba fuse in a corner is if you very meticulously put it in there and then rolled it with an angle roller. Most of what I do is repair work and if it’s a flat joint I use fiba fuse… Hope you have a great new year!

[@bludika]

@@scottssheetrockservices you too. Its odd though, you know before they used to sell FibaFuse with the center crease and you can fold it in half and use in corners, but now they only produce fibafuse with no crease at all. I wonder why? i know you COULD use for corners but maybe too many complaints?

[@scottssheetrockservices]

@@bludika probably

[@richiewhalen4732]

Excellent tutorial. I’m new at it and you’re very helpful. I’ll most likely watch it again and maybe again !👌👍🙏

[@jeremyfoster6942]

Coat of SBR, scrim tape the joints/ cracks, two coats of thistle multifinish, job done.

[@markhuru]

Fiber fuse is good but the new diagonal mesh is better, it has extras strands to prevent racking. The reason you lean toward mesh in the first place is thickness it a butt joint so huge tapers are needed.

[@dUsTysCaTmAn]

have a hard time believing any type of mesh tape would be better than fibafuse. diagonal is better than standard mesh for sure

[@markhuru]

@@dUsTysCaTmAn thinner is better fiber fuse is too thick

[@dUsTysCaTmAn]

even if it is, it doesn't change how you coat the joint or repair. fibafuse is thinner than paper, especially considering it is embedded in the jc@@markhuru

[@markhuru]

@@dUsTysCaTmAn the fact that you can just stick the tape on gives good quality mesh the advantage, cuts easily it’s thinner, I still use durabond or quick mud first coat.

[@michaelmcgee2026]

​@@markhurumesh is for people which like to cut corners

[@garys2149]

I use the same material, same technique, except dig out and peal the original tape of so its not a mountain. Taping over texture is adding an easy 1/8 of an inch.

[@mercamg9312]

great GREAT tips. good to see a real pro working at his best.

[@rodneycaupp5962]

I used the square mesh tape a couple of weeks ago, and finished things up with little to no talent . It is Ok, for the garage. What I had was 67 years of ugly to repair. This cat is damn good with everything. Much as I was jealous I did like and subscribe. Thanks bro... I can do better.

[@robolliges9061]

HIghly technical and incredible skills. If you know what to see; it's here!

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Yessir!!

[@Mayzan841]

This works so long as it is not in an area where the su face will not receive any impact/movement. Did a test patch at home about 3 years ago and it finally failed a few weeks back. I do a lot of plaster repairs and wanted to test it.

[@iy3693]

Art work and real craftmanship

[@aussie8114]

Well done guys, you know your stuff.

[@TheGrandDude]

The type of tape used is determined by the type of mud used. Mesh tape was designed to be used with quicksetting mud. Also, the type of crack an reason for crack should also determine the type of mud an tape used. This type of cracking looks like faulty taping an finishing from original finishing. I agree with some of the comments about creating a v groove for mud to bond.

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

Pay attention DIYers....a real Professional giving today's lesson

[@AndrewB23]

Except mesh tape is fine if used with the proper mud and it's not weaker than paper tape paper tape just does a better job hiding the crack when it happens.

[@matthewwalden656]

@@AndrewB23 and he used over a tub full of mud for a tiny crack. Not impressed. Just sayin

[@VR-fn3kv]

I need you at my house for all the work I need done. Thanks for the tips in that video.

[@williammead9966]

New subscriber here. I enjoyed this video. This is artistry for sure

[@SVU777]

I have no words great job guys!!!

[@CharlieGoy]

Just the facts, man. Thanks and nice job!

[@kenairockband]

I only use mesh tape. Here in Alaska we have a lot of settling and paper just doesn’t work as well for this environment

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Try the fiber fuse it’s much better stronger and easier to deal with than mesh tape supposedly 80% stronger than paper.

[@gazzagardner3769]

Best explanation of how to do it that I have seen. Thanks

[@brianburns9209]

Of all the videos I've seen this is the most thorough. Truly appreciate the craftsmanship and completeness. One question I have - if we are a DIYer and we have plenty of time to wait for it to dry and are able to sand, are there any steps here that we can cut out, or is there anything that we should be doing differently?

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Yes, of course you can use regular mud I try not to use lightweight however the +3 that I use is a midweight and it works well for all applications. Just need to make sure each coat is dry prior to texturing including the tape Coat hope this helps

[@BBURNS8888]

Thanks so much for the feedback. Hope I can get mine looking as good as yours.

[@SpufiMan1]

I appreciate your skills, Sir. Also love your accent; great voice.

[@lanep4322]

Great tips, thanks for sharing.

[@marsmediapro]

A great video, Scott! Thanks for sharing! I love learning new tips for drywall repair- it's one of my fave things to do.

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Thanks for watching and Happy Thanksgiving!!

[@mikesloan4135]

I used that tape Friday to fix cracks in drywall, love that tape!

[@rodneycaupp5962]

I will find some and buy....

[@Raidthang]

I put a son through college fixing mesh tape . Fibafuse is excellent . It comes in large sheets too .

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Yeah, you right… I have heard about the sheets, but never have used them yet, friend of mine in Louisiana uses it

[@AndrewB23]

Mesh is not weaker than paper tape people just don't use the right mud or do proper prep when using it, paper only hides the crack better

[@MennoNeher]

Good video, I learned some new stuff. I think, though, I would have sprayed the whole wall, just to get a similar texture.

[@WoodyWard]

I used mesh tape to fix mine and it worked great.

[@ozgultekin6100]

hey Scott, thanks for the very informative video, never had ever seen a sponge used in this way! Subscribed! Do you plan on showing how to use skimming blades? tip and tricks maybe?

[@WindozeFree]

Beautiful job man! I love a good-looking repair. : )

[@vernonhenshaw3089]

I've been drywalling for 48 years I pre-filled cracks and I use mesh tape with 3M 90 adhesive then I will guarantee the job for many years

[@scottssheetrockservices]

I’m only 30 years in… I agree with hot mud you can make it work. My videos are more geared towards DIY folks who try to use self adhesive mesh tape with regular mud and I’ve literally fixed thousands of cracks even done by professionals with mesh tape, probably with regular mud, have a great Christmas!

[@mjrybread]

​@@scottssheetrockservicesSherwin Williams sales a mesh tape that is more tightly woven that I have used for years with no problems

[@mjrybread]

Over lap the cheaper mesh and it will hold, oh I've been doing drywall for over 40 years

[@aaronbrown3573]

I used fiba tape for the first time because of your video. I like the way it lays and covers however I couldn't figure out why my hands felt like fiber glass was all over them. Haha. Didn't enjoy that part.

[@4phishn]

Great knife work. However that seems like an awful lot of mud to repair such a thin crack. Does that not create a large high spot on the wall? Or can you not see it when it is done?

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Butt Joint is the 4 foot side of sheet rock does not have a recessed edge it has to be busted out… But to answer your question no you can’t see it when it’s done

[@Reno-pz3kt]

Appreciate this video, would you recommend using this tape on a ceiling crack as well???

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Yes, it’s good for anything except an inside 90° angle but yes, crack in ceiling or walls. It’s beautiful!

[@problactive285]

Finally, someone who hates mesh as much as i do! I rarely use tape on seams or corners....its all about that mud work.

[@simonibarra1]

i recomed to use some extra scres add to where the cracks are work better ..

[@johncaudle6703]

We use 5 minute mud also....🤣 wouldn't have it any other way.... good video brother, Southern Style keep it rolling brother 👍

[@hmmmmmmyou5046]

Mesh tape is solid lmao learn to use it though didn’t watch to see if it has a use case here but still

[@NathanHarrison7]

So much work. But it looks beautiful. I thought he was done after the first rake. And then he applied a whole new layer of mud over the top. Why that second coat? When it looked done after the first full coat and rake.

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Just to touch up any pit holes scratches and insure you have a smooth finish before texture…

[@darrinmc]

Could you use the Plus 3 for the entire repair? or is that not strong enough? I learned a lot from this video!

[@scottssheetrockservices]

You can use the +3 for the entire repair. You’ll just have to wait in between every coat for it to dry. And you won’t be able to rake your lap marks out you’ll have to sand in between coats

[@rocknmonkey85]

Great video. Thanks guys.

[@driver902]

Well you make that look easy as all get out !! Sort of sorry I watched this video , now I know how much I suck.

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Practice makes perfect!

[@ching574]

ive always seen people use durabond with fibafuse not plaster of paris i wonder what the difference is

[@stop_spying_on_me]

warning ⚠️⚠️ surgeon at work ❤ thanks I learned a lot, sorry Canada guy

[@kurtv4946]

I think I'll hire it done.😊

[@markmazza135]

Smart man, outstanding.

[@angie32724]

How do you fix the cracks in the ceiling when the ceilings are coated knockdown?

[@mannyfran8024]

Unfortunately there's no easy answer. If it'sa previously painted popcorn ceiling or a rougher stucco ceiling and you don't want to do a major repair, I've used elastomeric silicone. Just apply a thin bead over the crack and use you finger to smooth it over the crack. Then paint when it's dry. Elastomeric remains flexible for a long time and should help in mitigating further cracks returning. The other option involves scrapping and alot of work Unfortunately.

[@jaimedeleon7486]

Was it only me that could still see the tape line after he finished with all the mud?

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Sometimes you can see a hint of it through the mud as the float coat and skim coat are two different colors of mud. We painted next day, and it was beautiful!

[@RichardJr1134]

Always a smart a$$ in the bunch. You do better & then we will talk

[@Pluckyou49]

If you can spackle you can use mesh

[@johngundersen2740]

OK, you have a good critical eye. Maybe it was the lighting and it did show a shadow at the butt which it usually does if you don't pull the butt with a wide knife or trowel.

[@Tyerone1337]

It’s the lighting , it all disappears when you primer and paint.

[@avisitorhere]

You're using hot mud or some call it setting compound. Its a special formulation of Plaster of Paris, limestone, mica and adhesives. I mention this so that people won't try to do this kind of repair with plaster of paris, cause that won't stick to enamel paint like the hot mud you are using and is not meant to be spread thin. PofP is more of a product for doing molds.

[@scottssheetrockservices]

If you look at my video on how to mix plaster of Paris, mixing it with mud works very well. I’ve been using it for repairs for 28 years when mixed well it’s full proof.

[@avisitorhere]

@@scottssheetrockservices You are correct that mixture works well. But to call it Plaster of Paris, people who don't have any experience might try to use just plaster of paris for repairs. Doing that alone would fail in this application. People don't realize that there are many ingredients in joint compound and hot mud that improve flexibility, sandability, adhesion and strength. That was my point anyway, maybe I didn't say it correctly.

[@michaelmcgee2026]

​@@avisitorhereyou said it correctly. This guy just isn't acknowledging ur right.

[@coedshowers]

I love fibafuse but its hard on angles because when you use a knife it cuts the fibafuse. I still use paper on corners.

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Same here. I only use it on flats I’ve been told you can use it with a Glazer and a bazooka if you remove the sharp tip and just roll it.

[@professor_thunder]

If you don't believe these DWall guys are worth every penny, grab your diy tools and have at it.

[@AndrewB23]

It's not hard it just takes patience to learn

[@scratchgang8391]

😂 yooo I’m with professor on this

[@mrflyazz9605]

Nothing wrong with mesh tape if you’re a good mudder. Go back and look at that seam line you left behind. I’ve fixed hundreds of seam lines from people using paper seam tape and all of the wrinkles and bubbles it leaves behind👍🏻

[@israelapreza479]

Another great video and well explain.

[@eriklittleeagle]

Cutting a v groove ? What about all the screws that are stagged along seems to hold drywall ?

[@wolfattack402000]

Would like to see how to match a dauber (stipel) texture.

[@scottssheetrockservices]

There’s all kinds of different terms for different textures that have to see a picture of what you’re talking about

[@chrisclassical7]

good watch, i enjoyed it

[@cofee28]

I can still see that vertical crack line. I would have wandered that joint twice as wide. Good video though.

[@darynrussell2898]

Tear both sides of the tape .

[@davetrayford]

Nice video; thnx. How thick are your finish drywall compound coats?

[@scottssheetrockservices]

First coat, float coat, is the thickest to leave enough mud to give the illusion of leveling the butt joint. Skim coat is wax on wax off real tight.

[@davetrayford]

thnx; is that about 1/8 inch on first and 2nd coats? I know skim coat is about 1/16th or less, right? Thnx for your excellent video!@@scottssheetrockservices

[@scottssheetrockservices]

@@davetrayford that be a good estimate on thickness it’s really a feel with your knife, making sure you’re floating over the joint thick enough to cover it and then yes, skim coat is real tight basically just staining it assuming you have enough mud on your float coat

[@davetrayford]

Thanks; appreciate your time and expertise. I'll review your video again for nuances. Have a good week. @@scottssheetrockservices

[@AnthonyDibiaseIdeas]

Thank you for explaining.

[@fabianghost89]

It cracked because there wasn’t mud back there make sure you fill in the crack before taping

[@T.E.P..]

right on guys!!! it's cool to find your channel. NEW SUB here. Hope the Summer of 2023 is going great for all!

[@hokuspokus8947]

Brilliant!

[@phildymond1292]

And you can still see the middle ridge👌

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Float coat and skim coat two different colors of mud skim coats real tight. All you can see is color difference between the two coats of mud not a ridge ,painted eggshell on it next day it was beautiful!

[@phildymond1292]

@scottssheetrockservices you obviously didnt want to show that tho

[@waltermattei5994]

You must cut tape width out of wall and remove paper from sheet rock to recess the joint. Add mud in recess, then tape mud with 6 inch blade and wala. No super built up stupid joint. Less work better job no excuse for build up.

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Never personally heard of that. Hope that worked out for you. We painted the next day and it was beautiful. Have a great day!

[@twinnevans971]

I've flipped many homes and built a few from the ground up but still can't seem to get the mud and tape skill down. I ether don't put enough on or put too much on. What should be 22 inches of can sometimes turn out to be 40 damn inches. Good thing I know how to spray a heavy knock down to hide my shat mud work but still even that doesn't hide my shameful work. Sometimes I feel like I'm sculpting a statue. I can do everything from dig and pour footers up to finishing the roof but drywall, forget it. I just can't seem to win that battle.

[@scottssheetrockservices]

Just takes a lot of repetition!!!

[@swissskier03]

Where did you get that cheap mesh missing rows of fiber? I used fiberglass tape for years and have never seen anything like that but I always shopped at drywall or paint shops that carry the better stuff. You got it at wal mart right ?

[@scottssheetrockservices]

If you’re talking about the fibra fuse? It’s not cheap… I don’t use regular mesh tape on anything from anywhere