how do I correct a drywall joint problem?

Question

my livingroom wall shows vertical seams from old plaster joints under certain lights. how should I correct before painting?

Answer 1

I had the same problem and I found the easiest thing to do was start again. I pulled the old tape off, tidied it up and put new tape back then re-filled the joint.

Answer 2

If the drywall plaster isn't actually cracked and it's just a case of the joint not being at wall level....you can buy a tub of premixed joint compound, and using a putty knife slightly wider than the tape joint , build it back up to wall level. Sand smooth, prime and repaint. If the joint has cracked......follow the previous responders advice.
Good luck

Answer 3

lots of good answers,
if plaster good luck
if it is drywall do this
remove old tape use a razore knife and cut a stght line about 3/4 of an inch wider thatn the old tape , remove tape
put uncut drywall mud in the area you cut 8 inch knife flush this mud to the depth of where the tape was,
Now put new tape in the middle of that area and pull 8 inch blade not to try and smooth it but to EMBED the tape,, let it dry
next day mix about a half a cup of water with mud really well mixed repeat yesterdays steps. now try and smooth it don;t worry about being perfect
let it dry, next day sand it close the smooth , Now mix enuff mud with a little more water , bigger blade this time 12 inch now cover half of the middle of your line and pull and smooth repeat for the other half, make this really nice and even, let it dry , next day sand it smooth and pretty , now paint it

Answer 4

Is it drywall or plaster? Sounds like rock lath plaster to me. Anyway. If its not cracked just fill the areas with a setting type plaster compound.

If you DIY it will look like crap so hire a pro that knows what they are doing.

Answer 5

I f the crack is very slight, use a screwdriver, score it. Fill in with drywall compound. When dry, lightly sand til smooth. Primer, then repaint.