Fixing cracks running along corner joint tape on drywall??

Question

There are long vertical cracks running along where the corner joint tape would be on the drywall. Since the cracks are on the outer corner, the paint/plaster is cracking off also. How do i go about fixing this? Do I take a knife/spatula and take all of the old tape off and redo it? Are there step-by-step instructions somewhere?

My big concern is that when you take the corner off, it leaves a dent of about 1/8" and after you re-plaster, add tape, sand it down etc. it may end up looking messy and not sharp as before if you don't do it right. I'd like to know any specific instructions, tips or advice.

thanks!

sorry I have to clear up a few things:
DIY Doc, you're right. the outer corner is not a corner tape but a metal corner bead. I just didn't know the difference and now I know all I have to do is re-apply joint compound to it right?

As for caulk, I don't think I'll be using it although I've heard of an elastic crack sealant spray, which I assume is a different thing. Has anyone used it?

thanks y'all!

Answer 1

This is the easiest way but it costs money:
http://www.stepsavers.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=25
You can do it yourself. You will need to scrape some of the mud applies during finishing of the wall. Scrape along the crack. Mud it, sand it, paint it. It will likely not be permanent. Do you see the cracks in other palaces? Could it be your house is fairly new and is settling?
Good Luck

Answer 2

Drywall Corner Tape

Answer 3

It sounds like you already know how to fix your problem the right way. I can offer an alternative suggestion that worked for me, once upon a time. Since I don't know how big or bad the cracks and peeling paint/plaster are, my suggestion may not help, but I once used silicone caulk to remedy a similar problem. I ran a bead of caulk all the way down the corner, wet my finger and ran it along the bead, then smoothed it out with a wet paper towel. After it dried and fresh paint was applied you couldn't tell it had ever cracked. It still looked good when I sold the house 6 years later.

Answer 4

You can use the mesh tape, but paper tape works better. You will have the feather the joint compound, but use a sponge then drywall mesh to sand it. If you use the mesh tape, it has an adhesive that sticks it to the drywall before applying the mud. If you use paper tape, make sure the mud is a little wetter than normal, apply a thin coat first, then apply damp tape and another thin coat of joint compound. Allow it to totally dry, then slowly build the thickness of the joint compound. You will want to build it up some, then sand with a wet sponge first. Allow it to dry then feather with a drywall mesh sander. These usually come in fine, medium or heavy grit. Don't get in a hurry, and don't worry, drywall is very forgivable.

Answer 5

With no disrespect to you; and certainly not to the first two young ladies Caulk can't be sanded and very often will show up with trace marks even if you were able to smooth it with a "Knife"

After installing thousands of sq. ft. of drywall; and thousands of gallons of mud; I'm curious as to why an ouside corner on drywall; isn't shielded with corner beading.

The process, whether you fix with tape or the corner mold should be considered in no less than 3 steps. Remove the old tape; even if some mud ajacent to it crumbles. Either add corner bead or MESH/ mildly adhesive tape; using a wide blade mud knife/paint knife apply an even coat of new mud. If you choose the corner bead you can mud the void area first, and then smooth with a knife after.

What you're doing is covering the corner fix and "feathering" the mud out as far as is necessary. If applied properly the sanding will be minimal; but will likely require one or two more thin coats; each sanded if necessary with Drywall mud; mesh sanding pads NOT sandpaper. You can test your efforts before attemting repainting, by rolling on a thin coat of primer and rubbing your hand over the surface as well as LOOKING at the task.

Steven Wolf

Answer 6

if the cracks are where the corner bead is attached to the drywall, you may need toadd some more fasteners. often drywallers are sparing with the nails when attaching the corner bead which will allow it to shift when bumped causing cracks. using drywall nails (they have grooves for holding) make sure the corner bead is securely fastened. then replaster with joint compound or easy sand plaster using the hard edge of the corner as a guide for your knife/scraper. this way you will fill the space between the corner and the drywall smoothly. do not cover the edge of the corner with anything but paint.

Answer 7

I would wonder why it has cracked in the first place.
the best advice would to find this out before reapplying anything.

I use durabond 90[dries in 90 minutes] for stronger joints but this is a first coat only and must be skimmed over with a regular drywall compound afterwards.Durabond 90 is hard to sand after 90 minutes so make sure it is smooth before drying.After about 30 minutes you can use a wet sponge and drywall knife to soflty scrape it smooth before it dries.
p.s. only durabond 90 is durabond 90.Sheetrock 90 isnt the material I talk of.It is a powder and must be mixed with water.

Answer 8

find out the reason why its cracking first!!! you probably need to screw a few drywall screws in the panell to fix it tight first b4 you try to make good otherwise your crack will most likely reappear