So I was looking at a potential new job in a home I did some work at two years ago and noticed one spot in the corner of the old job where the drywall tape lifted up a crack about an inch long. Had subs do all the finish and paint work and no one noticed it, or at least mentioned it, and not even the client has noticed it yet.
Maybe I’ve been lucky, but I’ve never had to deal with this before. What is the best way to repair that? Still have leftover paint the same color thank goodness.
I’ve used these subs all this time and they always do great work, so I’m sure it was just a sloppy mistake and not a crappy job throughout.
Replies
I have had luck with injecting wood glue in under the lifted tape, cleaning off as much excess as you can. However, the slight lift can often be made longer because of poor bond. If the area under is clean, no lumped up compound, and the loose tape can't be made bigger with a knife, you might get lucky.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Cut out the full width of the tape, 3" to either side of the bubble, failed area. This will leave a depression in the wall/ ceiling surface which will accomodate a fresh coat of compound and tape. Apply a 2nd and a 3rd coat if ness. Prime.
As for the paint, I don't think the leftover paint will match. The paint applied a year ago has oxidized and maybe even been bleached by sunlight or darkened due to the enviroment. Give it a try, but be prepared to paint the whole wall or ceiling.
My $.02.
F
Edit: After reading Gordzco post below - it's been 2 years! I thought it was within a year. Stop preparing to dig a hole for yourself. Keep your mouth shut. It's above and beyond. If they mention it, give them an estimate. Then, you can factor in a "discount" provided they have you address it while you are doing the other job.
Okay, 2 more cents.
F
Edited 3/15/2005 10:12 am ET by Frankie
If its only an inch, drop a drywall screw in it and mud to level. Prime and paint.
-zen
After 2 years, the paint on the wall might be faded slightly. Spot painting may be more visible than the crack you are trying to fix. You might get lucky, or you may have to paint the entire wall. That little crack could turn into a very big job. I would try glue injection, maybe with wallpaper repair glue. I've seen the stuff in paint stores. Comes with a syringe.
Pointing out a flaw and repairing it two years later would fall into the, Above and Beyond the Call of Duty, category. You couldn't expect the taper to come back and fix something like this and pay to have the repair painted. What if the lift was caused by a screw pop?
Thanks, y'all. Good ideas.
Maybe, maybe I could let that go if the clients were jerks but even then I doubt it. I see that crack every time I think of that neighborhood, it will drive me crazy until its fixed. It is in a dark corner, that's why no one has noticed, so I think I'll be able to feather out the spot, oh please.
Of course if it was my house it would fall to about #2,456,789 on the list of things to do--- after playin' with the family. My wife wonders why I'm better to my clients then to her sometimes, but that's another story.