Hairline cracks in walls - what's the right stuff to use?

Somerset

I'm redecorating :eek: Well, I'm thinking about it - it takes a long run up before I hit the paint brush. Anyway, I'm sitting in the living room looking at the hairline cracks in the wall which are very visable because the paint was a light colour. The walls ok, not brilliant. Last time I painted the paint just covered/filled in these cracks but over time they've reappeared. Like I said hairline cracks ie no gap or anything. Presumerably where plaster has cracked but still stable on wall? Dunno - so what should I 'paint' them with first before painting proper. I don't want anything artecsy as I want smooth walls afterwards. Thanks.

nickj_2

try using a fine filler , dulux / polycell do one but it takes a lot of sanding down , if you can get it , i can recommend a company called toupret who do a much better fine filler which is much easier to sand down https://www.toupret.co.uk

she_grinch

Polycell do a no sand filler which is good

Poppycat

You can get decorators filler which will do the job or fine filler that needs no sanding

Decorators fillers is good for cracks that may expand a little just push it in and rub off with a wet finger or rag

agarr

Polycell smoothover. Put it on, smooth over with the tool, wait for it to dry. Job done!

Poppycat

That stuff isnt cheap (Polycell smoothover) plus another £5 for tool

Stompa

Spotted this:

http://www.polycell.co.uk/products/polycell_hairline_crack_polyfilla.html

in Homebase at the weekend - has anybody tried it?

Ice_2

decoraters chalk 99p at boyes you can get it in a tube or a tube that fits into a gun...like poppycat said fill it and then rub it with a wet cloth or a wet finger...paint over it all gone job done...I use it all the time easy to use and cheap...:Dlooks abit like white sealent...use with a sealent gun...

Poppycat

That's where I got mine from Boyes store. It was ICI decorators chalk

jason_s_2

Wickes do a good 'fine Filler' costs about £2.49. I used it today to fill in some fine cracks and was pretty impressed.

misgrace

If your hairline cracks have slightly opened up/split where you can see the wall underneath, then you cut them open a bit wider with a flat edge screwdriver, or a knife, and fill it using a good filler, dont use the readymade one as it can be a nightmare to sand down, use the powder one.

But, if the hairline crack is just slightly raised, and it hasnt actually opened yet, then get a roughish sandpaper and sand it.
This will flatyten the raised area, and blend into the wall without the need to actually fill.
Its only when the crack has opened that you really need to fill.

Dont forget, that whatever filling you do, and prior to actually rolling your walls, dab the filled areas a couple of times with a brush dipped into diluted emulsion, this will stop any flashing of the filler showing through your coats, and seal the filler for when you come to roll.:D