Repair Cracks in Drywall Tape

• 1). Cut the old drywall tape from the wall by slicing through it with a utility knife. Pull the tape off carefully; remove 12 inches of tape from either side of the crack.
  
  
• 2). Sand the area where the tape was removed, taking care not to rub away the paper on the drywall. Remove sanding dust with a vacuum cleaner.
  
  
• 3). Apply drywall joint compound to the area with the drywall knife, and 2 inches beyond on either side. Smooth the compound with the drywall knife.
  
  
• 4). Affix a piece of drywall tape to the joint compound, smoothing it with your taping knife so there are no bubbles or wrinkles in the tape. Apply another smooth layer of drywall compound over the tape. Let it dry overnight.
  
  
• 5). Sand the drywall compound so it is smooth. Use the coarse and medium-grade sandpaper. Apply a last layer of drywall compound with the drywall knife. Let it dry overnight. Sand it with the fine-grade sandpaper until it is as smooth as the rest of the wall. You can now paint the area as you wish with a paint roller and matching paint.
  
  

Other Drywall Repairs

• 1). Fill nail holes with spackle. Use your finger to apply the spackle and gently rub it into the hole and surface. Let it dry for at least one hour. Sand the area with a fine-grade sandpaper and touch up the paint with a paint pad and matching paint.
  
  
• 2). Fill large nail holes or small dents with the spackle using a putty knife. Let the spackle dry overnight. Sand the area lightly with a fine-grade sandpaper. If the hole is still apparent, apply another layer of spackle as you did the first. Touch up the area with a paint pad and matching paint.
  
  
• 3). Fix nail pops by tapping the bulge with a hammer. The joint compound will crack around the nail. If the nail is loose, remove it and hammer in another. Apply two coats of spackle with a putty knife. When dry, sand it with fine-grade sandpaper and touch up the paint with paint and a paint pad.