Steve wrote:
On Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:31:59 +0000, Tim W wrote:

Steve
wibbled on Saturday 07 November 2009 09:12

I had a couple of these hairline cracks appear after I skimmed over the
rough artex in the lounge.

They re-appeared after filling.

Is the ceiling flat?
Fairly.

As my ceiling was flat (after skimming), I bit the bullet and papered
with 1000 gauge lining paper. Quite a bit of work but no cracks after 2
1/2 years.
That's why I was wondering about a drop of PVA to bind the edges
together and reduce future movement. The cracks are *extremely* fine -
only just feel them with a fingernail.

The paint will cover them no probs, but if the cracks move again, it may
appear through the paint, which would be a shame...

I think that the cracks will come back quite quickly.

I tried wiping diluted filler into the cracks after painting them with
PVA. That failed. I then gouged the cracks and filled again. That failed
too. They look OK after painting but give it a while and the cracks will
be back :-(

SteveE

really, unless you gouge and use flexible caulk, you have to add tensile
strength to the join. The 'correct' solution is glass scrim tape under
the skim. The after market solution is lining paper