It looks like I've done something stupid. I used wallboard joint compound to
repair a hole in drywall. Everything went well in the application and sanding
process. Now, a few days later, there are spider cracks in the compound.

Should I have used spackling instead? Do I have to remove all of the joint
compound (sanding) and start all over?

If wallboard joint compound cracks this easily, what good is it? The wall is
dimensionally stable.

On Sun, 23 Dec 2012 14:55:23 -0500, mcp6453 wrote:

It looks like I've done something stupid. I used wallboard joint compound to
repair a hole in drywall. Everything went well in the application and sanding
process. Now, a few days later, there are spider cracks in the compound.

Should I have used spackling instead? Do I have to remove all of the joint
compound (sanding) and start all over?

If wallboard joint compound cracks this easily, what good is it? The wall is
dimensionally stable.

It cracks because the moisture dries out. Sanding s not usually done
on the same day, so you can apply more compound to the finish.

Apply some more compound, allow to dry (cure), then sand.

"mcp6453" wrote in message
...
It looks like I've done something stupid. I used wallboard joint compound
to
repair a hole in drywall. Everything went well in the application and
sanding
process. Now, a few days later, there are spider cracks in the compound.

Should I have used spackling instead? Do I have to remove all of the joint
compound (sanding) and start all over?

If wallboard joint compound cracks this easily, what good is it? The wall
is
dimensionally stable.

If you didn't replace the hole with a piece of drywall and compound over it,
then you filled the hole with compound. When it is this thick you will have
slow drying and cracks. Don't worry, just add a layer of compound over what
you have done, providing it is smooth or sanded smooth, and fill the cracks.
You should be good to go, even if you need another layer. Keep the surface
smooth so you don't build up a hump.

mcp6453 wrote:
It looks like I've done something stupid. I used wallboard joint
compound to repair a hole in drywall. Everything went well in the
application and sanding process. Now, a few days later, there are
spider cracks in the compound.

Should I have used spackling instead? Do I have to remove all of the
joint compound (sanding) and start all over?

If wallboard joint compound cracks this easily, what good is it? The
wall is dimensionally stable.

Joint compound shrinks and cracks form -- depending on the thickness of the
material that you applied. That's no big deal.

There are other types of material that you could possibly have used,
depending on what type of hole you started with, etc.

But, since you have the job mostly done, and the only real issue seems to be
the cracks, you can probably just give it another coat of joint compound to
fill in the cracks etc. And, in some cases, you may need a third coat after
that if the second coat cracks. Then sand it and you're done.

On 12/23/2012 3:27 PM, Oren wrote:
On Sun, 23 Dec 2012 14:55:23 -0500, mcp6453 wrote:

It looks like I've done something stupid. I used wallboard joint compound to
repair a hole in drywall. Everything went well in the application and sanding
process. Now, a few days later, there are spider cracks in the compound.

Should I have used spackling instead? Do I have to remove all of the joint
compound (sanding) and start all over?

If wallboard joint compound cracks this easily, what good is it? The wall is
dimensionally stable.

It cracks because the moisture dries out. Sanding s not usually done
on the same day, so you can apply more compound to the finish.

Apply some more compound, allow to dry (cure), then sand.


Great. Thanks!

On Dec 23, 1:55 pm, mcp6453 wrote:
It looks like I've done something stupid. I used wallboard joint compound to
repair a hole in drywall. Everything went well in the application and sanding
process. Now, a few days later, there are spider cracks in the compound.

Should I have used spackling instead? Do I have to remove all of the joint
compound (sanding) and start all over?

If wallboard joint compound cracks this easily, what good is it? The wall is
dimensionally stable.

You should sand or chip it back a little, put a small film of
joint compound on it( like glue, and then use a piece of paper or
fiberglass
tape. Then coat it and level it out before sanding...
You have puttied up too big a space at one time, without
a restraining membrane, and it shrunk a little bit and cracked.
Not a big thing.... Just think about my first paragraph and
figure out the next move.....
Generally, anything over an inch or so should have a membrane,
whether a piece of drywall, or some tape, as a stabilizer against
shrinkage..... It isn't a big problem.... Live and learn.... Good
luck.