Assess the crack pattern, history and condition before filling.
All decorating problems
Surface preparation · H&C advice
Cracks & damaged plaster
Cracks, dents and weak plaster can spoil a finish or indicate movement.
- Hairline cracks, dents or damaged edges.
- Cracks that widen or return, or plaster that sounds or feels loose.
Understand before treating
What might cause it?
Similar-looking defects can have different causes. Assessment comes before product choice.
Shrinkage, movement, impact or moisture damage can cause different types of cracking. Some need more than a cosmetic filler.
Preparation & next steps
How we approach it
For suitable cosmetic repairs, remove loose material and choose a filler appropriate to the depth and substrate.
Prepare the repaired area and prime as required to reduce uneven absorption before decoration.
Widening cracks, displacement, bulging or unstable plaster need a building professional; decorating is not a structural diagnosis. Check current product technical data, safety instructions and compatibility; this guide is not a site diagnosis or a guaranteed repair specification.
The right system for the surface
Product selection matters
A suitable primer or sealer may be part of the preparation, but it cannot replace fixing the cause. Zinsser is one of the brands we use; the exact product depends on the surface, defect and intended finish.
Zinsser UK product guidanceOriginal H&C guidance. We are not approved, accredited or endorsed by Zinsser.
Local decorating help
Let’s look at the problem properly.
Share your postcode, the affected surface and what you’ve noticed. Preparation and repairs are assessed before a quote is agreed.