We moved into a house which was built in the late 1980's. Most of the house (except for bedrooms) had been wallpapered. Upstairs in one bedroom - after we moved in we noticed small cracks appearing in the walls. The wall is smooth and the cracks are small (hairline cracks) actually, but they are all over. My husband primed the wall with Kilz - but I have noticed a few of the cracks appearing again (it has been three days since he primed) and I don't want to paint until we solve the problem. What can be causing the problem - I don't think they had wallpaper on the walls before we moved in but I don't know for sure. Any suggestions?

Credendovidis

Dear Brenda

What materials the walls are made of? If you are US it most probable is wood, and if you are European it most probably is brick.
It's important to tell that, as cracks in a brick wall points at foundation problems.

brenda boston

It is a bedroom, so the walls are drywall. The cracks look like sprider web designs all over.

hkstroud

That does not sound like a characteristic of either drywall or plaster. Sounds more like a hard paint, like oil based enamel, put on over a soft paint like latex. You might want to confirm this by sanding thru the different layers of paint. I don't have corrective action to recommend. Repainting is not likely to correct. Even if you get the cracks filled with another coat of paint they will most likely reappear after a period of time.

You may wish to try a skim coat of drywall mud or joint compound. Thin the mud with water to a heavy paint like consistency, roll on the wall with a a long nap roller, then scrap off with a joint knife. Sand lightly then prime with a good quality primer paint.

Credendovidis

Just like to react to EL MUDDAHASSADA disagree rating stating : "COME ON IDIOT"

Besides that such a statement is rather impolite and unworthy of this board, my comment was fully valid.
Cracks in a brick wall point at foundation problems. That may not be known for residents of wooden homes, but if a foundation cracks up, the wall above it slowly starts to show cracks all over just as well. I have always lived in brick houses. I had foundation cracks. I also had cracks in the brick walls.

So if there is an idiot here .... if the shoe fits, wear it !

massplumber2008

Hey Credendovidis:

I actually asked the administrator to remove the post by EL MUDDAHASSADA...it does not appear that they can take away that reddie from that jerk...but here's a greenie to offset that loser's reddie!!

Take care...MARK