How to skim cracks in the wall?

Just moved to into a house and although there was no mention of cracks in the home buyers survey, there are a number of cracks in the walls and where the ceiling meets the walls.





I have been told that it just needs skimming, but from what I can see about skimming on the web it tells me that you have to plaster an entire wall.





Is there any where on the web (or can anyone advise) on how to remove cracks without redoing an entire wall?





Thank you!

How to skim cracks in the wall?
go to bnq theres special paint you can buy.x
Reply:They should be taped then skimmed. They could reappear.


It may be difficult to match the stippling and may have to stipple the entire wall.





I once used a tape that was like a netting self adhesive. It expands.





Your real concern is that the house is settling to cause that.
Reply:Maybe you'll find your answer here: http://www.sutree.com/Learn.aspx?q=crack...


These are DIY videos that might have the answer you're looking for
Reply:Obtain a shave hook from a DIY shop and use the point of this hook to enlarge the crack so that it is easy to fill with ordinary crack filler (Ready mixed if the crack is small) powder if larger.several packets if needs be.
Reply:Depending how large the cracks really are you might be able just to use Decorators Caulk, or Fine surface filler...


Alternatively consult a builder....


Many of us on here can give advice but without seeing things its not always the best advice that you might get...
Reply:How old is the house?


On new houses, shrinkage cracks where the walls meet the ceiling are very common and absolutely nothing to worry about. If that's what they are, just open them out a little with and old chisel or putty knife, and fill with some fine surface filler. Sand back, and paint.





On older houses, ceilings often develop small cracks too. They can be raked out and filled in exactly the same way.


Only if the cracks look like they are getting worse, or are large, is there any need to get them checked.





I can't imagine any type of wall cracks which would benefit from skimming.
Reply:Anytime you repair a crack, you need to remove any loose plaster, and open the crack a little with a 5 in 1 tool, vacuum out any debris and apply a bed of drywall compound with a 4' drywall knife. While the compound is soft, in-bed mesh tape and smooth level.


You will then apply 2 more coats over the first using larger drywall knives until the mesh tape is covered and the patch is smooth. Sand smooth and paint.


If you do not use the mesh tape, or just skim them, the crack will reappear in a couple of months.
Reply:Decorators Caulk it comes in a tube like Mastic and you can paint over it straight away sold in all DIY shops