Rawlins Paints Blog Industrial Paint Tips, Guidelines & DIY Articles
Noticed a hairline fracture or sagging section above your head? While repainting with ceiling paint can refresh tired surfaces, cracks can signal deeper problems. Let’s explore what those cracks mean, when to worry, and how to fix them.
Common Causes of Ceiling Cracks
Bedroom paint solutions can help conceal surface flaws, but they won’t fix structural issues. It’s important to identify the cause before painting over it.
Hairline Fractures: These usually appear at joints between plasterboard sheets and are often less than 0.2mm wide. They result from poor taping and jointing, or slight movement in the building’s structure.
A vertical crack travelling from ceiling to wall, often a sign of structural movement or foundation settling.
Building Settlement: All homes settle over time. Movement causes stress along weak points, especially where different materials meet. This leads to fine, linear cracks.
Old Lath and Plaster: Pre-1930s ceilings were built with timber laths and traditional plaster. These materials are rigid and can crack when the building moves or timber contracts. Vibration and water leaks make this worse.
Water Damage: Leaky showers, pipes or roofs allow moisture to stain ceilings and weaken plaster. Cracks may follow lighting points and show brown staining.
When to Be Concerned About Ceiling Cracks
Stain blocking paints are ideal for covering up old watermarks and discolouration after repairs. They prevent marks from bleeding through new finishes.
Unsupported Loads: DIY removals of chimney breasts or load-bearing walls without proper support can cause serious damage. Cracks may bulge or appear around the ceiling perimeter. If this is suspected, call a structural engineer immediately.
Foundation Movement: Wider cracks around ceiling edges or in nearby walls may point to settlement at ground level. This is especially true if patterns of cracking appear throughout the house.
Roof Spreading: Cracks along the top of bedroom walls where they meet the ceiling may suggest that roof rafters are spreading outward. This needs urgent structural assessment.
How to Paint Over Cracks in a Ceiling
Anti-mould coatings are highly recommended for painting in damp or poorly ventilated rooms. It prevents future problems where condensation is common, such as bathrooms or bedrooms.
Identify the Crack Type: For hairline cracks, clean the area, use flexible filler, and sand once dry. Apply a mist coat followed by two coats of emulsion.
Larger Cracks or Sagging: These may require cutting out damaged plasterboard. Replace the section, tape the joints, fill, and skim. Allow plaster to dry before decorating.
Lath and Plaster Repairs: These need more care. Isolate loose sections and repair using new laths or patch with plasterboard. Line the surface with lining paper for added strength.
Water damage along a ceiling joint, where moisture has seeped through and caused bubbling and staining to the plasterboard.
Bringing Your Ceiling Back to Life
Repairing cracked ceilings is about more than safety—it’s about restoring confidence in your space. Whether the crack is cosmetic or structural, every repair offers a fresh opportunity. Use colours and finishes from Rawlins Paints to bring new life into every room. From stain-resistant coatings to flexible emulsions, the right product helps deliver both durability and design impact.
Need Help with a Cracked Ceiling?
If you’re unsure whether a crack is serious or how best to repair it, leave a comment below. One of Rawlins’ Technical Experts will be happy to assist. Your ceiling can be safe, sound, and stylish—with the right support and the right paint.