Crack filling and surface preparation Johannesburg

Hairline cracks run R150 to R350 each, larger repairs R250 to R650, full-wall prep R350 to R900, and getting an entire room paint-ready R800 to R2,500. Skimming uneven walls flat costs R80 to R150 per square metre. Bundled with painting, prep usually prices better than booked alone.

Usually not — fine vertical hairlines are normal plaster settling and purely cosmetic. The ones worth attention are diagonal cracks running from corners of windows and doors, stepped cracks following the mortar lines, cracks wider than about 3mm, or any crack that reopens after proper repair. Those patterns suggest movement and deserve a builder’s assessment first.

Two culprits: surface-smeared filler that never bonded inside the crack (it shrinks and telegraphs as a ridge or reopens), and unprimed filler patches that absorb paint differently and show as dull spots. Professional repairs open the crack, fill in stages, sand flush, and prime — which is why they disappear. It’s always worth getting a professional assessment for your specific setup in Johannesburg — quotes on Kandua are free.

Washing off dust and grease, stripping or sanding failed and glossy paint, repairing cracks and holes, skimming uneven areas, and priming — in whatever mix the wall needs. The goal is a uniform, sound, sealed surface. On old walls, preparation is routinely 60 to 70% of the total painting effort.

Yes — primed, prepped walls hold happily for weeks or months until you’re ready for colour. That said, booking prep and painting together usually prices better and guarantees the painter owns the whole result, with no gap for dust and scuffs to move in. For homeowners in Johannesburg, comparing a few quotes through Kandua is the quickest way to see real local pricing.