Coving cracks that are driving me nuts!

[brittas2009]

I've taken down the nasty polystyrene coving in my house and replaced it with gyproc plaster cove. I've done lots of coving in the past and have never had any problems but this time, some months after I've put it up, I'm getting cracks around the join between wall and cove. The ceiling edge is fine - it's just the wall edge. I've already poly-filla'd it once, but its gone again, taking some of the emulsion with it. It's a 1930's house with brick and plaster walls.

I like things done perfectly, and every time I look up my face goes

Any suggestions as to what I can use to fill it, without losing that nice sharp edge, would be greatly appreciated !

 

[mattylad]

Could it be that you have movement from above causing this?

Would perhaps a flexible decorators caulk help then that would flx as the ceiling moves up & down?

 

[Robbie uk]

If the crack keeps re appearing then polyfilla wont help as this is a hard filler which wil also crack. Matty is right to suggest a decorator caulk as this will give a bit of movement if there is any flex in the ceiling.

 

[noseall]

what did you use to fix the cove?

strange that you are getting movement/shrinkage on the vertical plane.

 

[brittas2009]

I used the plaster cove adhesive...the pre mixed one in the tub.

 

[mattylad]

Can you post a photo?

Where it is cracking, can you move the ceiling up/down?

Is there a lot of walking done above where it cracks?

As I said before, decorators caulk may be the solution.
Just not one with silicone in, one you can paint.

I usually mix some plaster to fill the gaps, wadge it in & smooth it with my finger.
Always looks OK, especially after a zillion coats of paint.

 

[roughcaster]

Sometimes, if you fix coving onto a painted surface, or a surface with no key, it can come away. It's always better roughing up the wall/ceiling line to provide a key. I am also a great believer in a powdered fixer that sets, rather than ready mixed that dries in air.

Roughcaster.