Basic DIY questions?

[izz]

Hello. Is there such a thing as tape to cover hairline cracks in plaster prior to painting and if so, what is it's name ?

 

[Epona]

Hello. Is there such a thing as tape to cover hairline cracks in plaster prior to painting and if so, what is it's name ?

Smear filler on and spread it over the area with cracks using a flexible putty/filling knife.
Wait for it to dry, then sand smooth.

Any tape would look worse than cracks, cos the edges of the tape would stand proud of the plaster and you'd see the edges under the paint.
Using filler and sanding you get a completely smooth surface

 

[existentialist]

Hello. Is there such a thing as tape to cover hairline cracks in plaster prior to painting and if so, what is it's name ?

You almost certainly wouldn't want it - it'd be more obvious than the hairline crack. Best bet is probably some slightly watered-down polyfilla, flowed into the crack, wiped over, then flattened before completely hardened.

 

[Boudicca]

Hello. Is there such a thing as tape to cover hairline cracks in plaster prior to painting and if so, what is it's name ?

Agree with above, tape won't work. Plasterers use it to join plasterboards, but then they slap a layer of plaster on top.

You can buy 'Fine Surface Filler'but try and find the own brand ones not Polyfilla.

If you really can't bear sanding, you could try decorator's caulk and wipe of the excess. It might be enough with paint over the top, but there is a risk of it still showing.

 

[ignatious]

Hello. Is there such a thing as tape to cover hairline cracks in plaster prior to painting and if so, what is it's name ?

Rake out any loose plaster along the crack and fill. Use a fine finish powder filler rather than ready mixed (Toupret interior is good).

Mixing a bit of paint into the filler to create a 'hard stop' will help with the finish if you are painting over, or you can spot prime.