I'm about to move homes and I'm looking info for what is necessary to repair these cracks in the drywall and ceiling.

1. We had some roof work done so I went up into the attic to inspect some things. Unfortunately looks like I stepped on a flat area instead of on a supported board. The contours are relatively flat, no one side is drastically overlapping the other. Will painting over this be enough?

Crack from stepping on ceiling

2. From foundation settling, this crack in the drywall is adjacent to a door frame. At its largest gap, it's ~1mm only.


Appreciate any advice.

 

Paint does not hide cracks, no.

 

As a complete novice, what kind of patching prior to painting is recommended for these smaller cracks?

 

It depends how far you want to go. A cosmetic fix that will hide it good enough to paint, and that will only last a while, or a more permanent fix that would involve taping and finishing.

The first would simply be to caulk it, wipe it clean with a wet rag, making sure the joint is full, then paint. This will only last a while... how long is anyone's guess. A painters putty would also work, such as Crawford's or Dap 53... filling just the crack, wiping the wall clean. If you want an easy repair, go that route.

Second option is to actually tape over and finish it, which typically is the best longest lasting fix. Which might be a can of worms if your ceiling (or wall) is textured, because then you also have to match the texture. Fibafuse tape is what I would typically use if you go that route because it seems to lay the flattest.

So it's up to you and what you feel you are up to doing.