How to fix cracks in cornices

[lizziecupcakes]

Hi all, I have original cornices in our bedroom and we’ve kept them when taking down the ceiling plaster to lath.

There are cracks in them (they were there before removing the ceiling plaster). I want to fix them, but not sure how to do that exactly with cornices

A plasterer I spoke to advised me that could just paint over them, but otherwise, I should make the crack deeper, then fill it.

Two questions :
Can anyone recommend the best solution? I love these cornices so happy to follow the solution that will take a bit of my time if it means I’ve done it properly.

I also want to paint these cornices. They already have paint on them. Is it ok to paint over them directly? Is there any preparation I need to do beforehand?

Thank you

P.s sorry you might have to zoom into the image

 

[a twig]

Personally if it were me based on those cracks I'd take the lazy way - decorators caulk into the cracks, smooth down, paint over. Bigger fish to fry elsewhere if it still bothers you when the rest of the house is finished you can always come back to it

 

[lizziecupcakes]

Thanks @a twig , I’ll look into this. Seems reasonable!