Ceiling levelling in Warsaw — plastering and preparation for painting
22.02.2026Ceiling levelling in Warsaw — plastering and preparation for painting
An uneven ceiling is more noticeable than uneven walls — the light from a pendant fixture highlights every bump, every panel joint, every crack. In Warsaw’s concrete-panel blocks — particularly around Mokotów and Wola — ceiling slabs often meet with a 3–5 mm step. In newer builds, settlement cracks are common. All of this is fixed with filler and sanding before painting.
How much does it cost and what affects the price
Current prices are in the table below. The cost depends on ceiling area, the number of defects, and how uneven the surface is. If the ceiling is fairly flat with a couple of cracks — one coat of finishing filler is enough. If the steps are over 5 mm, you’ll need base filler, jointing tape on the seams, and two to three coats with sanding. Tools and sandpaper are included. Filler compound is a consumable.
| Service | min | max |
|---|---|---|
| Protection of furniture, doors, windows and floors with film | 10 zł/m² | 15 zł/m² |
| Cleaning and washing walls before painting | 15 zł/m² | 25 zł/m² |
| Filling holes and damages | 20 zł/m² | 35 zł/m² |
| Wall leveling after tile removal | 45 zł/m² | 70 zł/m² |
| Ceiling leveling | 45 zł/m² | 70 zł/m² |
| Priming before painting | 15 zł/m² | 25 zł/m² |
| Gypsum putty application | 55 zł/m² | 90 zł/m² |
| Painting walls / ceilings in one color (2 coats) | 30 zł/m² | 45 zł/m² |
| Painting walls in different colors | 35 zł/m² | 55 zł/m² |
How the on-site work goes
- The technician inspects the ceiling under angled light — identifying all cracks, level differences, and water-stain marks.
- Any flaking old coating is scraped off.
- Cracks are opened up and reinforced with jointing tape.
- Base filler is applied to problem areas.
- After drying — sanding, then a finishing coat across the entire ceiling.
- Final sanding with fine-grit paper. Checked again under angled light.
- The ceiling is primed and ready for painting.
Common customer mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Painting the ceiling without levelling — every imperfection casts a shadow under the light fitting.
- Filling a crack without reinforcing tape — within a month it reappears in the same spot.
- Applying a thick coat of filler in one go — on a ceiling this is critical, a heavy layer falls off.
- Sanding without protection — dust from the ceiling falls straight into your face and lungs.
- Skipping primer before painting — paint absorbs unevenly, leaving patches.
What to prepare before the technician arrives
- Remove everything you can from the room — sanding dust from a ceiling gets everywhere.
- Cover furniture and floors with sheeting if nothing can be moved out.
- Take down the light fitting or shade — the technician needs access to the entire surface.
- Provide good lighting — a lamp on a stand for angled light is essential.
- Check for signs of a leak — if the ceiling is damp, it cannot be filled.
- If the ceiling is high — let the technician know, a taller ladder may be needed.
- Open windows or switch on ventilation — for drying and dust extraction.
- Confirm whether you need filling only or painting too — this affects the timeline.
A real case from Warsaw
A one-bedroom flat in a 1970s block in Targówek. The ceiling panels had visible joints and hairline cracks running along every seam. The owner wanted to sell and needed the ceilings looking presentable. Our technician cut out the cracks, taped the joints, applied base filler to the seams and a finishing coat over the full 22 m². Sanding, priming and two coats of paint took a day and a half. The buyer later commented that the ceilings looked like they’d been re-plastered — in reality it was just careful filling and sanding. A modest investment that helped close the sale.
Frequently asked questions
Can you level a ceiling without a ladder?
No — all work is done at height. The technician brings their own ladder or trestles.
How is ceiling filling different from walls?
Ceiling filler must be lighter and thinner — a thick layer won’t hold. It’s applied in several thin passes.
How long does ceiling filler take to dry?
2–4 hours between coats. Full drying before painting — at least 12 hours.
Can you fill over whitewash?
Whitewash must be removed completely. Filler won’t bond to a whitewashed surface.
What if the ceiling has water stains?
First fix the source of the leak. Let the ceiling dry thoroughly. Then apply a stain-blocking primer before filling.
Do you level bathroom ceilings?
Yes, but we use moisture-resistant filler and primer.
Who does the work
Ceiling levelling is carried out by experienced plasterer-painters. We cover all of Warsaw. Call or message — we’ll assess the ceiling and advise on the scope of work needed.