Wall and ceiling priming before painting in Warsaw

Primer is the invisible step that makes or breaks a paint job. On an unprimed wall, paint absorbs unevenly: some spots shine, others go flat, and the colour looks patchy. This is especially obvious on freshly filled surfaces — filler pulls moisture from the paint far faster than bare plaster or concrete. We prime walls and ceilings across Warsaw before every paint job, from flats in Śródmieście to houses in Wilanów.

How much does it cost and what affects the price

Current prices are in the table below. The cost depends on the area, surface type, and primer required. Fresh filler gets a standard acrylic primer. Old paint needs a contact primer with quartz sand for grip. Water stains require a stain-blocking primer. Rollers and brushes are included. Primer is a consumable, charged separately.

How the on-site work goes

1. The technician assesses the surface type: filler, concrete, old paint, plasterboard.
2. Selects the primer: universal acrylic, deep-penetrating, contact, or stain-blocking.
3. Protects floors, sockets, and skirting from splashes.
4. Applies primer with a roller on large areas, brush in corners and hard-to-reach spots.
5. Checks for even coverage — no skips or drips.
6. Allows the primer to dry (1–4 hours depending on type). Once dry — the wall is ready for painting.

Common customer mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Skipping primer to save money — then painting 3–4 coats instead of two, using more paint and more time.
• Using diluted paint as primer — this isn’t a substitute; adhesion is weaker.
• Not letting primer dry — painting on a damp surface causes bubbling.
• Using one primer for all surfaces — smooth old paint needs a contact primer, not a standard one.
• Priming walls but forgetting the ceiling — ceilings absorb paint even more than walls.

What to prepare before the technician arrives

• Walls must be clean and dry — if they were washed or filled, allow time to dry.
• Move furniture away from walls or cover with sheeting.
• Remove socket and switch face plates.
• Ensure ventilation — primer has a smell, especially the stain-blocking type.
• If you plan to paint the same day — ask the technician about primer drying time.
• Have a power socket available for a work light — spotting missed areas is crucial during priming.
• Tell the technician what paint you’re using — this affects the primer choice.
• Provide access details: intercom, parking.

A real case from Warsaw

A studio flat in Bemowo, 28 m². The owner had the walls skimmed and decided to paint herself — bought premium latex paint, applied two coats. The result was patchy: matte where the filler was, glossy where the original concrete showed through. She hadn’t primed. We lightly sanded, applied deep-penetrating acrylic primer, waited two hours, and painted with the same paint — two coats. Even, uniform colour across every wall. The primer cost less than a single tin of the paint she’d wasted on the first attempt.

Frequently asked questions

Is priming before painting really necessary?
Yes, no exceptions. Primer equalises absorption, improves adhesion, and saves paint.

Can I use diluted paint instead of primer?
No. Diluted paint doesn’t penetrate pores or equalise absorption. Use a proper primer.

How long does primer take to dry?
Acrylic — 1–2 hours. Contact — 4–6 hours. Stain-blocking — per the manufacturer, usually 12–24 hours.

Do ceilings need priming?
Yes — ceilings absorb paint even more than walls. Without primer you’ll see patches and uneven sheen.

Which primer should I choose?
It depends on the surface. The technician selects on site — it’s part of the service.

Can I prime and paint on the same day?
Yes, if using acrylic primer that dries in 2 hours. Stain-blocking primer requires longer.

Who does the work

Priming is done by painters experienced in surface preparation. We cover all of Warsaw. Message or call — we’ll match the primer to your surface and estimate the time needed.