ᐅ Priming a Concrete Ceiling for Painting – Is It Too Early?

Hello everyone,

The screed (cement screed) was installed two weeks ago, and we have been ventilating regularly for about a week. Next week, the heating system will be installed, followed shortly by the initial heating phase.

Can we already start priming the concrete ceilings with acrylic primer at this stage of construction? Time is getting tight, and we want to complete as many tasks as possible. It is still too early for the walls, as there is still residual moisture visible on the plaster. Painting and floor covering work (except for tiling) are agreed as self-performed in the building contract.

The site manager is on vacation and will not be available until next week, so I am asking here.

Thanks in advance
Clemens

I find this too short. After the screed was applied, water practically dripped from our ceiling. Applying the pore sealant too early unnecessarily hinders the drying process of the ceiling.

Overall, I recommend a test coating with or without primer. Our concrete ceiling was hardly absorbent, and the primer application actually seemed counterproductive outside the filled joints: the paint beaded up.

Well, the ceiling has been installed since June, so it should be dry. There are no drips; only the usual condensation forms in the cold areas (windows, etc.).

The idea of a test coat is a good one. How can I tell if the substrate is too absorbent?