Replies

1. 
   DonCanDo | Feb 09, 2005 03:49pm | #1

   I know what you mean about "blotchy".  I think if you used a good quality primer (I use Benjamin Moore, Muralo or Zinnser), you won't have a problem.  But, I think you should plan on 2 topcoats for new drywall regardless.

   The main reason for priming drywall is to prevent "flashing" (varying sheen levels) which results from different absorbtion rates of the different materials.  Bare drywall is quite absorbant, but joint compound is not as much.

   You could always test an area and if you notice flashing, do a 2nd coat of primer.  Primer on top of paint is not a problem.

   -Don

1. 
   zendo | Feb 09, 2005 04:28pm | #2

   One coat of primer is sufficient. 

   If you were to breakdown the content of primer, the difference between it and paint is that primer has more binder (glue) and less pigment and solids.  It can end up looking quite transparent or translucent depending on the product. 

   Primers are specific, I would suggest you use a primer that is intended for drywall, (you very well may have), not a all purpose one. 

   Finally, I suggest that the primer be from the same company that you are using for finish paint, even though some may argue that there isnt a difference, paint is a science.  Lab testing and formulation is based on their products.  They will best serve one another.

   Oh and there is no such thing as a paint job without 2 finish coats of paint.

   -zen

2. 
   hammer1 | Feb 09, 2005 04:48pm | #3

   There are some brands of drywall primer that don't have pigment added. They look like you put next to nothing on the walls. They still do the job of sealing the drywall. If you are using color, it's not a bad idea to tint the primer. One coat is all you need with the primer. If you buy the cheap paint, you can expect to need three top coats to get a nice looking finish. This is one of the problems with Baer, Glidden and other less expensive paints. If you compare sample charts from different manufacturers, you can actually see the difference.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

3. 
   JDRHI | Feb 09, 2005 05:17pm | #4

   One coat should suffice. The purpose of primer is to seal the drywall....limit its absorbtion. A quality primer (BM Fresh Start) acheives this, allowing the finish coats (2) to cover the surface.

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

   "DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"

1. 
   hlechat | Feb 09, 2005 06:56pm | #5

   I am gonna chime in with my two cents....

    

   yes, don't scrimp on primer. get the good stuff.

   now, most folks kinda want to save some money on primer, cause, hey -- after all, you're never gonna see it!

   but you are laying the foundation for the walls for the rest of its life. dramatic but true.

   they make stuff esepcially for drywall -- it has a bit of drywall in it, so as to smooth/blend together the difference between the mud and the drywall. you can prove to yourself pretty easily that there is indeed a difference between these two textures, and trust me, there is a differenc between their absorbion rate, too. a primer that is especially for drywall will even out these differences, making the rest of your painting much easier and will give much more satisfying results.

    

   you know how they say that with painting, it is 90% preparation? primer is part of that prep. take the time to do it right -- you'll be glad you did!

   Doug

   Northeastern Indiana

   p.s. wife says to tell you that even though you are supposed to only need one coat, she did two coats of primer, as an experiemnt, and likes the results much better.

    

1. 
   zendo | Feb 09, 2005 07:46pm | #6

   Hector,

   Tell the wife -->  lol

   -zen