FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Priming plaster

jyang949 | Posted in General Discussion on February 5, 2010 05:04am

What kind of primer should I use on a plaster wall? Janet

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. IdahoDon | Feb 05, 2010 06:13pm | #1

    Depends on the type of finish you are looking for. If it's just a primer coat to cut down on the amount of paint needed it probably doesn't matter what you use since even the cheapest paint or primer will work.

    If you have smooth walls I like to roll a coat of Block Filler primer on really thin with a 1/2" nap roller to create a slight texture that is essentially like a half dozen coats of rolled on paint--most smooth walls aren't that smooth and this will hide slight variations that would otherwise stand out.

    In general home owners tend to skimp on the amount of thickness of their primer/paint combination and the results look cheap. The goal is not to extend the paint as much as possible, but to build up a good durable thickness that looks good.

    Having said all that, as a remodeler I regularly go through the mis-tinted high quality paints at my supplier that are often sold for $4/gallon for the highest quality paints. Get the lightest colors and mix them all together in a 5 gal bucket and go to town. That's the most bang for your primer buck.

    For those who say the first coat over a plaster wall (unpainted) has to be an actual primer for adhesion, that's just not the case--straight paint has never fallen off a plastered/drywalled wall. If the wall was painted in the past simply use a water based primer such as Kilz2 for good adhesion and ease of application.

    Best of luck

    1. andybuildz | Feb 05, 2010 11:31pm | #2

      I like Kilz as well.

      Makes no sense to me to buy real cheap paint/primer. I always opt for a high guality paint.

      Happens to be though that Kilz isn't terribly expensive and I find it to be some of the best primer out there.

      I just skim coated a 400sq ft ceiling with 2 coats of hot mud and used Kilz primer and BM top coats.

      Came out awesome

      1. User avater
        MarkH | Feb 07, 2010 09:02am | #6

        Hey Andy,

        I was wondering why you used hot mud to skim coat a ceiling. I would never try that. I'd probably use topping compound. I know hot mud sticks like glue, so that's the only real advantage I can think of.

        1. andybuildz | Feb 07, 2010 09:11am | #7

          Mark...tell me about it. I hated using it but I needed to get on two coats in one day. I used 45 minute. I don't think it sticks any differently than regular mud...matter of fact the longer you take the harder it gets..obviously. I was trying to work at lightening speed up on stilts yet.

          I will say this...it looks amazing now. Not that anyone but me will notice. It also dries far harder than prmixed mud...not that, that matters on a ceiling...but to me, knowing it's there gives it a more plaster like finish...not that anyone will notice, but me...lol

          1. User avater
            MarkH | Feb 07, 2010 09:25am | #8

            Knowing you did a great job even if no one else notices has to be satisfying. That setting stuff had to be a living nightmare though.

          2. andybuildz | Feb 07, 2010 09:30am | #9

            It's really not as bad as you
            It's really not as bad as you think Mark. If you need more working time then get the 90 minute. Depending on how good you are at mudding walls just mix up less at a time and do smaller areas. Like anything else it's always about trying to make your project as manageable as possible. It's all in the prep.

            Sometimes I just push myself depending on the conditions.

            Nothin' to it/but to do it!

          3. User avater
            megspop | Feb 08, 2010 09:32pm | #11

            I use the 15 minute for drywall patches. Mix only what you need and thoroughly clean your mixing bucket in between batches of mud. Works great and multiple coats in a day is the best advantage. It does dry harder than the premixed and stiffens up on your knife if you're not fast enough but over all I like it and keep a bag on hand if I'm only on the jobsite for that one repair.

    2. jyang949 | Feb 06, 2010 09:33am | #3

      Some sites say that the best latex primers can replace oil-based. Others say that it isn't a question of quality or coverage; plaster absorbs and holds water so an oil-based primer is necessary. Any opinions?

      Janet

      1. IdahoDon | Feb 06, 2010 08:11pm | #4

        Oil based primers aren't
        Oil based primers aren't necessary--anyone claiming that simply doesn't know what they are talking about.

        1. JPriest | Feb 07, 2010 03:54am | #5

          Old based primers ARE better in certain applications. This happens to be one of them. But I'm still not sure if we're talking painting or plaster repair. If plaster repair, I'd recommend a primer of Weldbond first.

          1. jyang949 | Feb 10, 2010 10:09am | #13

            Both painting and plaster repair.

            I took one wall down to the shiny plaster layer.

            For the cracks:

            Dug out any crumbling plaster

            applied PlasterWeld

            filled it with Durabond 45 (replacing a third of the water with PlasterWeld).

            Janet

  2. User avater
    Jeff_Clarke | Feb 07, 2010 05:32pm | #10

    It has to be cured plaster (first).

    Here's the selection matrix for Sherwin Williams:

    View Image

    I would suggest:

    View Image

  3. barmil | Feb 09, 2010 10:10pm | #12

    In all primer situations, my advice is to first look at Zinsser 1-2-3 to see if it suits. In most cases it will, interior and exterior. It sticks so well, I wear old clothing when using it, as it'll never wash out. It takes intense scrubbing to get it off my skin, as well. Brushes get very stiff if not cleaned immediately. Also not that expensive -- usually always on sale.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Picture-Perfect Pergola

Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Design and Build a Pergola
  • Podcast Episode 689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?
  • Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data