I want to go ahead and prime a room in my house, however I don't have the paint yet. It's plaster walls that I will prime with Zinsser Bullseye 123 and paint over with Latex. Is it okay to prime them if I'm not going to paint for several weeks? Or should I wait and paint right after I prime?

 

It really does not matter. Just keep in mind, if you prime them 2 weeks before you paint make sure to keep the walls clean after priming. That doesn't mean to clean your walls after priming...it means to not get anything on them or you will have to spot prime. Primer gives a nice flat finish in which to paint...thus it will also get dirty easier.

 

Bullseye 123 does not give a flat finish. That is the only thing I don't like about it.I use to use it under wallpaper for that reason paper seemed to slip more. I think there new product may be better for this purpose.

If this is new plaster I would use the 123 after waiting the appropriate time for it to cure. It handles high ph surfaces[new plaster] well.

If it is not new plaster, but previously painted walls, I would need a reason to prime the walls. Like gloss or semi-gloss paint, dramatic color change, or putting latex over oil.

I am curious as to the reason for using the 123. I am not saying you don't need it,just curious as usual. If you do need it I would definitely have it tinted toward the new color

You may also want to wash the wall prior to priming or painting, especially if it is in the vicinity of a stove. Adjacent rooms are definitely affected. I would use soilax Pro= no rinsing, available in the paint store not the Depot

 

What do you mean by a "flat" finish? I'll be painting Satin latex over it.

I decided on the Zinsser 123 because everyone here suggested it in another thread I made about 3 weeks ago. The walls are 80 year old plaster that was previously painted. I have stripped off the old paint and wallpaper that was beneath it, removed the glue, and sanded them smooth. I used Kilz 2 Latex in another room and the primer seemed not to bond well and I could peel it off pretty easily if I tried, although this might be because I didn't clean the dust off the walls good enough before priming.

I thought you always had to use primer? Are you saying I can just paint over the plaster? My main concern is having the paint bond well to the surface so it doesn't peel off easily like in the other room I did.

And this Soilax product you mentioned. WOuld that be good for cleaning the glue off my walls? So far I've been using just plain hot wet rags and scrubbing, which gets it off but is a pain. Thanks for the help!

 

Now that you explain that I am not saying not to prime. It was necessary to ask. If you had added it to your last thread it would have came up to the top and I could have seen the conditions and agreed with the 123. you need to prime and use the 123. I would also prime and paint the same day. It is easier imo.