Well, I have finished all the drywall mudding on my rather large (for me) home addition. Time to paint. I have had bad luck with some primers lately (not covering). I am going to use an airless sprayer to apply the primer (and finish coat) in my addition.

What is a good inexpensive bare wall primer that offers one coat coverage?

 

All the major brands will have a primer for new drywall
If you stick to the Paint Store products and you'll be fine (SWP, Ben Moore)
For a little less money, but no real reduction in performance, I use a contractor grade line from Pittsburg Paints called Speed-Hide
They have a great primer/sealer for new drywall
I rarely spray it as it's usually not worth it for a room remodel, but It does roll on with excellent coverage
As primer doesn't have to look like a color coat (just cover), it's pretty impressive that this stuff actually does look like you've primered and put up a coat

 

One coat coverage isn't necesarry for primer. As long as the entire surface is coated it doesn't matter if it appears thin in spots. It's main purpose is to prime and seal. Some primers cover better than others - addition of pigment will also help in coverage.

When spraying be sure to take care to minimize overspray [especially so it doesn't get to the original part of house]. I wouldn't recomend spraying the finish coat on the walls [ceilings ok] You will get a better job rolling the finish coat. If you do spray the finsih paint you should back roll after spraying.

 

Sherwin Williams Classic primer or ProBlock will work well.

 

winner!

We sell that for 10.50 a gallon, and sell a lot of it for that very purpose.