painting joint compound in a bathroom

AnnaVanLenten · 10-08-2008, 02:07 PM

Hello folks,

I am getting ready to paint my new bathroom. I have Behr Kitchen/Bath ceiling paint which has a fungicide mixed in, but am not sure if I need a primer under this.

Also, one wall of the bathroom had to be rebuilt and has a lot of joint compound on it - is that a problem for a steamy bathroom and do I need to put primer on it as well before I put the fungicide Behr paint on?

Or, is there something else I should do? Thank you.

bjbatlanta · 10-08-2008, 04:00 PM

As a rule, any raw drywall/compound should be primed with a quality primer before finish coat is applied. This helps even out the drying process and avoid "flashing". The drywall face paper and joint compound absorb moisture at different rates which can cause irregularities in coverage ("flashing"). A lot depends on the particular paint and color, but I would prime first if it were my job. Someone else (an actual painter) may chime in and comment on the actual brand of paint you're using, but in general, I think priming is for the best.

sirwired · 10-08-2008, 07:57 PM

Yes, if you have extensive drywall repairs, I would prime. A good Latex bonding primer, such as Zinsser 123 or SW PrepRite ProBlock Latex or, if you are paranoid, an oil-base bonding primer.

I would also return that Behr and replace it with something like Zinsser PermaWhite, SW Kitchen & Bath, etc. Big Box paints, especially Behr, do not have a particularly good reputation here for reliability.

SirWired

chrisn · 10-09-2008, 05:34 AM

"better to leave the walls bare than put Behr on the walls"

Matthewt1970 · 10-09-2008, 10:49 AM

You won't get many pro painters recommending Behr paint. Joint compound should be primed. It gives you a more durable basecoat to start with. In a bathroom I would use Zinsser 123.

bjbatlanta · 10-09-2008, 11:14 AM

I thought you'd get some feedback on your paint choice........