To prime or not to prime, that is the question.

[Gazzer]

If in doubt prime it has always been my way but how many would prime Moisture Resistant plasterboards ?
Now cost of primer isnt an issue but if you weigh up the time it takes to prime and drying time then that is the cost I dont like.
So how many prime plasterboards, MR or normal ?

 

[Alan.P]

Nope, not me

 

[mikethetile]

I dont prime plasterboard

 

[Steve H]

This is an interesting thread. I'm new to tiling and trying to find the best and most practical tiling methods. I know that there is something in cement based adhesive that doesn't like plaster, so therefore I do prime. But I guess that if the plasterboard is intact and nicely wrapped, even more so if it is moisture resistant; then Primer it would appear, is not necessarily needed. Thanks for this thread and the experienced opinions coming out.

 

[Stewart]

Depends on condition (if really dusty) or if it has been ames taped. But 9 times out of ten, I prime.

 

[doug boardley]

I mainly prime, but not MR boards unless there's bare edges ie external corners, then I'll prime those bits.

 

[TT Tiling]

i do prime on nom plasterboard but not on moistureboard , but if useing powder add i would ,

 

[Perry]

Only bare edges for me

 

[grumpygrouter]

I tend to prime plasterboard as sometimes the screws expose the gypsum core or the paper surface can be torn slightly and I always use bagged addy.

 

[DHTiling]

Same as sweety pete.. Bare edges..

 

[faithhealer]

prime 9 out of ten for me too

 

[Aston]

plasterboards require priming if...

they have been up along time and are really dry.
if they are dusty or as stewart explained
or, they are in a very warm areas ie loft conversion / bathroom, laundry room

otherwise i wouldnt prime...its like all substrates, theres no black and white answer. suction control etc etc comes into play. this is where the experience bit comes in i suppose. but as said, if in doubt and you are unsure, prime for your own peace of mind,,

 

[user123]

OK, can I ask a really really basic question about this? HOW does plasterboard hold the weight of adhesive and tiles? The paper is so thin and flimsy, I just don't get it? :embaressed_smile:

 

[Alan.P]

Whilst I understand the need to prime exposed edges, and torn paper due to screws, can I ask why some of you prime 9 / 10, I'm assuming you mean in a domestic environment, in which case it's been d&d ?? Unless the adhesive specifies it of course.

 

[Stu Lilley]

bare edges only.......primer G here

 

[The D]

prime it 10/10

 

[SandyFloor]

OK, can I ask a really really basic question about this? HOW does plasterboard hold the weight of adhesive and tiles? The paper is so thin and flimsy, I just don't get it? :embaressed_smile:

I think that's a good question and I don't know the answer. You wouldn't tile onto wallpaper.

Oh and I always prime...better safe than sorry.