Drywall - paint prep

[Jeff Dege]

I've just finished jointing and sanding some new drywall, and today and tomorrow I plan to paint.

I know that I need to put down a solid coat of a good primer-sealer, because of the different absorption qualities between joint compound and wall board. But I'm wondering what prep I should do prior to putting down the primer?

That is, the surface was very dusty, because of the sanding. Other than that it is clean and dry.

I went over the surface with my shop vac, and pulled up most of the dust.

Will that be sufficient? I've thought about a light mopping, but I'm afraid the water might raise the surface. Most of my experience has been re-painting old walls, and there I'd always cleaned the surface with TSP. I'd not think that would be necessary, on new wallboard.

Is there any further prep needed?

[Frank]

Don't tsp or do anything more to the surface, you're ready for the primer/sealer. The little dust remain on the surface shouldn't make any difference, its not a Class 1 cleanroom.

[Norminn]

Agreed. Get a wallboard primer at a good paint store. There are special latex primers for new wallboard.