Here is a nice ICI Dulux formula for white ceilings mixed in Ultra-Hide 1210. I use flats on ceilings whenever possible. This formula was matched to the ProForm Lite Blue drywall mud which is much whiter than USG Blue Topping mud. I will try to get some samples dried down next to other off-the-shelf whites for comparison.
We currently have an issue and looking for a solution to painting over ProForm joint compound made by National Gypsum. We have two drywall finishers and they use ProForm Lite and ProForm Topping products.
The problem we are experiencing pertains to applying eggshell paint over their finish work. We have two separate issues. One is the paint absorbs excessively into the horizontal joints but not the patches made over screws.
The problem we have with the patches over screws is the opposite. The paint does not seemingly absorb at all (see photo #2), resulting in a shinier area over the patch and even with 2 coats of eggshell, the patched areas become noticeably shinier than the rest of the wall even when a wall primer is used.
Here is what we tried so far. We applied the following wall primers to the bare drywall with varying results and in most cases, worst results vs. painting eggshell directly over bare drywall.
1) ICI 1010 Prep & Prime Stain Jammer
2) ICI 3210 Prep & Prime Gripper Multi-Purpose Primer Sealer
3) Kilz 2
4) Sherwin Williams PrepRite Classic Primer
5) Zinsser Bulls Eye Water-Based Primer
6) ICI Dulux 1000 Prep & Prime Hi-Hide Wall
7) Sherwin Williams PrepRite® High Build Interior Latex Primer/Surfacer (what a mess)
We tried all of the primers above with 2 coats of eggshell paint for finish. Most primers enhanced the screw patches making them stand out shiny.
 Today we applied Zinsser Gardz to the horizontal joints as seen in the top photo and this photo. The Gardz worked very well sealing the horizontal joints. We applied Gardz to a few patches over screws and it appears at this time it may work. |
 This photo shows a close-up of Gardz over the horizontal joints and how it dried over the mud. |
 This photo shows one coat of eggshell over the bare drywall with Gardz placed only on the horizontal joints. This is what we expected any of the 7 primers to do to the joints. I will let the 1st coat dry a few days and try 2nd coating an area to see how it dries down. At this point, we tested about 10-12 different eggshell paints with this issue. More to come… |
Additional info: If we were to take USG Topping and make a new patch over the existing patch in the (blue wall photo) above and repaint the new patch, problem solved. I am unable to find any help on this topic. I wrote National Gypsum 4 days ago and no reply. None of the drywall finishers I know use Proform so there seems to be a lack of experience with the product.
Interior Painting Tips by Jack Pauhl 