1) good
2 better( it will be pigmented, so easier to see what's up), I would ask for Fresh Start
3 NO, no, no

Most of the joint compound manufacturers will tell you "a quality, high-solids primer," or your option 2. Fresh Start will work great, as does the Natura primer if you prefer a zero-VOC option.

Why not the Gardz? I've read (J. Pauhl, coatings techie) it's preferable because it actually soaks in, totally bonded, versus laying on top. Having 40 year old paint coming off the wallboard over here, Gardz sounds like a more sound option to me.

Does the Fresh Start penetrate and why do you prefer it?

Tape test on traditional primers:

This post was edited by snookums2 on Fri, May 3, 13 at 0:03

Went to my local BM store.
They recommended zinsser smart prime. They said it's every bit as good as fresh start. Plus it's on sale right now.

(J. Pauhl, coatings techie)

don't believe everything you read
this is a whole different situation, they are priming over jc
Gardz is a great product to do what it is intended to do but it is not a miracle cure for all

smart prime will work just as well as fresh start

I use Murco high solids primer at $38 for 5 gallons but any drywall primer will work. Home depot sells a drywall primer by kilz pro-x maybe in drywall area. more expensive primers like fresh start work but compound soaks up a lot so the cheaper stuff is more economical. drywall primer adheres great to compound and paper, but it wont seal stains or stick to everything like zinzer cover stain or other primers of that type. Gardz iis for repairs, torn paper after wallpaper removal etc.

Forgot it was all jc.

quote" but any drywall primer will work. "
not true

quote" a lot so the cheaper stuff is more economical."
not in the long run

quote" drywall primer adheres great to compound "
again, not true