Oil Based Primer

[gnvqsos]

I need to prime an old ceiling with lime plaster,and a distemper finish.I believe an oil based primer is needed to seal the finish.can you recommend a suitable product-I have used aluminium paint to seal water marks and I guess this might be suitable here.

 

[joe-90]

You need to get all the flaky stuff off first - that's far more important. Then any cheap stuff will do.

 

[gnvqsos]

You need to get all the flaky stuff off first - that's far more important. Then any cheap stuff will do.

Cheers Joe-its not flaky so perhaps its not distemper.

I like the cheap bit you suggest

 

[joe-90]

If it's not a peculiar grey tinted flaky paint that is like giant dandruff - then no it's not and you can use any paint over it.

 

[dcdec]

The shellac based bin is good over distemper.

You can also 'turn over' distemper with a large brush instead of re-painting. Dampen the brush and make like your painting the ceiling with criss cross strokes.
A good test for distemper is to see if masking tape sticks and holds, if it doesn't then it could well be DT, also dampen a sponge and rub it and see if much paint comes off and how chalky it is but bear in mind most flat paints will also do this.

If unsure best to seal it to be on the safe side.