Questions:
~ How many coats of primer? Was suggested to me that we used 2 coats of primer and then can often just use one coat of paint.>>>>>If you use a high quality primer, you should only need one coat. You may only need one coat of paint. I painted a living room that had what I term "puke green". Very off and depressing. Anyway, I used one coat of tinted primer and that did the trick. One coat of paint was all that was needed. (BM primer and paint is what I used. Expensive but worth it).
~ OK to use same primer for walls and ceilings? >>>>>You can use any color primer anywhere. I mixed 3-4 colors together to do a room once and the primer color was off. I just wanted to use up what was left. I did have to do two coats of regular paint though.
~ Can we use tinted primer (like a light grey) for everything (walls and ceiling regardless of topcoat color)?>>>>>>You can, however why would you want to use anything but white on the ceiling (unless you are using leftovers). You will probably need to do two coats if you do this.

Good luck!

SG

Thank you for help! Planning to use BM. I'm sure more questions will come as we get further along.

Hi liketolearn! (I hope this isn't too late!)

!!! Are you having the "orange-peel" texture sprayed on walls? If so...let it dry a DAY or more, then prime on top of this texture!!!

1) ONE coat of primer is all that's needed if rolling on!!
>>> Sprayed primer could use two coats-depends on operator and equipment.
>>> UNLESS you were covering black or navy! Then 2 ROLLED coats of primer would be warranted.
>>> It's normal for new primer on drywall to look hazy. Then, do TWO topcoats of color...even if it's white paint.
>>> Main reason?? NOBODY puts on an even 1st coat...doesn't happen. Also; one film of dried color isn't very thick OR durable. Two coats evens out color-depth and toughness.

2) Same primer for walls & ceilings is fine under your LIGHT colors. Don't let your sprayed primer get TOO thin! Drywall seams are very thirsty, and may need 2 sprayed coats.

3) Use med.-gray primer under your darker colors. "Pencil-lead" gray is appropriate...then TWO paint topcoats. Leave a 5-hr. drytime between dark coats too! The additional colorant slows drytime a lot. If you're using a color that's heavy on red or magenta colorant, a THIRD topcoat can't be ruled out!!
>>> This gray primer is too strong under light colors...sorry! In your case, 2 primer colors are needed:-)

Any ?'s...lemme know!
Faron

Thanks Faron! This gives me a better idea of what and how much primer to buy. I'm expecting 2 coats of primer as it's new drywall and this is DH's first time using paint sprayer.

We have purchased a used Titan 550 (hard to tell as paint is worn off of sprayer and maybe a Titan 660). We had it serviced (servicer said it was 550 or 660), purchased new hose, and new tip (#517 for latex paint). Hoping to use it for spraying primer and ceilings. Looks like DH will be taking this job on himself as I've badly sprained my right wrist. Had planned to have him spray and me backroll. Can he do this himself? Or just use roller attachment to apply? I'm guess I'm asking what is best way and for suggestions and advice on using a paint sprayer.

Primer Tips:
When going from dark-to-light colors, all you need is a high hiding primer, however, if your going from dark-to-dark colors you will a tintable primer; American Tradition offers both of these primers. They can be found at your nearest Lowes.

PS: you can choose which level of gray is right for your project:)