The problem: Blue painters tape is peeling Zinsser Bulls Eye 1 2 3 primer off the new dry walls.
The project: I removed a fireplace and brick facade and replaced it with new sheet rock covered with it with AG all purpose joint compound. I also flattened the surrounding walls and hallway halls with the same joint compound. The walls were completely dry prior to priming – 4 days to 3 weeks. Prior to priming the walls were lightly sponged with a very damp sponge to remove dust. I then painted two coats of Bulls Eye 123 primer on all walls.
We needed to texture the 4 inches of ceiling along the new wall – a plastic sheet was taped with blue painters tape to the wall at the ceiling. When I removed the plastic sheet the primer came off with the tape. I have since tested various other parts of all the walls with packing tape. I press the tape onto the wall and peel it off. The tape removes the primer in some spots. Once a spot is created the tape can remove large areas of primer. (I have subsequently stopped this until I learn more about the problem and how to fix it.)
Might you know why this is happening? More importantly, how do I remedy this problem?
Best Answer
It has been my experience that primer over drywall mud requires a looooooooog dry time. The primer is a water based product that will soften up drywall mud even over 1/8 inch thick. Your using the damp cloth to clean off dust instead of using a vacuum and tack cloths probably lent some to the softening as well. I had to wait a full week before I applied a second coat of the primer.
If you applied painters tape to primer when the underlying mud was even a slight amount damp the paint will come off.