I've completed sanding the plaster and have been priming. I'm using Behr Premium Plus New Drywall Primer and Sealer. It's probably a bit more expensive than the large drums of bulk primer but it doesn't soak in like the way cheaper primers do. It goes on like paint and it looks like one coat will do it. For most of my colours, I'll need an additional tinted primer anyway.
I've primed most of the basement and just have the bar area to do.
