Painting - Painting Basement

I just had my basement walls plastered and am ready to paint. I was advised to do two coats of primer (I don't know why). Is it because of the high humidity down there (I live in the Northeast)???

Anyway, should I do 2 coats, and if so, how much time should elapse between coats?

If I do apply 2 coats of primer, I plan on having the second one tinted the color of the finish paint so that I will only need one coat of the finish, which will probably be a satin sheen.

Any thoughts/advice??? Thanks.

True plaster? Or drywall? If plaster, I'd seal it with an alkyd (oil-based) primer. Water-based products on plaster can react with the lime content and bubble after the next coat is applied, not always, but if and when it does, you'll be back to square one and oil prime anyway. One coat is usually sufficient. It will act as somewhat of a vapour barrier also. Then two topcoats of paint. Two is always better than one for color retention and durability but if you're happy after one coat, leave it. "One Coat" is a misnomer. Quality paints are designed to work as two thin films bonded together. Tint the primer, sure, but I'd apply two topcoats. If oil primer, allow 24 hours between coats. If drywall, use a latex sealer and leave at least 6 hours, longer is better, always. Hope that helps and I'll watch for your reply to plaster/drywall. :)

Thanks for your insight. I guess it is true plaster. I put up blueboard and then had a contractor apply the plaster (I assume "drywall" referes to sheetrock that is covered with joint compound, no?).

Honestly, I was shocked to hear your advice to use oil-based paints. While I've always heard they were superior in the past, my understanding is that nowadays latex is just as good. I hate working with oil since it is so messy, but do you really think that it will save me a headache? I mean, won't a good coat of latex primer work 99% as well, or how about 2 thin coats of latex primer. I guess I'm trying to get you to say what I want to hear, but I really would like you to be honest--do you really think that in a basement I woudl regret using latex??? Thanks again!!!

You can use a premium quality latex primer sure...the plaster must be cured however in either case...if the plaster is chalky, an oil would serve you better as it penetrates a little more. Good luck with your new basement.