Can we prime and paint this with latex paint? We do no plan on ever tiling it.

Exactly which brand/type of board do you have? Backer on the ceiling is only required if you are tiling, this could have been greenboard. No interior latex in the shower area but exterior latex would be acceptable but still need your answer to the type of board.

Can we prime and paint this with latex paint? We do no plan on ever tiling it.

I would use a kitchen and bath paint for your set up after a good two coats of a oil based primer. Often the drywall seams will fail with the extra mositure and we have found using a double coat of 'Cover Stain - Zissner yellow label' and then a quality kitchen and bath paint is the best approach.

Full tile is ideal but often not practical.

Good Luck.

John Whipple
By Any Design Ltd.