I want to create a plaster look in my basement. Can I just use joint compound to create the swirled/raised look I want on my wall?

Thanks

Yes, you can texture walls with joint compound but you will need to prime and paint when you are done.

I thought I put the primer over the sheetrock before applying the texture or am I wrong?

Thanks

It would be wise to prime sheetrock if you are just going to paint on it without texturing. But you don't have to prime if applying joint compound, or texture, to the sheetrock. The sheetrock can take the texture as is.

DaBaAD is correct, the mud will stick better to bare drywall than to primer. Do you taping and texturing first, then prime and paint. You can trowel the mud, use a rag or sponge. To speed uip the process you can buy 20 minute or 45 minute compound that sets like a rock in the time listed on the bag. This comes in dry powder and you add water for just the amount you will use in 20 minutes. Regualr mud in the 5 gallon tub can take days to dry if used to texture.