Does a new installation of water resistant sheetrock require a primer coat before painting?

Yes it does, and it's really not water resistant, it's moisture resistant. You're using it on the walls of a bathroom away from any wet areas right? Is any of it on the ceiling?

Jaz

Yes it does, and it's really not water resistant, it's moisture resistant. You're using it on the walls of a bathroom away from any wet areas right? Is any of it on the ceiling?

Jaz
Walls will be tiled. Yes ceiling is the same kind of sheet rock. What should I do to prep it? And what kind of paint should I use--oil? latex?

All sheet rock should to be primed before you paint. A good acrlic enaml latex paint will be fine. Jazman can tell you more about proper tile installation but you first must pay attention to his question about a wet area. Moisture resistant board should not be used inside a wet area like a shower or directly above a tub.