Backsplash tile advice

[Fanatical Meat]

Seems like a simple job however I have an analysis paralysis problem.
I have sanded the wall, I plan on using some simple green or ammonia cleaner to prep (wife has a problem with tsp so that will not be used).
Do I need to prime the wall before applying the thinset & tile to the wall?
Something like this:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/MAPEI-Primer-T-1-Quart-Indoor-Primer/3172491?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-flr-_-ggl-_-LIA_FLR_244_Tools-Setting-Materials-Access-_-3172491-_-0-_-0-_-0&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1286981&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7paiwe7M9AIVtvzjBx3jOwSUEAQYAiABEgKh2_D_BwE

Example of sanded wall, we used an egg shell finish on it about 9 years ago.



Wall is mostly smooth and per a level the countertop is level.
I haven’t checked the cabinets however there will be about a 1/2 to 1” gap between the top tile and bottom of the cabinet. I am not concerned about that small gap it will almost never be seen since our kitchen does not have a table.
**strange line in bottom right of picture is a camera artifact or something it is not a crack**

***this is not the wall with the sink, it does have the oven. Oven is the only spot where is could come in contact with steam/moisture***

 

[Greenman]

If it's sealed that's all you need.
I've always used acrylic adhesive over drywall, but I don't recall why. There may or may not be a good reason for that.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

If it's sealed that's all you need.
I've always used acrylic adhesive over drywall, but I don't recall why. There may or may not be a good reason for that.

Sealed as in some sort of primer on it?

 

[Greenman]

If it's painted it should be good to go.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

If it's sealed that's all you need.
I've always used acrylic adhesive over drywall, but I don't recall why. There may or may not be a good reason for that.

Gonna guess is it dries faster, has a stronger bond so it holds heavy tiles better.
Youtube guy said that is the way to go for most tile jobs but it comes with the warning that it cures fast and an amateur may not be able to complete the job before it cures.
Dude like you probably works at four times or more the speed of me and fast drying is likely a big time saver. Plus less chance of a tile falling off later on and less chance someone complains about the grout/ seams being stained by something dumb they did.