What is bonding primer paint used for?

Author: Prof. Rowan Huel DDS  |  Last update: Monday, October 13, 2025

If you've got a tough surface to tackle but don't have time to sand, strip or de-gloss, a specialty bonding primer with high adhesion is your go-to solution. INSL-X® STIX® Waterborne Bonding Primer is an acrylic primer-sealer engineered to bond to hard-to-coat surfaces, providing the ideal base for top coats.

When should you use bonding primer?

Bonding primer is a special type of primer specifically formulated to adhere to hard-to-cover dense or porous surfaces such as treated wood, metals, plastics, glasses, tiles, and glazed stone surfaces. Bonding primer is perfect when painting surfaces that resist adherence.

What is bond primer used for?

Adhesive bonding primer is critical for several reasons: Improved Adhesion: Some materials have low surface energy, which means they don't bond well with adhesives. Primers increase the surface energy, allowing for better bonding between the adhesive and the substrate.

Can you put bonding primer over paint?

Answer: Can Multi-Surface Bonding Primer (MBP) be used over painted surfaces? Yes, provided the paint is well bonded to the substrate. The painted surface should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminants that would interfere with the bond.

Will bonding primer stop peeling paint?

A bonding primer is great for weathered surfaces. It will fill and seal small cracks and helps prevent peeling. Bonding primers stick well to a wide range of surfaces. Scrape all loose material first. We have more tips in our home improvement book https://amzn.com/B01MRGO8C5.

Bonding Primer - Painting Tips

What is the difference between primer and bonding primer?

Depending on the product, bonding primers can also offer the advantage of accommodating lots of different coatings, including hot coatings with a high solvent content. Whereas an exothermic reaction may cause a major problem with a regular primer, the premium products can accept just about anything.

What is the best primer to prevent paint from peeling?

A popular choice is Zinsser's Peel Stop, which is a water-based primer that penetrates chalky surfaces and helps to glue-down the edges of cracking and peeling coatings to the substrate so they can be successfully painted over. It can be used on both interior and exterior applications in lieu of paint stripping.

Can I use Kilz as a bonding primer?

Interior | Exterior Primer. KILZ® ADHESION Primer is a water-base, modified-acrylic primer specifically formulated to bond to a variety of 'tough-to-paint' surfaces.

Can you paint directly over primer?

Technically, yes, you can do that. Some circumstances don't require sanding the existing paint and primer before repainting. If you choose this route, the car's surface might show minimal damage like puncture holes, body scratches, dents, and cracks.

How long does it take bonding primer to dry?

DRY & RECOAT

Dry and recoat times are based on 70°F (21°C) and 50% relative humidity. Allow more time at cooler temperatures. Dries to the touch in 30 minutes and dries to handle in 1 hour. Apply a second coat or topcoat at anytime.

Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of nail dehydrator?

Alcohol will do the same job as a dehydrator and removes debris and moisture, oils, etc. Try alcohol, I use 91% from Walgreens or Walmart. Even if you have some regular rubbing Alcohol, clean your nail and see that it dries up very well. It'll turn almost white in and around the nail.

What is the best brand of bonding primer?

They are Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer, and Behr Bonding Primer. These top two primers were the very best at bonding in both the 24 hour test and the 38 day test.

Is bonding primer waterproof?

PERMABOND™ Bonding Primer is a clear transparent, elastomeric acrylic, waterproofing adhesive, bonding Primer Sealer. A waterborne, latex based, high resin content formula that contains no fillers or pigments. It is designed to prepare roofing surfaces for a finish coating.

What happens if you don't paint over primer?

Unlike paint, primer does not contain the same level of binders, pigments, and additives that help create a durable, moisture-resistant barrier. So unpainted primer can be damaged by water, UV rays, and other environmental factors. This could eventually cause it to crack, peel, and possibly harm the surface underneath.

Is Behr bonding primer good?

Customers say the Behr Bonding Primer is an effective solution for various surfaces, providing excellent adhesion and coverage with minimal sanding required.

Is Zinsser 123 primer a bonding primer?

We recommend using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 for glossy surfaces like varnished wood. Zinsser Bulls Eye is a 'bond coat' primer that's great for hard-to-stick surfaces as it offers excellent adhesion without sanding.

What happens if you don't sand primer before painting?

Sanding the primer before painting is not just a recommendation; it's a critical step in the preparation process for painting a car. Skipping this step can lead to a less than satisfactory finish and potentially compromise the paint's durability and appearance over time.

Can I just clear coat over primer?

Applying a clear coat over primer helps preserve the vibrancy and depth of the paint color by shielding it from UV radiation. Ease of Maintenance: Clear-coated surfaces are generally easier to clean and maintain compared to bare primer or painted surfaces without a clear coat.

Should you let primer fully dry before painting?

Most latex primers dry to the touch in 30 minutes to one hour. But for best results, don't paint until the primer completely dries—which can take up to 3 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. Once the primer is completely dry, it's prime time for painting.

Is Kilz 3 a good bonding primer?

It has excellent adhesion and provides a mildew resistant coating making it ideal for use in moisture-prone areas.

Which is better, Kilz or Zinsser?

Original Kilz Primer allowed more seep through when put in two coats to two different walls in the same area, whereas Zinsser provided superior coverage.

What is a good bonding primer?

If you have various stains, shellac Bonding primer is the ideal choice. It can be used to cover rough surfaces and old varnish as well as metal and ceramic.

Why is my paint peeling after priming?

Incorrect Paint or Primer

Specific primers are designed to be used with different kinds of paints, so using the wrong primer can also lead to peeling.

Is there a primer that fills in cracks?

Rust-Oleum Zinsser Peel Stop Triple Thick Binding Primer may either be applied lightly for basic priming and sealing, or followed with several thick coats to bridge and fill cracked and uneven surfaces. This primer does need to be back brushed or rolled to work the product into cracks and edges of the old paint.

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