What is the difference between a primer and a bonding agent?

Author: Mr. Jose Willms PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Primers could conceivably be considered a bonder. We separate the two because 1) Both products promote adhesion differently 2) Primers and bonders are not interchangeable. Acrylics for example almost always require a primer, a bonder shouldn't be used as an alternative.

What goes first, primer or bonder?

Bond Enhancer application should be applied as an extra step after natural nail prep and before application of primers, to dehydrate and balance the ph of the natural nail. This will help to maximize product adhesion.

Are Bonder and primer the same thing?

Bonders don't modify pH levels. Surprisingly, primer and bonder ingredients aren't radically different from each other, so people see them as the same product. However, bonder is for gel manicures, and primer is for acrylic manicures.

When should you not use bonding primer?

(Note: Bonding primers are not recommended for use over peeling paint).

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.

Nail Primers, Bonders & Prep Agents

Is bonding agent the same as primer?

Primer is not the same as primer and is not the same as the term bonding agent, although they are often used synonymously. Primers and undercoats, however, fulfil different tasks in coating and bonding processes. They are often different in terms of material and not comparable in application.

What is the best 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 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.

When not to use primer on walls?

If your walls are in a good condition and you're using a similar paint to the existing paint, you may not need primer. Always check the instructions on your chosen paint for guidance on using primer.

Can Bonder be used as primer?

We separate the two because 1) Both products promote adhesion differently 2) Primers and bonders are not interchangeable. Acrylics for example almost always require a primer, a bonder shouldn't be used as an alternative. Primer (whether acid or not) serve one primary purpose: Preparing the nail bed for acrylics.

Does Benjamin Moore make a bonding primer?

The Ultimate Benjamin Moore Primer

This acrylic urethane bonding primer with unparalleled adhesion creates an extremely hard film that can be top coated with almost any product—including alkyd, latex, urethane, epoxy, and lacquer coatings.

When to use bonder?

Purpose: Non-UV bonders are commonly used with traditional acrylic fake systems, gel systems and sometimes with regular polish to improve adhesion. How It Works: These bonders work without the need for UV light. They often function by chemically preparing the nail plate to bond more effectively with acrylics or polish.

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.

Can I use acetone instead of dehydrator?

Understanding Acetone

Its primary role in nail prep/care is as a dehydrator, removing moisture from the nail plate's surface temporarily. This quality is essential for preparing nails for treatments like polish or artificial nails, ensuring better adhesion and longevity of the nail product.

Are primer and bonder the same thing?

Bonders act as the sticky base that the nail product adheres to during application. Think of primer as the foundation and bonder as the glue holding it all together; the products aren't interchangeable, and if you use both, you must do so in the correct order: primer, then bonder.

What happens if you paint over primer?

Can you paint over primer without sanding the car? 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.

What is the best primer for walls?

Our paint pros recommend INSL-X Aqua Lock Plus Primer as the best drywall primer. This multi-purpose, acrylic, water-based primer/sealer features outstanding sealing properties perfect for priming new drywall. It adheres to interior and exterior surfaces and can be top-coated with latex or oil-based coatings.

Can you paint over dark colors without primer?

Without using a primer, dark colors can bleed through the new paint layers, which might necessitate applying additional coats and consequently increase the time and materials needed.

What is the difference between Zinsser bin and Bulls Eye 1-2-3?

What is the difference between Zinsser BIN and Zinsser Bullseye? Zinsser BIN is a shellac-based paint, Bullseye 123 is water-based.

Can you 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.

Is Zinsser Smart primer a bonding primer?

Zinsser ® SmartPrime® is a water-based modified acrylic primer/sealer, stain killer and bond coat. This product provides the characteristics of an oil-based product in an all- purpose water-based interior/exterior primer.

What is the difference between bonding primer and regular 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.

Is Zinsser 123 a good bonding primer?

A 'bond coat' primer that's great for hard-to-stick surfaces, it offers excellent adhesion without sanding. Bulls Eye® 1-2-3 also prevents rust formation when applied over clean ferrous metal such as iron and steel.

What is an alternative to a Zinsser bin?

Also consider fossa Block & Bond as a direct alternative to Zinsser BIN, it's a bit nicer to use, and quite a bit cheaper: Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer and Stain Blocker seals surface pores so you use less finish paint. Finish coat has rich uniform appearance, with no "high" and "low" spots.

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