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Stix Primer vs Extreme Bond Primer

Stix Primer vs. Extreme Bond Primer

Are you looking at painting a wood surface such as cabinets? Maybe your priming ceramic tile? Either way you need a primer that will bond to the surafce without the woory of peeling paint. Here at D’franco Painting and Wallapper, we say there are two contenders in the world of bonding primers;Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer by Benjamin Moore and Extreme Bond® Primer by Sherwin-Williams. Both are designed to tackle tough-to-paint surfaces like glossy tiles, PVC, glass, and more, but how do they compare? Its a cage match!! Stix vs Extreme Bond primer.

Table of contents- what we will cover today

Stix Primer vs. Extreme Bond Primer

What Are Bonding Primers and Why Do You Need One?

Bonding primers are specially formulated to adhere to slick or difficult surfaces that traditional primers might struggle with. Without the proper primer, your paint may peel, bubble, or fail to adhere entirely. Whether you’re a homeowner refreshing your kitchen cabinets or a business owner updating a commercial space, using a high-quality bonding primer like Stix or Extreme Bond can save you time, money, and headaches.

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Comparing Stix and Extreme Bond Primers

1. What is each primer made of or made from?

Stix Primer: A water-based acrylic-urethane primer. This formula offers exceptional adhesion and durability for both interior and exterior applications.
Extreme Bond Primer: A waterborne, urethane-modified acrylic primer. It’s specifically designed for hard-to-coat surfaces, even with minimal prep.

2. Surface Preparation for bonding primer

Stix Primer: While it adheres well to challenging surfaces, proper cleaning and light sanding may be required for optimal performance.
Extreme Bond Primer: Marketed as a minimal-prep solution, it’s a great choice when you want to save time on sanding.

3. The Application Conditions for each primer

Stix Primer: Can be applied in temperatures as low as 35°F (1.7°C), making it ideal for cooler environments- we love it! Especially for our Spray booth here in Huntley, cold weather is an issue.
Extreme Bond Primer: Recommended for use in temperatures above 50°F (10°C), which may limit application during colder months, an issue for us here in Huntley.

4. How are the Drying and Curing Times of each primer

Stix Primer: Dries to the touch in about 30 minutes and can be recoated after 3-4 hours. Full curing takes up to 7 days.
Extreme Bond Primer: Dries to the touch in 30 minutes and is ready for a topcoat in as little as 1 hour.

5. What are Tinting Option for these primers

Both primers are tintable. Stix can be tinted with up to 2 ounces of universal colorant per gallon, while Extreme Bond offers broad tinting options to improve topcoat coverage.
the extra tinting for extreme bond is nice for darker or more vivid colors such as blue and green

6. Do I need to worry about VOC’s of these primers?

Both primers are low-VOC, making them compliant with environmental standards and safe for indoor use with proper ventilation. (keep in mind when you add tint, you add VOC)

7. Durability and Performance for thes 2 primers

Stix Primer: Offers excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates, including PVC, vinyl, plastic, glass, tile, and glossy surfaces. This stuff just sticks!!!
Extreme Bond Primer: Provides a strong bond on hard-to-coat surfaces but may not perform as well on some exterior applications compared to Stix.

Reported Complaints and Problems

While both primers are highly rated, there are some common issues reported on reddit, google etc…

Stix Primer:
- Drying Time: Some users report longer drying times in high-humidity conditions.
- Sanding Requirement: Requires light sanding on certain surfaces, which can be time-consuming for larger projects, but all primers should be sanded. The sanding is very easy and very smooth.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than standard primers.
Extreme Bond Primer:
- Adhesion on Some Surfaces: A few users have reported peeling or poor adhesion on extremely slick or glossy surfaces.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Its higher minimum application temperature limits flexibility for outdoor projects in colder weather.
- Thinner Formula: Some users feel it’s less forgiving during application, requiring multiple coats for full coverage.
- We have found when we use it, that sanding this primer does not sand as easy as other primers.

Which Bonding Primer Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your specific project needs:

Choose Stix Primer if:
- You’re working in colder conditions (35°F and up).
- You need a primer for exterior applications.
- Your project involves highly slick or challenging surfaces.
Choose Extreme Bond Primer if:
- You’re prioritizing minimal prep work.
- You need a quick-drying primer for interior use.
- Your project is in a climate-controlled environment above 50°F.

Safety and Usage Tips

Both primers contain components that require careful handling:

Always use personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, and masks.
Ensure proper ventilation when applying indoors.
Store in a cool, dry place and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs About Bonding Primers

Q: Can I use Stix or Extreme Bond Primer on kitchen cabinets? A: Yes! Both are excellent choices for cabinets, but Stix is often preferred for its superior adhesion on glossy finishes.

Q: Are these primers suitable for exterior projects? A: Stix is rated for exterior use, while Extreme Bond is best suited for interior projects due to its temperature sensitivity.

Q: Do I need to sand before using these primers? A: Stix typically requires light sanding for optimal adhesion, while Extreme Bond can adhere well with minimal prep.

Q: How long do these primers take to dry? A: Stix can be recoated in 3-4 hours, while Extreme Bond is ready for topcoating in 1 hour under ideal conditions.