The 10 Best bonding Primer for Metal, Glass, Cabinets & Tiles of 2022

Best bonding Primer Reviews

Pick up the best bonding primer can be a challenging task. We get it. Hence, we review the top 10 bonding primer available, offering you insight so that you can make an informed decision.

Let’s dive in.


Best bonding Primer Reviews

1.KILZ L211101 Adhesion Bonding– best bonding primer for glossy surfaces

This primer will make your life easier than ever. It binds to hard-to-paint paint surfaces such as tiles, glass, vinyl, Formica, PVC, Kynar, fiberglass, glossy finishes, chalky paint, glazed brick, and metals.

As if that’s not enough, you can also use a topcoat with oil or latex-based paint. Sounds good, right?

And the drying time?

Though it depends on humidity and temp, I will suggest you wait for 2-3 hours before any sort of painting. So, here is the thing – when it doesn’t look tacky, it’s properly dried. Anyway, according to the manufacturer, it dries within thirty minutes. Hence, you can recoat around an hour.

Speaking of technical details, Viscosity – 93 – 100 KU, Spray Tip -.015 – .021 inches Spray Pressure – 2,500 – 3,200. Roller – Porous Surface – 1/2 – 3/4-inch nap, and Roller – Smooth Surface – 3/8 – 1/2 inch nap.

PROS (What we liked)
  • Bond safely on slick surfaces.
  • It provides the ideal adhesion.
  • Creamy hence goes on smoothly.
  • The bearable smell, sort of like regular latex paint.
  • Holds up strongly even after rough scrubbing.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Sometimes, it doesn’t adhere well to a few spots.

2. XIM 11022 Primer Sealer Bonder – best bonding primer for Formica

This one is quite a miracle primer when it comes to hard-to-paint surfaces. It offers the best bonding surface, which gives complete coverage within one coat.

As if that’s not enough, it’s highly compatible with exterior and interior use. Not to mention, you can use it with latex or alkyd topcoats.

And the best part?

This bonding primer meets all of the VOC requirements of federal and state. Needless to say, it’s so safe to use it not only for interior ventures but also on exterior projects. So, you can use it on both ventures without any complication.

Clean paintable surfaces do not need sanding. Though you can do it, however, you should do the sanding for glossy, hard surfaces like fiberglass, glazed block, plastics, metals, Formica, tile, and glass. In that way, they get maximum adhesion.

A word of caution – you have to stir it exceptionally well. Otherwise, the paints get super thick, which could be a problem for you.

Overall, this product is fantastic and one of the best bonding primer for plastic. Don’t you agree?

PROS (What we liked)
  • Heal the surface like a champ.
  • Goes on creamy.
  • It offers the best bonding layer.
  • It dries fast; hence you don’t have to wait too much.
  • Excellent coverage that makes your whole experience smooth.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The fume has a pretty high VOC though it adheres to the requirement of the state. So, use it in a well-ventilated area. Otherwise, it can make you a tad woozy.
  • For the newbies, it’s a bit tricky to work with a brush. A spray would be an upgrade for them.

3. Rust-Oleum 290971 Zinsser All-Purpose Primer – best bonding primer for metal

Looking for a budget-friendly bonding primer? Also, it needs to be versatile to use in a wide range of applications. Does that sound like your story?

Well, then you are in luck. This rust-oleum all-purpose is affordable beyond your imagination. It’s a multi-purpose primer that can be used in industrial, commercial, and exterior residential applications.

To make things better, it sticks to your surface without any sort of sanding. Then again, it seals evenly. Sounds good, right?

Speaking of drying, it takes only 30 minutes. Not to mention, it covers evenly up to 12 sq. ft. Good for you.

But you know what else?

Stain blocking resistance is another distinctive feature of this primer. Also, it can be applied over any latex or oil topcoat.

Nevertheless, the gray color of this primer makes a difference in your whole deal. It enhances the coverage of topcoats beautifully.

PROS (What we liked)
  • Super-fast coverage.
  • Dries flat as well as rapid.
  • Excellent adherence that keeps the entire application smooth
  • Sands extremely well.
  • Suitable for glossy or challenging surfaces.
  • You can use it on metal, masonry, wood, concrete, and painted drywall.
  • It has a modifiable nozzle that is indeed never clogged up.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Not compatible with galvanized material.
  • The fume is awful. Wear, certainly, a respirator.

4. INSL-X SXA11099-0 STIX Bonding Primer – best bonding primer for fiberglass door

This is another delightful bonding primer that definitely, deserves a spot in our top 10. It’s a versatile bonding primer that can be used on literally anything, such as aluminum, fiberglass.

Further, it’s so easy to use as it goes on so effortlessly. Also, it sticks neatly. After drying, it feels so smooth. Not to mention, the topcoat looks so great.

However, it goes on thinly. So, don’t overapply it. Though it covers brilliantly, it doesn’t cover everything on block or well stains. After all, it’s a bonding primer.

PROS (What we liked)
  • Excellent coverage.
  • Levels out so beautifully.
  • You can tint it if you want.
  • The adhesion is totally mind-blowing, even on rough surfaces.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • A few consumers complained that the lid pops off. Anyway, the manufacturer took care of their complaint. Yet, they need to careful with that.

5. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer – best concrete bonding primer

This water-based primer is suitable to use on any surface. It doesn’t matter if it’s exterior or interior. It’s perfectly compatible with both surfaces.

Luckily, there’s more that makes it the best one.

It has a rust inhibitor. Yes, you heard that right. Now, you can use this primer on your metal surfaces without any complication. Finally, a solution, right?

But, you know, what amazes me the most? It’s that how great it works on high pH surfaces such as new concrete. Here’s the kicker, right?

Speaking of cleaning, you will have some real fun with this. You just need some water and soap; no cleaning product or detergent is required. Yes, it’s that simple.

We’re not finished yet.

The brilliant water-based formula of this primer resists peeling, blistering, and mildew growth. Besides that, it protects and covers nearly 100 sq. Ft. each quart.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It provides a brilliant satin finish that is soft and velvety.
  • You will never have trouble with chipping.
  • The sheen and coverage are absolutely a gem.
  • Sanding is not mandatory at all.
  • Holds up fantastically.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It’s a tad thin, though it goes on quite smoothly.
  • Packaging could use some upgrade.

6. RUST-OLEUM 330494 Quart Universal Bonding Primer – best water-based bonding primer

This is a water-based primer that forms a smooth finish. It bonds topcoat to any sort of surface. Most importantly, the bond is firm and sturdy.

Plainly enough, it’s quite safe to use. And there exist a few reasons for that. First, it’s resistant to rust. Then again, it doesn’t need any sanding. But still, the adhesion level is totally amazing. Though, you can do the sanding for better results.

However, you might need a stir stick as it needs some serious stirring. For some projects, a coat might not be enough. So, you have to apply several coats.

PROS (What we liked)
  • The drying time is fast.
  • It provides a classy finish.
  • Effortless to clean.
  • Auto level and smooth.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Sometimes, you need to apply 2-3 coats.

7. KILZ Restoration Primer/Sealer – best bonding primer for glass

This primer has been developed with the latest technology. Hence, it has been designed to work as an oil-based primer. So, there is, of course, no doubt about the fact that it’s one of the best oil-based bonding primers.

Further, it has been designed to withstand rough stains effortlessly. And that includes pet stains, felt marker, pencil, ink, tannin, grease, nicotine, smoke rust, or heavy water damage.

What’s more, this one is only intended for interior surfaces. Luckily, it covers everything regarding interior surfaces, including glass, tile, ceramic, painted metal, brick, masonry, plaster, woodwork, drywall, and glossy surfaces. The list is quite long, isn’t it? I even didn’t state half of the surface.

Anyway, you have to follow some rules while you’re applying it. First, prepare the surface. Ensure that the surface is free of peeling paint, rust, mold, chalk, grease, and dust. Then, blend neatly before applying. Then, use an airless sprayer, roller, and brush for applying.

Last but not least, it dries in 30 minutes. So, you can recoat in one hour if you want. It seems a pretty fast process.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It’s non-combustible and non-flammable.
  • It has minimal odor.
  • Lifesaver primer to hide pet stain.
  • Enhanced adhesion.
  • Covers the panel fantastically.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Cleaning could be, sometimes, a tad messy.

8. MAD DOG MDPDP – best bonding primer for cabinets

Have you wondered why your surface rusts even though you used a bonding primer? Well, let’s see – it’s because most of the primers can’t protect the surface for a long time, though it helps for a while.

Anyway, no more worries, as this bonding primer is designed with weather smart technology. And the point?

It means that this primer not only prevents but also stops tannin and peeling rust. Yes, you got it right.

But, wait, there’s more.

This one is perfectly compatible with our environment and earth. Good for you. Now, how does it work?

First, it penetrates the coating. Then it prepares and stabilizes peeling paint. Finally, it cracks the surfaces. Obviously enough, it works on all sorts of surfaces, such as concrete, wood, plaster, and rusty or galvanized metal.

PROS (What we liked)
  • Worked like a champ on rusty surfaces.
  • It adheres better than any standard primer.
  • A suitable and healthy option for the environment.
  • Easy clean-up just needs some water and soap.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Sometimes, the lid gets loose.

9. KILZ Premium High-Hide Primer – best exterior bonding primer

Another quality product from KILZ has a super affordable price. It’s known for its effective adhesion to most exterior and interior surfaces.

Interestingly enough, when you use it, it will assist you in obtaining a uniform finish. Not to mention, it hides previous colors plus hides stains.

Most importantly, it provides the right kind of consistency that ensures a smooth finish. Yes, it seals porous surfaces. Also, if your surface has any imperfection, it fills that right.

But what’s the amazing part?

Well, it’s the ability to cope up with high humidity areas. No primer could do a better job in laundry rooms and bathrooms than this one.

Of course, it’s one of the best bonding primers for latex over oil.

PROS (What we liked)
  • Minimizes surface imperfections, which are caused by porosity and texture differences.
  • Covers nearly 300-400 square feet (each gallon).
  • It offers a coating that is resistant to mildew.
  • Zero VOC plus low odor.
  • It takes around two hours to dry.
  • A tad is enough to go a long way.
  • It doesn’t drip that makes this primer so easy to use.
  • It seals perfectly and covers A-z.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It takes two coats on maximum surfaces though one coat is enough for cream or white variants.

10. DecoArt DS17-9 – best bonding primer for tile

A bonding primer, which has a ridiculously lower price yet versatile. In sum, this is the DEcoArt primer. You can use it on plaster, glazed ceramics, glass, metal, wood, even on terra cotta.

But there’s still more.

It possesses harmless properties. So, you can use its exterior ventures, and that will be incredibly safe for the environment.

For absorbent surfaces, you can thin them with water. Also, to quicken the base coating, you can blend an equal amount of sealer and paint.

Overall, we can say that it’s one of the best bonding primers for furniture.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It provides a transparent finish.
  • It offers excellent sealing.
  • It leaves a lovely shine wherever you use it.
  • It holds up quickly, also fantastically.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It’s too sticky that makes the whole process a bit complicated.

Wrapping up

These are our top 10 best bonding primers. Undoubtedly, they are some bonding primers that are equally best primers for painting. Our consumer report explicitly shows that these are the products that have been chosen as best for consumer products.

Consumers vote and our experts’ research; both have a role to play to make this list. However, pick up the one which goes on your needs and style. If you feel confused, please check out our buying guide and FAQ questions. I can confidently say, both of these sections will shed some light on your question. Still, if you feel trapped, why don’t you write a comment here. I am here for you, mate.


Factors to consider while buying the best bonding primer

To pick up the right primer needs some research on your part. Nevertheless, if you keep some things in your mind, then the task of buying a bonding primer would become a lot easier for you. The following are some of them.

Drying Time

You gave to wait the right amount of time after applying the primer. Most of the bonding primers dry reasonably quickly. Most of the time, 2-3 hours are sufficient to dry. But, always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Wait for the exact time that they instructed.

Another thing – the surface might need another coat if you want to hide some significant stains. In that case, wait for drying the first coat. Then do recoat.

You must remember that if you paint the surface before the primer dries, then the primer will not provide its best results. So, even if you have to wait for a while, I will suggest you be patient.

Color finish Options

Most bonding primers come in four colors – red oxide, black, gray, and white. Here I want to break down a common prejudice – the primer color never affects your paint’s finish.

Odor and Stain Resistance

Cigarette smoke or pet odor can ruin your precious surface in a few years. But it won’t if you have a bonding primer that blocks stains and locks out pet odors. Sounds terrific, right?

If you are a smoker or have a pet, you should pick up a bonding primer with these qualities. Nevertheless, if you don’t fall under these two obligations, I believe you can use any regular bonding primer.

These are also other factors – versatility, durability, odor that commands your attention. So, check out all the factors and make an informed decision.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is bonding Primer?

A bonding primer prepares a surface and makes it ideal for a topcoat. It helps to remove odor and stain from your surface.

What does bonding primer do?

It sticks to the surface, thus makes a cohesive bond between the paint and material. Therefore, the paint locks to your surface perfectly. It will also make the color last longer.

How to use a bonding primer?

Prepare the surface first. Make it free from dust, rust, and other things. In short, make it clean. Then, use the primer with a brush or roller. Also, you can check the manufacturer’s instructions. You will have a clear idea about that.

How long does bonding primer take to dry?

Well, as I mentioned before, it varies primer to primer. Typically, 2 hours should be enough for that. But check what the manufacturer says. A few bonding primers just takes 30 minutes. Always give the primer proper time to dry.

Can you spray bonding primer?

Yes, you can.