Comparisons
Stix Primer vs. Extreme Bond Primer
David Cook
David Cook has run D'Franco Painting & Wallpaper in Huntley for 20+ years and has filmed more than a thousand videos on real jobs, so you can see the work before you pay for it.
Reviewed by David Cook · Last updated October 25, 2026 · 6 min read
Both are bonding primers for slick surfaces like glossy tile, PVC and glass. Stix, by Benjamin Moore, goes on as low as 35°F, works outside and sands easily, which is why we like it in our Huntley spray booth. Extreme Bond, by Sherwin-Williams, needs less prep and is ready to topcoat in an hour, but needs 50°F and up and does not sand as easily in our experience.
The short version
- Stix is a water based acrylic urethane. Extreme Bond is a waterborne, urethane modified acrylic.
- Stix recoats in 3 to 4 hours. Extreme Bond is ready for topcoat in as little as 1 hour.
- Stix takes up to 2 ounces of colorant per gallon. Extreme Bond tints more, which helps under blues and greens.
- Both are low VOC, but adding tint adds VOCs.
What are bonding primers and why do you need one?
Whether you are painting cabinets or priming ceramic tile, you need a primer that bonds to the surface so the paint does not peel. Bonding primers are made to stick to slick or difficult surfaces that ordinary primers struggle with. Without one, paint can peel, bubble or fail to stick at all. For us, the two contenders are Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer by Benjamin Moore and Extreme Bond Primer by Sherwin-Williams.
1. What is each primer made of?
Stix is a water based acrylic urethane primer, with strong adhesion and durability inside and out.
Extreme Bond is a waterborne, urethane modified acrylic primer, made for hard to coat surfaces even with minimal prep.
2. Surface preparation
Stix sticks well to challenging surfaces, but proper cleaning and light sanding may be needed for the best results.
Extreme Bond is marketed as a minimal prep primer, a good choice when you want to save time on sanding.
3. Application conditions
Stix can be applied as low as 35°F. We love it for that, especially in our spray booth here in Huntley, where cold weather is an issue.
Extreme Bond is recommended above 50°F, which can limit it in colder months, an issue for us here in Huntley.
4. Drying and curing times
Stix dries to the touch in about 30 minutes and can be recoated after 3 to 4 hours. Full cure takes up to 7 days.
Extreme Bond dries to the touch in 30 minutes and is ready for a topcoat in as little as 1 hour.
5. Tinting options
Both can be tinted. Stix takes up to 2 ounces of universal colorant per gallon, while Extreme Bond has broader tinting options to help topcoat coverage. The extra tinting is nice under darker or more vivid colors like blue and green.
6. Do I need to worry about VOCs?
Both are low VOC and safe indoors with proper ventilation. Keep in mind that when you add tint, you add VOCs.
7. Durability and performance
Stix sticks very well to PVC, vinyl, plastic, glass, tile and glossy surfaces.
Extreme Bond bonds strongly to hard to coat surfaces, but may not perform as well as Stix on some exterior jobs.
Reported complaints and problems
Both are highly rated, but some issues come up in posts on Reddit, Google and elsewhere. In our own use, Extreme Bond does not sand as easily as other primers.
| Stix | Extreme Bond | |
|---|---|---|
| Drying or adhesion | Some report longer drying in high humidity | A few report peeling or poor adhesion on very slick or glossy surfaces |
| Prep or temperature | Needs light sanding on some surfaces, but all primers should be sanded, and it sands easily and smoothly | Its higher minimum temperature limits outdoor work in cold weather |
| Price or coverage | Slightly more expensive than standard primers | A thinner formula some find less forgiving, needing more coats |
Which bonding primer should you choose?
Choose Stix if you are working in colder conditions, 35°F and up, need a primer for exterior work, or have very slick, challenging surfaces.
Choose Extreme Bond if you want minimal prep, need a quick drying primer for interior use, and are working in a climate controlled space above 50°F.
Safety and usage tips
Both need careful handling.
- Always wear protective equipment: gloves, goggles and a mask.
- Ventilate properly when applying indoors.
- Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
Questions about bonding primers
Can I use Stix or Extreme Bond on kitchen cabinets? Yes. Both are good choices, but Stix is often preferred for its adhesion on glossy finishes.
Are they suitable for exterior projects? Stix is rated for exterior use, while Extreme Bond is best for interior projects because of its temperature limits.
Do I need to sand first? Stix usually needs light sanding for the best bond, while Extreme Bond can stick well with minimal prep.
How long do they take to dry? Stix can be recoated in 3 to 4 hours, while Extreme Bond is ready for topcoat in 1 hour in ideal conditions.
Related: Get an instant estimate, Stix vs. B-I-N primer.
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