Painting a room or piece of furniture can feel like an exciting home-improvement adventure—until reality sets in. You might run into stubborn stains that just won’t hide, paint that cracks or peels soon after it dries, or surfaces so glossy that no paint seems to stick. It’s enough to make even the most enthusiastic DIYer dread the next coat of paint.
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. When you choose the right primer, you can sidestep many of these headaches and save yourself time, money, and frustration. That’s where INSL-X Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer by Benjamin Moore comes in. In this post, we’ll explore common painting issues you can avoid by using a high-bonding primer and explain why The Paint People—a trusted paint dealer in Ontario for over 20 years—recommend this game-changing product for all sorts of painting projects.
Common Painting Problems
Painting problems are surprisingly common, whether you’re a weekend DIYer freshening up your walls or a professional painter tackling a larger project. Let’s dive into some of the most frequent challenges and understand why they happen.
1. Peeling & Flaking
Few things are more disheartening than spending hours painting a surface, only to watch it peel or flake within weeks. This usually occurs when the paint doesn’t form a solid bond with what’s underneath—often because the surface was too glossy, dusty, or oily, or you didn’t use a suitable primer. Moisture can also be a culprit; in damp environments like bathrooms or basements, paint can separate from surfaces if it’s not properly sealed.
2. Stains & Bleed-Through
Ever painted over a water stain on your ceiling, only to have that brownish mark show up again a few days later? Stubborn stains—from water damage, smoke, nicotine, or even the natural tannins in wood—have a way of seeping right through regular paint. Without an effective stain-blocking primer, you might find yourself painting coat after coat without ever achieving a clean, uniform finish.
3. Glossy or Hard-to-Adhere Surfaces
Some surfaces are notoriously tricky when it comes to paint adherence. High-gloss finishes, laminates, tile, PVC, metals, and certain plastics can cause paint to bead up or slide off. If you’ve ever tried painting over a surface like old, shiny cabinets or metal railings, you know how easily paint can scratch right off unless you’ve got the right prep and primer.
4. Mold & Mildew
Painting in a high-humidity area comes with its own challenges. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and damp basements can encourage mold or mildew growth behind or on top of your paint job. In these cases, a primer designed to resist moisture and block mold or mildew growth can significantly prolong the life and appearance of your newly painted surfaces.
What Is INSL-X Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer?
INSL-X Stix is a waterborne bonding primer developed by Benjamin Moore, known for its powerful adhesion properties on even the toughest surfaces. It’s formulated to stick to glossy or hard-to-coat substrates like PVC, vinyl, glass, tile, metal, and more—making it a go-to choice for both interior and exterior applications. Even better, it’s low VOC, which means it has a relatively mild odor and is more environmentally friendly than many traditional primers.
This specialized primer effectively blocks stubborn stains from seeping through. By creating a solid, uniform base, INSL-X Stix ensures your topcoat goes on smoothly, looks great, and, most importantly, lasts for years. You won’t have to worry about peeling paint or unwanted spots showing up down the line. It’s quite simply a DIY and professional painter’s best friend.
Why The Paint People Recommend INSL-X Stix Primer
The Paint People have been in the business for over two decades, starting as a local paint dealer in Mississauga and growing into one of the largest paint, stain, and lacquer dealers in Ontario. With three locations serving contractors, businesses, and residential customers, they’ve built a reputation on recommending only the best products and delivering top-notch advice.
Here’s why they stand firmly behind INSL-X Stix:
- Expertise & Trust
- After 20+ years in the industry, The Paint People have seen it all. They’ve tested countless primers and paints, learning which products truly deliver. Their recommendation of INSL-X Stix is backed by real-world experience, not just marketing hype.
- Unmatched Adhesion
- If you’re dealing with a surface that most other primers can’t grip, Stix is up to the task. Its advanced formulation creates a reliable bond even on challenging materials like vinyl siding, tile, glass, and glossy cabinets.
- Versatility
- From kitchen cabinets and doors to bathroom walls and outdoor furniture, INSL-X Stix handles it all. Professionals love using one primer for multiple surfaces, and DIYers appreciate not having to keep track of different specialty primers.
- Stain Blocking Power
- Whether you’re hiding water damage on a ceiling, tannin bleed from wood, or remnants of an old paint job, Stix’s stain-blocking capability helps ensure your final color stays true and bright.
- Fast Dry & Low Odor
- Nobody likes lingering fumes. Being a waterborne formula, Stix significantly cuts down on odor, making it more comfortable for indoor use. Plus, it dries quickly, so you can move on to your topcoat sooner rather than later.
- Full Service & More
- The Paint People don’t just sell paint—they offer paint, stain, and lacquer matching, interior design services, custom upholstery, drapes, window treatments, wallpaper, and even have a full-service spray center for rentals, repairs, and how-to advice. They know which primers work best in each scenario, and Stix consistently comes out on top.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using INSL-X Stix Primer
Ready to tackle your next painting project with confidence? Here’s how to use INSL-X Stix Primer to get professional-looking results:
- Surface Prep
- Clean Thoroughly: Remove any dust, dirt, or grease before priming. A mild detergent or degreaser can help if you’re working on cabinets or furniture.
- Sand Lightly (If Needed): If you’re dealing with a super-glossy surface, a quick scuff sanding can further enhance adhesion.
- Ensure Dryness: Make sure the area is completely dry before you apply primer—paint and moisture are never a good mix.
- Application Method
- Brush or Roller: Use a high-quality brush or roller for even coverage. Go with smooth, consistent strokes, and watch out for drips on corners or edges.
- Spray: If you have a large surface or want a flawlessly smooth finish, spraying can be an excellent option. Just follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on thinning or specific spray tip sizes.
- Drying & Recoat
- Generally, Stix dries to the touch within 30 minutes, but always check the label for specific drying times and recoat instructions.
- Once it’s completely dry, you can apply your topcoat of paint. If you’re covering particularly stubborn stains, you might need a second coat of primer.
- Safety & Cleanup
- While Stix is low odor and low VOC, it’s still best practice to work in a well-ventilated area.
- Clean your brushes and rollers with soap and water soon after use to keep them in good shape.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Professional Painter’s Insight: One commercial painter from Toronto mentioned how Stix saved an entire storefront project. The exterior metal doors needed a primer that could handle the slick surface and unpredictable weather changes. After using INSL-X Stix, the new paint job adhered perfectly and held up to harsh winter conditions without chipping.
DIY Homeowner’s Experience: A local Mississauga homeowner struggled to paint glossy kitchen cabinets that had several old layers of paint. They followed The Paint People’s recommendation to use Stix, and the primer gripped beautifully. The final result was a bright, modern look—with no peeling or scratching—transforming the entire space without the need for expensive cabinet replacements.
Where to Buy: The Paint People
If you’re ready to solve your painting challenges, you can pick up INSL-X Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer from The Paint People. With three locations and an online store, you’ll find everything you need to ensure your project’s success—from high-quality tools to expert color matching. Beyond just selling primer, The Paint People also offer guidance, design services, and a full-service spray center to help you tackle any painting endeavor.
Conclusion
Great painting results aren’t just about the final coat—you need a solid, reliable base to build upon. That’s why INSL-X Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer is such a game-changer for anyone tired of peeling, flaking, or stained surfaces. By investing in a high-bonding, stain-blocking primer that professionals trust, you can finally stop redoing the same paint job year after year.
If you’re craving the confidence and peace of mind that comes from using top-quality products, look no further than The Paint People. With over 20 years in the industry and a robust range of services, they’re more than just a paint store—they’re your partners in making every painting project a success. Give Stix a try, and you’ll wonder how you ever painted without it!