Top 5 Best Exterior Primer For Peeling Paint (2023 Review)

Last Updated On August 25, 2023

Repainting your exterior, but annoyed with all the previous paint that is peeling off? 

You've come to the right place!

In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you will learn:

  • The best exterior primers for peeling paint
  • How to prep your exterior for the perfect DIY exterior paint job
  • Paint tips to help you paint like a pro

And much more!

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The truth is, you might need to powerwash it first. 

And after that, you might want to prep it even further by sanding, but it all depends on which surface you are painting. 

When painting peeled up paint it's good to find a primer that has adhesive qualities.

Want to know the best exterior primer for peeling paint? Stick with this Pro Paint Corner guide to stay informed on exactly what to do. 

Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the best exterior primer for peeling paint.

Image Product

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Rust-Oleum Zinsser Peel Stop
  • Specially formulated to cover and prevent peeling
  • Extends life of peeling surfaces
  • For interior and exterior use
  • Specially formulated to cover and prevent peeling
  • Extends life of peeling surfaces
  • For interior and exterior use
View on Amazon

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KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Latex Primer/Sealer
  • Stain-blocking water-based formula
  • Works great on most surfaces
  • Sold in 5-gallon quantities
  • Stain-blocking water-based formula
  • Works great on most surfaces
  • Sold in 5-gallon quantities
View on Amazon

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INSL-X Waterborne Bonding Primer
  • Interior/exterior glossy finish
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Waterborne bonding primer
  • Interior/exterior glossy finish
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Waterborne bonding primer
View on Amazon

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POR-15 High Build Primer
  • Excellent automotive primer
  • Fills imperfections
  • Rust preventative coating
  • Excellent automotive primer
  • Fills imperfections
  • Rust preventative coating
View on Amazon

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Prestige Exterior Paint And Primer In One
  • Mildew-resistant coating
  • Easily applied with a high-hiding formula
  • Paint and primer all-in-one
  • Mildew-resistant coating
  • Easily applied with a high-hiding formula
  • Paint and primer all-in-one
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On August 25, 2023

Our favorite choice is Rustoleum Zinsser Peel Stop because it is specially formulated to prevent cracking and peeling in an exterior paint job. 

Aside from being manufactured in the USA, this Zinsser Peel Stop Triple is affordably priced to take care of your peeling paint jobs with a low odor, low VOC, and other qualities that make it perfect for painting over the worst of previous paint jobs. 

After pressure washing, sanding an old paint job, apply Rustoleum Zinsser Peel Stop Triple over the top to make for an outstanding exterior paint job.

Top 5 Exterior Primers For Peeling Paint

In a hurry? Check out our top 5 primers! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.

  1. Rust-Oleum Zinsser Peel Stop
  2. KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Latex Primer/Sealer
  3. INSL-X Waterborne Bonding Primer
  4. POR-15 High Build Primer
  5. Prestige Exterior Paint And Primer In One

What Are Exterior Primers For Peeling Paint?

Exterior primers are specially formulated to protect exterior surfaces like masonry from alkalinity and efflorescence, and they are also designed to prevent cracking, peeling, and discoloring from extreme weather conditions. 

The first thing we should clarify, however, is that if your old exterior paint job is peeling off, you are going to need to either hire a power washer service (view our Pro Paint Corner page to find the best pro painters in your area) or powerwash the exterior surface yourself to help get rid of most the peeling that might occur when applying the fresh coat.

What Are The Different Types of Exterior Primers For Peeling Paint?

Clear binding sealer

A clear binding sealer prevents chalking, and it also has adhesive qualities that help peeled paint lay flat. 

As stated earlier, it's obviously necessary to do some prepping before applying paint to a previously peeled-up paint job, but after you do a clear binding sealer will do the trick in helping prevent future peeling.

Paint and primer all-in-one

To save money, you may want to use exterior paint and primer. This means that you don't need to apply primer, let it dry, then apply the color of the paint. Instead, you can buy an all-in-one product like Prestige.

Read More >> What Are The Best Exterior Primer Paints?

Did you know: Not only does paint primer increase your paint's adhesion to the surface, but it also improves corrosion resistance for a long-lasting paint job. 

How Do Exterior Primers For Peeling Paint Work?

Before repainting your exterior surface, you may want to consider applying caulk or putty to help prevent water, insects, and other penetrating factors.

Exterior primers have to be formulated to stand up to the elements better than interior primers. That's why the best primers for the exterior are super water-resistant and loaded with more adhesive power to block out stains and water.

Here are some steps for starting your exterior paint job.

Measure square footage

Measuring the square footage of the job will help you get a good idea of how much paint to purchase. 

Tip: it's better to estimate in excess, because that way, you won't end up almost to the end of your project without a sufficient amount of paint. 

Evaluate prepping needs

Aside from pressure washing and sanding, you're going to need some masking materials to help cover up surfaces like windows, soffit/fascia, etc.

Apply primer

Apply the primer of your choice with either a paint roller, brush, or paint sprayer. Use our top 5 list for the best adhesive primers for peeling paint.

The idea when applying primer is to apply a thick even coat that consistently covers the surface. Remember, the more primer you apply, the less finish paint you're going to have to use when covering the surface the second and third times. 

Apply First Coat

Two coats of finish paint will help the job turn out solid. So, pick your color of choice, and have at it!

The key to a good first good is to apply a generous amount of paint. Obviously, you don't want the surface dripping, but it also won't help if you are trying to skimp and save paint. You'll just end up having to apply more coats to cover the surface.

Apply Finish/Topcoat

One more coat of paint, and you're ready to clean up your brushes and get out of town!

After you have applied the finish coat, you can typically immediately remove all masking materials as long as you don't have to touch the paint in getting to them. Good luck!

Youtube videos are also extremely helpful when DIYing. Check out vids like this to help you get a good idea what to do:

What To Look For In The Best Exterior Primers For Peeling Paint?

Adhesive qualities

The main thing to look for in this situation is a primer that has adhesive qualities, so the paint not only covers up the surface, but it also presses down peeling parts and prevents future peeling.

Exterior specific

Be sure you don't use an interior specific primer on your exterior project. This could end up being a paint job that doesn't last very long.

Purchase in quantity

It's always better to purchase in higher quantities when you purchase paint. You'll get a better price, and who knows maybe you'll find other projects that need to be primed in the near future.

It's always good to have a little extra paint sitting around.

Read More >> How Do You Get Primer Off Your Hands?

Our Reviews Of The Best Exterior Primers For Peeling Paint

Zinsser Peel Stop Triple is the solution for stopping peeled paint on exterior/interior projects.

Want to extend the life of problematic surfaces? This primer does the trick.

By gluing down peeling paint particles, Zinsser Peel Stop primer will make your next DIY paint job look like a professional did it. 

This is our favorite choice for a water-based solution on those tough exterior paint jobs not only because it works, but also because it is produced in the United States.

Pros

  • Water-based sealant formula
  • Made in the USA
  • Glues up cracking and peeling

Cons

  • Isn't sold in 5-gallon quantities
  • Not an all-in-one paint and primer
  • May get expensive on larger areas

Kilz is the go-to purchase if you are purchasing in quantity because it comes in 5-gallon sizes right to your doorstep. 

This stain-blocking primer is a quality option for your interior exterior paint projects that adheres excellently to a plethora of surfaces including plaster, drywall, woodwork, brick, masonry, paneling, tile, wood siding, baseboards, and more. 

We recommend Kilz as a great option for larger projects that need a good primer before painting.

Pros

  • For interior/exterior use
  • Covers 300-400 square feet per gallon
  • Cleans up easily with soap and water

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Manufacturing location unknown
  • Not an all-in-one paint and primer

Here is a waterborne urethane primer that has great reviews and is ideal for use on surfaces that get hit with a lot of water.

Although this primer isn't made specifically for peeling paint, you will be sure to get good results if you prep the area appropriately beforehand. 

We recommend INSL-X to those who want extra quality on problem areas or smaller paint projects.

Pros

Cons

  • Not sold in 5-gallon quantities
  • Not formulated specifically for peeling paint
  • Only sold in 1-quart quantities

Painting the exterior of a vehicle? This High Build primer is ideal for covering up unwanted peeling, plus you will be killing two birds with one stone because it prevents rust.

With the ability to apply a topcoat just 30 minutes after painting on this High Build primer, we recommend this brand to automotive specialists or DIYers who want to get the most out of painting peeled-off surfaces on vehicles. 

Pros

  • Fast-drying in just 30 minutes
  • Prevents rust
  • Smooth finish

Cons

  • For automotive use only
  • Not sold in 5-gallon quantities

Want to simplify your paint project? We don't blame you; some paint projects just need a quick coat of paint for 'putting lipstick on the pig', and this Prestige Exterior Paint And Primer-In-One will help you do just that on your exterior projects.

Choose from interior satin, exterior satin, or exterior semi-gloss versions of this Prestige paint that doesn't require a second coat when painting surfaces like fences, paneling, concrete, and more.

Pros

  • Doesn't require a topcoat
  • Choose from three different types
  • Comes in different colors

Cons

  • On the expensive side
  • Not specially formulated for peeling paint
  • Not as high-quality

Our top choice is the Rustoleum Zinsser Peel Stop because of its special formula designed to protect and cover cracking and peeling from exterior paint jobs.

Sometimes peeling paint is easy to get rid of, and even when you power wash it, it seems like it might flake off again. 

That's where Rustoleum Zinsser Peel Stop comes in saving the day. Bring extra life to surfaces that you may have deemed hopeless by applying a layer of this primer that acts as a glue for pressing down difficult surfaces.

Find the lowest price on Amazon here.

Final Thoughts On The Best Exterior Primer For Peeling Paint

Brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore will also help you to paint your exterior surface effectively, however, the downside is that you won't be able to purchase them online at a bargain price, and have them directly delivered to your doorstep using Amazon.

Be Safe When Painting

Above all else, it's important that you paint safely. This means using nitrile gloves to protect your hands, a mask or respirator to protect your respiratory system and, of course, abiding by all the safety tips like these when climbing on a ladder. 

Have You Tried An Airless Sprayer?

Airless sprayers make exterior paint jobs ridiculously easy. Even a cheap, handheld HVLP sprayer will do the trick and save you time on your paint job. 

Need some purchasing suggestions? We know all the good paint sprayer brands.

Need A Ladder? 

Chances are, if you are painting an exterior surface then you are going to need an extension ladder for reaching the appropriate heights. 

We've already done the research to discover which ladders are the best option when painting. Click here for a list of the best step ladders for your exterior paint job.

Looking For Painters In Your Area?

Some paint jobs are best left up to the pros. And lucky for you, we've done some research to find the best painters in your area. Enjoy!

Questions?

Don't forget to hit Pro Paint Corner for a quick answer to all of your paint questions.

Meet Your Pro Paint Corner Author

Ryan Nichols

Ryan Nichols

I first painted professionally in my late teens. I have painted everything from long military base walls to spraying cedar wood siding on cabins in the mountains of Utah. I am also an automotive technician with plenty of auto body and paint experience. In my spare time, I even enjoy artistic oil painting.

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Ryan Nichols

Ryan Nichols

I first painted professionally in my late teens. I have painted everything from long military base walls to spraying cedar wood siding on cabins in the mountains of Utah. I am also an automotive technician with plenty of auto body and paint experience. In my spare time, I even enjoy artistic oil painting.

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