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

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?

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:

Our Top Pick: Rust-Oleum Zinsser Peel Stop