I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Exterior Primer For Peeling Paint (2023)

I have been using Mad Dog primer for the past 10 years, and it has truly been a game-changer for me. Unlike other primers, Mad Dog excels in preventing peeling, making it the king of primers in my book. Whether it's wood trim, stucco, or painted metal gutters, Mad Dog has consistently delivered outstanding results.

Compared to the cheaper alternative, Peel Stop, Mad Dog may come at a higher cost, but it is well worth every penny. The difference in longevity is remarkable. Areas where I used Mad Dog have remained intact for up to 8 years, while those without required repainting within a couple of years. The durability and long-lasting protection provided by Mad Dog are unmatched.

The application process is a breeze, and the primer goes on easily, leaving a slight green tinge. Within a couple of hours, it dries to a rubber-like coating, providing a solid foundation for the finish paint. The end result is a smooth finish that feels like it will withstand the test of time without any signs of peeling.

I had a personal experience with the Mad Dog primer on my Hardy siding, which had rusty nails showing all over. After applying the Mad Dog primer and paint, my siding remains rust-free even after a year. The primer goes on thick and dries to a clear green color, allowing for easy visibility while ensuring that rust doesn't bleed through the paint.

Another remarkable feat of Mad Dog primer is its effectiveness on cedar siding. Cedar is notorious for its oily nature, which makes it challenging for primers to adhere to. However, since I started using Mad Dog over a decade ago, I haven't experienced any peeling or cracking on my cedar siding. This year, I only need to do minor touch-ups, which further proves the lasting power of this primer.

I was in search of a solution for stabilizing flaking paint on an exterior wood staircase, and I stumbled upon this amazing product. After trying various methods like sanding and stripping, which failed to fully remove the flaking paint, this product came to the rescue. It did a remarkable job of stabilizing the paint, allowing me to prime and paint the staircase in the usual manner. The results so far are absolutely fantastic, and I am extremely pleased with how the staircase looks now.

I also used this product to seal paint onto shelves in the corner of my den, and I must say it has worked wonders. With just one coat, it seems to have done the trick perfectly. The paint is now securely sealed onto the shelves, giving them a fresh and polished appearance.

Furthermore, I have an old and cracked paint on the exterior of my sunroom. I decided to give this product a try, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results. It successfully cured the cracking paint for a period of two years, which is quite impressive. I even used it on a wooden handrail, and it effectively sealed it, preventing any further damage.

Lastly, I had a wall with peeling paint in certain areas. Initially, I attempted to peel it back to a solid surface, but soon realized that I would have to peel the entire wall. Instead, I opted for this peel stop product, and I must say it exceeded my expectations. The peeling paint glued back together seamlessly, and after painting the spots, I couldn't even tell where the damage had been. It was a much better alternative to peeling the entire wall.

I recently used Triple Thick for my 25-year-old T1-11 siding, which was highly weathered and cracking. I applied 3-5 coats of regular Peel-Stop to the wood, rolled and worked it in with 5 gallons of the product. Then, I applied two coats of Triple Thick, vigorously rolling it in with 4 gallons. This combination worked wonders and gave my siding an almost factory finish. It saved me a considerable amount of money compared to the alternative of residing. I found it to be well worth the price.

I must note that Triple Thick has the consistency of cake batter. Each 8" segment of my 8' T1-11 required a full roller-full for each coat, but the effort was worthwhile. For surfaces that were extremely weathered, I recommend applying some regular Peel-Stop as a base coat. You can thin the Triple Thick for this purpose as per the instructions on the can, but I found it easier to simply use the regular Peel-Stop. I applied 3-5 coats before applying the Triple Thick.

As for the primer, it seemed to work well. It effectively laid down the old peeling paint that I had tried to remove using various methods such as chemical peels, wire brushing, putty knife scraping, and power spraying. Only time will tell if it stays on over the years.

However, I did have a small issue with the packaging. The one-gallon paint container was sent in a cardboard box that was slightly larger than the can itself. This caused the can to move up and down during shipping, resulting in a dinged top and a knocked-off handle. Additionally, about 2-4% of the primer had spilled into the plastic bag the can was placed in. Fortunately, I discovered this the next day when I opened the shipping box. To prevent such damage, I suggest adding a thin layer of foam around the can and using some peanuts above and below it for added protection. Perhaps a newer style plastic can would be more resistant to collapsing. Unfortunately, the damage to the top of the can prevented me from being able to replace the lid. However, I was able to complete my job, but others may not be as fortunate.

On the positive side, the primer itself is quite thick, similar to pancake mix. It is thicker than other primer options such as 1-2-3 and stain blockers. Multiple coats are needed to achieve a white finish. It also seemed to effectively adhere the peeling paint to the cinder block wall, giving it the appearance of an original paint job without any peeling. So far, it looks great.

I recently purchased this paint and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. I was in a hurry to paint the window pane in my apartment and didn't have the proper brushes, but the paint still went on smoothly. What amazed me the most was how quickly it dried – within minutes! Additionally, there was no strong odor, which made the painting process much more pleasant.

After seeing the great results on my window pane, I can't wait to use the roller kit to paint the walls in my apartment. This paint has given me the confidence to tackle my DIY projects, even though I'm not an experienced painter. It even made an old building look refreshed and nice.

Speaking as someone who has had many unfinished painting projects, I can say that this paint is truly exceptional. Initially, I was cautious with my brush strokes, worried about creating bubbles or uneven spots. However, after a few items, I realized that I could simply apply the paint evenly and it would take care of the rest. It's incredibly easy to work with.

As someone who has used a significant amount of paint in various applications, including manufacturing and marine projects, I can confidently say that this paint is the real deal. I've never been so amazed by a paint's attributes. I only wish that the company would reach out to me with a metal self-priming enamel or alkyd option, as I could really use it.

I can't stress enough how fantastic this paint is. I'm not one to exaggerate or give false praise, but this product truly deserves more than five stars. I've had my fair share of disappointments with paints in the past, but this one has completely won me over. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality paint that delivers exceptional results.

I recently purchased this primer after coming across a recommendation on the JustAGirl blog. I was in the process of repainting my bathroom cabinets and wanted a high-quality product that would deliver great results. I must say, this primer did not disappoint.

One of the standout features of this primer is its ability to cover stains effectively. Whether it's water stains on ceilings or old lead paint on walls, this primer works wonders in providing a clean and smooth surface for painting. I was particularly impressed with how well it covered the water stains in my bathroom.

However, it's important to note that this primer does have a strong odor, especially during the drying process. I would recommend using it in well-ventilated areas or with open windows and a fan to minimize the smell. It's not entirely water-based, so the odor can be a bit overwhelming if not properly ventilated.

In terms of application, the primer is quite thick, but it dries fairly quickly. It provides a smooth base for painting, and I found that my paint went on smoothly and evenly over it. Even my hypercritical father was impressed with the final result.

One downside of this primer is that cleanup can be a bit challenging. It requires paint thinner to clean brushes, and I found that I had to dispose of my brush afterward as I couldn't get it completely clean. Additionally, it's important to work quickly as the primer dries out fast.

I recently purchased the primer and let me tell you, it exceeded my expectations. I had to prime new cedar posts on my front porch which can be quite challenging due to the tannin bleed-through. However, this primer did an excellent job of covering the cedar and preventing any bleed-through. I was initially worried about having to apply multiple coats, but to my surprise, one coat was sufficient. I did apply a second coat just to ensure complete coverage, but I probably could have gotten away with just one.

Clean up was a breeze as well, with easy soap and water cleanup. Living in a big city, I had multiple options for purchasing paint, including Benjamin Moore stores and Ace Hardware stores that carry Benjamin Moore paints. However, none of them had this particular primer except for Amazon, and at a lower price than the list price at Ben Moore's stores. The delivery was fast, in fact, it arrived a day earlier than promised by Amazon, as is usually the case.

This primer consistently delivers high-quality results and is worth every penny. I have used other products like Block Out and Stix for various jobs around my house and my customers' homes, and I have always been pleased with the results. The primer is thick and covers in just one coat, which is a huge time saver. It worked wonders on my treated deck wood, although I did have to stir it often.

While the primer is a bit expensive compared to others on the market, its superior hiding ability and overall performance make it worth the investment. I would highly recommend this primer and will definitely purchase it again when needed.

I recently purchased the Paint Fireplace Title after coming across a DIY article online. Let me tell you, this product exceeded my expectations. It took about three coats to fully cover all the tiles, but the end result was fantastic. The paint has a beautiful soft satin finish, and what's even better is that I didn't have to sand the tiles beforehand. It's been several weeks since I completed the project, and I've been using and walking on the tiled floor regularly, and it still looks great. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to undertake a similar project.

I have used the Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 on multiple projects, and it has never let me down. I used it to prime our door frames and molding, as well as picture frames. Most recently, I used it to refurbish an old water-damaged dresser, and the results were amazing. I haven't experienced any issues with peeling or chipping, except when I didn't properly prepare and sand the surface. I highly recommend cleaning and/or sanding your surface before priming to maximize the effectiveness of this product.

I decided to paint some old furniture, and the Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 worked perfectly for this task. I wanted the color to appear thick, so I applied about five coats, and the final result is truly spectacular. I even posted pictures of the different stages of my work to showcase the transformation. The best part is that I didn't need to pre-treat my dresser. Even though the surface was already smooth, this product worked like a charm.

This product was exactly what I needed. I wanted to use it as a primer coat on top of a table that I was planning to paint with chalk paint. The table had a stained oak finish before, and I wanted to ensure that every spot was covered. With just one coat of this primer, I achieved the desired result without any issues. The paint went on smoothly and dried quickly. I will definitely be using this product again for my future projects.

I absolutely love this primer. My husband and I were redoing some shelves, and this product came in handy. Although my can arrived dented, I contacted Amazon, and their customer service was excellent. They offered me a replacement or a refund, but I chose to keep the dented can. I used it on a couple of old shelves that I thought were beyond repair, and after applying sheet rock mud to fill in the gaps and sanding it, I applied this primer. I double-coated it, and the result was perfect. The next day, I painted the shelves, and even with just one coat, they turned out great (I'll be doing a second coat for added durability). I also had a spontaneous plan to paint a frame on a mirror I had, which was hot pink and not really my style. I primed it once and then applied two coats of paint, and it turned out beautifully. I even used this primer to give the edges a frosted effect on the mirror. I highly recommend this product, as it worked wonders for all my projects.

I recently had the opportunity to use this primer on multiple projects, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The consistency of the primer is quite thick, which initially concerned me, but I quickly realized that a little goes a long way. It adhered effortlessly to the shiny fake tile in my old mobile home bathroom, without the need for sanding. The drying time was impressively fast, allowing me to move on with my project without any delays. Overall, I found this to be a great product.

Another project I tackled involved removing multiple layers of wallpaper in my bathroom. This process caused some damage to the drywall, and I was worried about how to proceed. Thankfully, I decided to use this primer before sanding and mudding, and it worked wonders. I applied it multiple times in areas that needed extra attention, and the results were fantastic. I will definitely be using this brand again for future projects.

One area of my home that was showing signs of age was the Masonite in my shower. I decided to give this primer a try, and I was amazed at the transformation. The surface now looks brand new and is holding up exceptionally well. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to rejuvenate worn-out surfaces.

I typically purchase paints and primers locally and had never considered buying them online. However, when all the local stores were sold out of a quality stain-blocking primer, I decided to give this one a shot. I was initially concerned about the cans surviving the shipping process, but I was pleasantly surprised by the packaging. The can was securely suspended inside the box, wrapped in protective materials, and sealed in an airtight plastic bag. It arrived in perfect condition, with no dents or leaks. This positive experience has made me consider ordering a gallon of primer and/or paint online in the future.

In terms of the primer itself, I found it to be of exceptional quality. Insul-X has impressed me with their primers in the past, and this one was no exception. It bonds well to surfaces, making sanding a breeze. Additionally, the odor is not as strong as some cheaper primers on the market, which is a major plus for me. I have previously used their Aqualock and Prime All primers, and both have performed admirably for their intended purposes.

I understand that some negative reviews may exist for this product, but I personally disagree with them. I have actively used this primer and have received recommendations from professionals in the industry. The thick consistency is intentional and does not detract from its effectiveness. The pure white color is a testament to its quality, and I have found it to be a perfect match for my preferred Ben Moore paint products. Speaking of which, I exclusively use Ben Moore products because they consistently meet and exceed my expectations. In my experience, you truly get what you pay for.

If the primer appears chunky or has formed a skin, it is likely due to exposure to air or direct sunlight. These factors are inherent to the product and do not indicate a flaw. I personally applied two protective coats of Aqua Lock on my fascia and soffits, followed by two coats of Ben Moore finish coat. These hard-to-reach areas require reliable protection against various weather conditions, and I trust these products to deliver. The investment of time and money has proven to be worthwhile.

If you are in search of a high-quality primer sealer, look no further. I am extremely satisfied with this product and firmly believe it will provide superior protection compared to other options on the market. Don't settle for subpar results when you can rely on the performance and longevity offered by this primer.

The primer I purchased worked exceptionally well and had a smooth application. It effectively reduced odor, which was particularly useful when I used it on 75-year-old wood doors that had a strong perfume scent. Not only did the primer eliminate the odor, but it also evened out the blotchy color of the doors. After applying two coats of oil-based paint, the doors appeared incredibly smooth and consistent, almost like liquid.

I also used this primer on newly replaced cedar siding to match the existing 30-year-old siding. I was concerned about the cedar bleeding through since our house color is white. However, I was pleasantly surprised that after one coat of primer and three coats of exterior paint, there was no bleed-through even after several weeks. The primer performed admirably, and the final result exceeded my expectations.

Another situation where I found this primer to be highly effective was when I needed to address a wall that had bubbled up when primed and painted with water-based products. This oil-based primer was the solution I needed to finally finish that wall without any further issues.

I also used this primer on black bookshelves that I wanted to paint white. The primer went on smoothly, dried quickly, and allowed me to complete the painting process for both shelves in just one weekend. The end result was impressive, as you would never be able to tell that the shelves were originally black.

However, I would not recommend using this primer as an enamel undercoat for an entire house of new woodwork or multiple doors and cabinets made of raw wood. The primer dries to a hard finish, making it difficult to sand. For these types of projects, it would be more suitable to use an easy-sanding undercoat.

I recently painted my maple cabinets white and after doing extensive research and watching videos, I decided to use this primer. I thinned it using flotrol and applied it with a paint sprayer. I applied two coats of this primer, waiting 24 hours between coats, and then painted the cabinets with a Ben Moore paint. The paint went on smoothly and gave a professional finish.

I also used this primer to paint all my oak and pine trim white. Previously, I had used an oil-based primer for the kitchen cabinets, but I didn't like the strong smell and the tannins were still seeping through. However, this Smart Prime primer solved all those issues with just a standard low VOC smell. I simply opened the windows after a few hours and the smell quickly dissipated. The primer provided great coverage and laid flat well with a quality brush. It was comparable to oil-based primers in terms of sandability, making it excellent for achieving a smooth finish. Just make sure to let it dry completely before sanding. It also effectively blocked tannins, as stated on the label, as I didn't experience any bleed-through.

I purchased this primer specifically for MDF cabinet doors. In the past, I had problems with water-based paints and primers being absorbed by the MDF material and causing swelling. However, with this primer, I didn't encounter any swelling issues. The doors are now sealed and ready for latex paint. I recommend using a high-quality roller for the best coverage and smoothness.

Once the primer has had a couple of days to cure, it can be easily sanded for an even smoother finish.