Whether you want to repaint your home with a fresh touch or complete a DIY project, finding a good exterior primer paint can be challenging. But investing in a poor quality primer is not going to give you exceptional results. Show
However, with a primer of outstanding quality, you can give your house a complete makeover, making it appear much better than ever. As there are tons of options available in the market, you’re bound to feel confused. That’s why, after extensive research, we’ve curated a list of the best exterior primer paints you can consider today. Without much fuss, let’s dive straight in, shall we? Top Exterior PrimersContents
IMAGEPRODUCTDETAILS Our Top PickOur Top Pick Rust-Oleum 2004 1-2-3 Primer
The Rust-Oleum 2004 1-2-3 primer is an outstanding product that is an excellent choice for various reasons, one of which is its affordability. The highlight of this primer is that it can be used both indoors and outdoors, and is also excellent for coating tiles. Sale Zinsser 02004 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 All Surface Primer, Quart, White
Why Did We Like It? Right off the bat, we were impressed by its water-based formula. The beauty of this primer is that it adheres to all surfaces without the need for sanding. After applying the primer, the topcoat paint could be quickly and evenly applied; kudos to Rust-Oleum for getting that right! You will also appreciate the excellent finish that this primer offers and how well it works on formerly painted surfaces. This gray colored primer works perfectly beneath various hues, even under colors that are vivid and consistent. Moreover, the water-based solvent repels mildew and peeling while blocking solvent-based stains. And if you want a primer that goes well with a glossy surface such as tiles, then you’re good to go with this one. When finished with both latex paint and enamel, it does an excellent job of providing a smooth finish to the surface. What Could’ve Been Better? There have been instances where even after the second coating, the stain was considerably visible. So, you might need to sand the surface before painting for a smoother finish. However, since that’s done in most cases anyway, we don’t consider this to be a major flaw. Pros
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Up next, we have a quality primer by Kilz, which has been in the industry for over 40 years. Kilz offers a unique water/oil-based formula that can be used to paint both the exteriors and interiors of a property. KILZ Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint, Exterior, White, 1 Gallon
Check Latest Price Why Did We Like It? We were impressed by the fact that this paint offers protection against the elements, but what made us appreciate it further is its aesthetic appeal and long term guarantee. Due to its high durability, this paint relieves you of the pain of re-coating surfaces every few months. Since this is a self-priming paint, you can easily coat surfaces without having to wait for hours for the primer to dry. Moreover, it is low maintenance, so you can just clean it using soap and water, which is hardly possible with other paints. Not to mention the fact that it’s entirely safe for pets! What Could’ve Been Better? No doubt this is by far an excellent paint, but we did not find the plastic lid of the container quite appealing. Because plastic lids are easily breakable, we wouldn’t want the paint to spill and damage the flooring. Pros
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This appealing product by Prestige serves both as paint and primer. To give your surfaces a classic and cultivated look, this product is the perfect solution for you. If your walls are peeling and looking lackluster, this is the one primer you can rely upon. Prestige Paints E500-9 Exterior Paint and Primer in One, 1 gallon,...
Why Did We Like It? We loved the fact that this is an all-in-one product. With this, you can straight away paint side panels, shutters, and doors. This is a top-notch solution for painting every exterior surface that might otherwise embarrass you. Another advantage that it brings to the table is that it’s easy to clean. When most paints are prone to damage due to high humidity exposure, this one stood the test of time. It’s also an ideal choice for areas with high humidity. What Could’ve Been Better? Although the product is a great one in its price range, we couldn’t help but notice that it is unable to cover much surface area. As it’s a multipurpose product, we did expect a bit more from it. But, you can overcome this problem by applying multiple coats. Pros
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Another quality product from Rust-Oleum, the 3134 Perma-White is a commendable primer. It’s high-quality makes it suitable for areas with extra moisture content, such as bathrooms, garages, and basements. Rust-Oleum Zinsser 31.5 fl oz. PermaWhite Exterior Semi-Gloss
Why Did We Like It? Rust-Oleum is well known for its outstanding quality, and this product’s working proves it. Right off the bat, we were highly impressed by the long-lasting finish that is offered by it. This is an ideal solution to conceal those areas which aren’t prepped and primed completely. What’s more, this self-priming paint relieves you of the hassles of sanding the surface. With its low odor, we’re sure it won’t give your nostrils a tough time! Plus, it isn’t high maintenance, as you can easily clean it with soap and water. What Could’ve Been Better? No doubt, this is an outstanding product offered by Rust-Oleum, but there’s just one thing we didn’t really like about it. The self-priming feature doesn’t work that well, and we expected more of a product that comes from such a dependable brand. Pros
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The Kilz L220105 is an excellent choice for those who work with plaster, masonry or cement. As far as this primer is concerned, you will be delighted by the tough yet flexible coating. This product will cover both your interior and exterior needs. KILZ Klear Primer, Interior/Exterior, Clear, 5 Gallon
Check Latest Price Why Did We Like It? In our opinion, this is a perfect option for sealing porous surfaces. This primer forms a transparent but permeable layer that makes the surface perfect for painting. Its alkaline resisting properties ensure your surface gets an attractive and long-lasting finish. Since it easily dries within an hour, you can apply re-coats faster and get your job done in no time. It’s this feature that makes it one of the most preferred primers for DIY enthusiasts. Further, maintenance is simple as you can just clean the surface with a bit of soapy water. What Could’ve Been Better? Although we consider this to be a top-notch product, we must admit that it is thinner than other comparable brands. The transparent formula adds up to the thinness of the paint. In some instances, we even noticed that the primer lacks gloss. Pros
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The AQ040009A from INSL-X is considered to be an excellent choice for keeping water off your surfaces. If you’re a DIY person, then this can be your go-to primer for completing a variety of projects in a hassle-free manner. Sale INSL-X AQ040009A-01 Aqua Lock Plus 100% Acrylic Water-Based Sealer...
Why Did We Like It? As it is a multipurpose product, you can use this for any surface such as tiles, metals and even wood. At the same time, its mold-resistant nature ensures that your project surface remains free from blemishes for a long time to come. The best part is that it dries within 30 mins and is ready for a second coat within an hour. So, you can now work faster and complete your projects in a jiffy. And, with one gallon covering an area of 300 – 400 square feet, we say this product has decent coverage. Furthermore, since it’s a water-based product, it’s entirely odorless and doesn’t attack your nasal senses. As a result, you can work for long hours without succumbing to headaches and breathing problems. What Could’ve Been Better? Quality-wise, this is one of the best primers out there, but we found the packaging to be defective in several cases. However, we don’t think that’s enough reason for you to give up on such an excellent product. Pros
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Another quality pick from Rust-Oleum, the 1980502 Painter’s Touch is a primer that’s worth the money. And considering that it’s one of the most popular offerings from the brand, we couldn’t resist keeping it on our list. Rust-Oleum Brush On Paint 1980502 Painters Touch Quart Latex, Flat...
Why Did We Like It? Rust-Oleum is known for manufacturing products of exceptional quality, and we were highly impressed by the low-odor of this product. Also, it’s quick drying, and you can expect it to speed up your projects. Not to mention the fact that we love the water-based formula, which ensures long-lasting protection. If you’re on the lookout for a primer to prevent discoloration, stains, and irregularities from appearing on the surface, then this one is ideal for you. Since it works great for both indoor and outdoor surfaces, you can expect it to protect your house from any damage and discoloration. What Could’ve Been Better? We were pleased with the overall performance of this product, though we must admit that it requires a decent amount of effort to work with. But if you’re alright with sanding the surfaces prior to application and dealing with microbubbles, then you can go ahead with it. Pros
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Exterior Primer Paint Buyer’s GuideWith that, we’re done with the list of the 7 best exterior paint primers you can consider for your projects. However, if you think that you’re ready to buy the best one for your needs, we recommend you wait for some time and take a breather. Buying a paint primer is easier said than done, and you just can’t go with the first option you lay your eyes upon. There are several factors that you need to consider when selecting the ideal paint primer for your projects. But with us by your side, you really don’t have to worry! To ensure a better decision, we’ve decided to curate this buyer’s guide with a list of all the factors that you need to keep in mind when selecting the best exterior paint primers.
The very first thing that you should keep in mind is to determine the kind of primer you need for achieving that flawless coating of paint. There are several types of primers, each catering to a different purpose. If you want a primer for both interior and exterior surfaces, we recommend you go for water-based primers, for they serve all purposes. But, if you want a stain-blocking primer, then oil-based primers are a perfect option for all your surfaces. Not only this, but they also seal any pores on wood. Further, shellac-based primers are excellent for concealing damage and blocking odors.
The next thing that you should keep in mind when buying a paint primer is the odor. A primer that’s extremely odorous is sure to have VOCs, which are harmful for your health. At the same time, primers with strong odors can lead to nausea and headaches. So, when selecting a paint primer, it’s best to go with one that has little to no odor. Check the label to know if the product has VOCs, and you can also ask for a sample to test the smell of the paint.
Along with checking for VOCs, we also recommend you keep an eye out for the other compounds in the paint primer you’re buying. Low-quality primers often have toxic elements that can be harmful to pets and even your family members. Also, in case you’re prone to allergies, it’s best to go with paint primers that don’t have too many synthetic compounds. If you go with non-toxic paints for your next project, you also get enhanced coverage. At the same time, such primers are low on maintenance; just cleaning with soap and water would be enough.
Along with considering dedicated primers, you must also consider paint and primer combo products that let you coat your surface with both primers and paint in a single step. With this two-in-one product, you simply choose the color of the paint and apply it to your surfaces. However, it works best for previously painted surfaces. In case you’re painting a bare surface, we recommend you choose a dedicated primer for achieving the best results.
Not to forget, the drying time of the primer is of utmost importance, and these vary drastically. While some of them dry within 30 minutes, others take anywhere between 10 and 25 hours to dry completely. If you’ve got to work on an important project at hand, then we recommend you opt for a quick-drying primer. But if you can wait, then go for those which take long hours to dry for better results. VerdictWith this, we have come to the end of our review, and we hope our top picks were informative enough to help you choose the right exterior primers for your projects. Primers are extremely crucial because the kind you choose will determine the outcome of your project. If your walls and surfaces suffer from mold and mildew, then opt for Rust-Oleum’s affordable Perma-White primer. The Aqua Lock Primer/Sealer by INSL-X is a perfect one for sealing porous surfaces. Other than that, you can also consider any option from Kilz. Related Articles13 Best Spray Paints For Metal Alcohol Ink Art Tutorial [Alcohol Inks 101] 7 Best Latex Paint Remover [Reviewed] 9 Best HVLP Spray Gun [Review & Buyer’s Guide] 6 Best One Coat Paint and Primer 7 Best Primers to Cover Dark Paint Best Exterior Primer Paints 7 Best Exterior Primer For Peeling Paint 9 Best Deck Stains Today [Reviews & Buyer’s Guide] 6 Best Paint Primer For Rusted Metal 9 Best Stains For Cedar 9 Best HVLP Spray Gun 5 Best Copper Spray Paint 7 Best Paint Stripper For Metal [Tested] 9 Best Paint Brush For Polyurethane 5 Best Rose Gold Spray Paint 7 Best Exterior Primer Paints 9 Best Stain For Cedar 9 Best Concrete Stains 9 Best Pump Sprayers For Staining Fence 10 Best Wood Wax 9 Best Concrete Stains to Consider Learn How To Soften A Hard Paint Brush 5 Best Paints For Stucco Reviewed 11 Best Paint For Concrete Walls In Basement 9 Best Paint Brushes For Chalk Paint 13 Best Professional Airless Paint Sprayer How To Paint Without Leaving Brush Strokes How To Paint Aluminum [Step by Step] 9 Best Chrome Spray Paint 10 Best Paint Primer For Drywall How Long Should Primer Dry Before Painting 10 How to Remove Spray Paint from Concrete How To Remove Spray Paint From Plastic How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Car? 9 Best Paint Roller To Hide Paint Defects 7 Best Paint Brushes For Trim [Review & Buyer’s Guide] 7 Best Primers To Cover Dark Paint 13 Best Professional Airless Paint Sprayer How Much Does A Maaco Paint Job Cost? The 7 Best Paint Sprayers for Chalk Paint 13 Best Paint for Furniture | Reviews & Buyer’s Guide 13 Best Air Compressors | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews 10 Highest CFM Air Compressors 9 Best 6 Gallon Air Compressors for Your Home & Garage 13 Best Paints for Bathroom Ceilings 13 Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets This Year 2 Luminess Silk Reviews [All You Need to Know] HVLP vs. LVLP [All You Need to Know & Winner] Paint Sprayer Vs. Roller [All You Need to Know] 5 Best Sprayers For Plasti Dip Learn How to Remove Paint From Brick 9 Best Chrome Spray Paint How Much Does It Cost To Bottom Paint A Boat? How To Thin Latex Paint For A Wagner Spray Gun How Much Does Benjamin Moore Paint Cost? [Guide] 9 Best Paint Stripper For Metal 7 Best Cold Galvanizing Paints 11 Best Paint Scrapers to Rock How to Remove Spray Paint from Concrete 7 Best Primers For Covering Red Paint 11 Best Paint Roller To Hide Imperfections Tested 9 Best Paints For Closets 7 Best Primers For Covering Red Paint How To Paint Trim Near Carpet 9 Best Concrete Stains 8 Best Fabric Paint for Creatives Aida Vasquez Aida has been part of Architecture Lab ever since 2011 when she started ghost writing for the website on art and design topics, today she is our veteran design contributor, covering a wide array of topics that fuel her creativity. What primer should I use on exterior wood?Oil-based primers are ideal for interior and exterior unfinished or bare wood because they seal the porous surface of wood, enabling the coat of paint to better cover the surface. They stop tannins, released from woods, such as cedar or redwood, from bleeding through the surface of the paint.
Do you need a special primer for exterior wood?Exterior surfaces such as wood and metal require a primer for proper adhesion and blocking power. Vinyl and aluminum siding for adhesion purposes and stucco/block may need a specialty primer to handle the PH level.
What is the best primer to use on wood?New Wood. If your wood isn't stained, use a high-quality latex primer or an oil-based primer. If you have wood that's stained or you're painting redwood or cedar, use a stain-blocking primer.
Should you prime outdoor wood before painting?All unfinished wood or bare wood surfaces should always be primed prior to painting. This goes for both interior and exterior paint projects. The reason you cannot skip bare wood priming is that wood is porous and has a grainy surface. Because primer contains high solids, it helps fill grains in the new wood.
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