Zinsser Peel Stop is a family of water-based binding primers for old paint that is peeling, chalking, checking or cracking. Instead of stripping every last flake, you scrape off what is loose, then Peel Stop soaks into the edges of the old coating and glues it down so the new paint has a sound base. Peel Stop Clear Binding Sealer is the thin, penetrating version. Peel Stop Triple Thick is the high-build white version that Zinsser says goes on three times thicker than regular primers, so it fills and seals cracked, weathered surfaces. Both work inside and out and take any latex or alkyd paint after 2 hours. Everything on this page comes from Zinsser's technical data sheets, safety data sheets and product pages.
Peel Stop products we carry
Clear Binding Sealer vs Triple Thick: specs from Zinsser
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Peel Stop Clear Binding Sealer |
Peel Stop Triple Thick |
| What it is |
Flexible water-based binding sealer that penetrates and binds chalky residue |
High-build water-based acrylic binding primer |
| Dries |
Clear, to a slight sheen |
White, for contrast under the finish coat |
| Best for |
Peeling, chalking or cracking paint; seals face checking so the finish coat is less likely to crack |
Cracked, weathered and peeling surfaces; fills and seals cracks for a smoother, more uniform surface |
| Coverage |
300 to 400 sq ft per gallon |
50 to 200 sq ft per gallon, depending on how thick you build it |
| Apply at |
50 to 90°F, humidity below 85% |
40 to 90°F, surface 5°F above the dew point, humidity 85% or less |
| Dry time (70 to 80°F, 50% RH) |
Touch 30 minutes; paint in 2 hours |
Touch 30 minutes; paint in 2 hours. A 30 mil wet coat can take 3 hours to touch and 6 hours to recoat |
| VOC |
Under 60 g/L |
Under 100 g/L |
| Clean up |
Detergent and warm water |
Soap and warm water |
| Safety data sheet |
No signal word; does not support combustion |
Danger signal word (H350, from a minor ingredient); does not support combustion. Read the SDS before use |
How to prime peeling or cracked paint (Zinsser directions)
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Scrape and clean. Remove loose and peeling paint, then wash with detergent or soap and water. Zinsser suggests JOMAX Mildew Killer and House Cleaner to pressure wash mildew off exterior surfaces. Sand the remaining paint edges smooth and let the surface dry completely.
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Check for lead. Homes painted before 1978 may have lead paint. Zinsser warns that scraping or sanding can release lead dust; wear a NIOSH-approved respirator and clean up with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop.
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Block stains first if needed. Peel Stop does not block stains. For water stains or bleeding woods, Zinsser points to Cover-Stain, and to B-I-N for knots and severe stains.
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Apply. Use a synthetic brush, a 1/2 in nap roller or an airless sprayer, and work the primer into cracks and the edges of the old paint. For Triple Thick, apply lightly for basic priming or build several thick coats to bridge and fill cracks, no more than 30 mils wet per coat. On severely peeled surfaces Zinsser says to thin the first Triple Thick coat with 10% water.
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Topcoat. Paint with any latex or alkyd paint after 2 hours, or let it dry overnight in cool or damp weather. Don't apply if rain is expected within 8 hours.
Peel Stop is not a substitute for wood filler, caulk or drywall mud, and it is not for floors, decks, below-grade surfaces or anything under water. For holes and gouges, see wood filler and wood putty. For gaps and joints, see caulk and sealants. For cracks in concrete, see concrete sealers and crack repair.
Shop related: all Zinsser products, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 primer, primers and sealers and prep, patch and repair.
FAQ
Is Peel Stop a primer for cracked or crazed paint?
Yes. Zinsser makes both for cracking paint. The Clear Binding Sealer bridges face checking so the finish coat is less likely to crack. Triple Thick builds a thicker film that fills and seals cracked, weathered surfaces; Zinsser says several thick coats will bridge and fill cracked and uneven areas.
Can Peel Stop fill large cracks?
No. Zinsser says Peel Stop Triple Thick is not a substitute for wood filler, caulk or drywall mud. Fill or caulk real gaps first, then prime.
Which one should I buy?
Pick the Clear Binding Sealer for chalky or lightly peeling paint where you want a thin, penetrating coat with more coverage (300 to 400 sq ft per gallon). Pick Triple Thick when the surface is cracked or rough and you want a smoother white base (50 to 200 sq ft per gallon).
Can I use Peel Stop indoors?
Yes. Zinsser lists interior uses such as previously painted drywall, plaster, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, baseboards and trim, as well as exterior siding, fences, masonry, stucco and gutters.
Can I use it in cold weather?
Only within Zinsser's range: air, product and surface at 40 to 90°F for Triple Thick and 50 to 90°F for the Clear Binding Sealer. Cool, humid weather slows drying.
Shipping and returns?
$5.99 shipping, free on orders of $35 or more within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC. We offer 30-day returns on unused, unopened items; opened paint can't be returned. See our refund policy. If an order arrives damaged, defective or wrong, email Store@projectweekenddiy.com with photos and we will make it right.
Sources: Zinsser Peel Stop Triple Thick Primer technical data sheet PST-01 (rev 01/28/22) and Rust-Oleum support article for Peel Stop Triple Thick (updated Jan 2, 2026); Zinsser Peel Stop Clear Binding Sealer technical data sheet PST-02 (rev 12/10/21); Rust-Oleum safety data sheets 260924 (rev 9/16/2026) and 60001 (rev 7/10/2023); Peel Stop Triple Thick product page on rustoleum.com.
