When homeowners consider different types of replacement siding, the question of painting needs is an important one. Wood needs painting every few years. Vinyl fades and doesn’t take paint well, making it hard to refresh its look.
But fiber cement offers great versatility and easy maintenance—especially when you choose James Hardie’s baked-on colors, which last for years without the need for painting. You certainly can paint Hardie siding (and we’ll tell you how)—but ideally, you won’t have to. Here’s why.
The Benefits and Joys of Hardie Siding’s Baked-On Color
While Hardie siding certainly can be painted if you desire to change its color, the beauty of James Hardie is that you can set yourself up to greatly lessen how often painting becomes necessary. The secret to its low maintenance is James Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology, which delivers vibrant color that lasts for up to 15 years—warrantied.
How ColorPlus Technology Delivers Fade-Resistant Siding
What makes ColorPlus so appealing is how well it performs over time. Your chosen hue is carefully applied in layers and baked onto your siding in a controlled factory setting. The result—vibrant colors that effectively resist fading and discoloration for up to 15 years (or more) before you’ll ever need to repaint them.
Tons of Gorgeous Shades
James Hardie makes their siding even more appealing by ensuring there are hundreds of colors to select from—all of which can be baked in to provide ColorPlus’s impressive, lasting results. Their Statement Collection™ comes with numerous curated colors, all chosen by color experts to create a warm, inviting feel for any home. Their Dream Collection™ goes even further, with over 700 colors to choose from.
This variety makes it easy to customize your home’s style and appearance, all while enjoying the durable, weather-resistant performance that Hardie fiber cement siding delivers.
How to Paint Hardie Siding—If You Really Want To
As we’ve already said, Hardie siding infused with ColorPlus doesn’t need the constant painting of wood, and it doesn’t easily fade or become discolored like vinyl. Still, you might choose pre-primed Hardie siding instead, which comes as a blank slate for painting after installation. Or, you may decide you’re in the mood to change up your home’s look. In these cases, just follow these tips for optimal results that you can be proud of.
Choose the Right Exterior Paint
For fiber cement siding, especially James Hardie, look for a high-performing, 100% premium acrylic latex paint from a superior brand such as Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore. Such paint will tend to perform optimally and be easy to work with.
Prepare the Siding Boards
Before painting, use a garden hose or a gentle pressure washer to get rid of dirt and grime. A clean surface means you’ll get a smooth coat of paint instead of unsightly streaking. If there is any peeling or flaking, remove those loose spots of paint and sand down any rough areas.
Important note: Don’t use additional primer on pre-primed Hardie siding. It’s not needed, and it may impede your results.
Seal Joints and Seams
If you’re planning to paint new siding, apply quality acrylic caulking to seams, joints, and around windows, doors, eaves, and other edges. If the siding has been installed for a while and is being updated, check and replace old caulking. This prevents moisture from getting into those vulnerable areas.
Apply Paint in Two Smooth Coats
To enjoy a rich, even layer of color that looks beautiful from the street, you’ll need to use two coats of paint. It’s ideal to do this in dry, cool weather with minimal winds, and you should plan for the process to take at least a day or two, depending on how large your house is. Aim for thick, smooth coats for the longest-lasting results. If you’re not used to painting, you might look for an experienced house painter to do the work.
Transform Your Home with Lovely, Durable James Hardie Siding
If your existing siding is worn down, a fresh coat of paint may not be enough. Hardie siding offers decades of strong performance—meaning it may be the only siding replacement you ever need to have.
As a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, we provide precisely installed siding, ensuring optimal performance and protecting your warranty. The pros at Smart Exteriors are insured, licensed, and regularly trained to meet the manufacturer’s high standards. Check out our siding services and request a free estimate on beautiful, vibrantly colored, long-lasting Hardie siding for your home.
