Can You Paint Hardie Board Siding?
Posted on September 14, 2022
Absolutely! Hardie Board, also known as fiber cement siding, is a composite material made of concrete substrate. Hardie board is far heavier than its counterparts, making it extremely durable. Another benefit to using Hardie board is that it typically doesn’t need a paint refresh for 7-10 years. Painting Hardie board is not only possible but it’s also recommended to extend its durability and keep your home looking fresh.
How to Paint Hardie Board Siding in 3 Steps
Step 1: Clean the Hardie board
Using a pressure washer, spray away any dirt, grime, grease, and dust. Bleach or another cleanser should be sprayed on first and allowed to soak before removing with pressure washing. This is to kill any mildew that may be present. It’s best to start at your roofline and work your way down. Allow time to dry (time varies with climate) before proceeding.
Step 2: Prime
If any previous paint is peeling, it needs to be scraped off. Caulking where the siding meets windows, doors, or other trim should be replaced if cracking. The joints where 2 pieces of siding come together (“butt joints”) will only be caulked if previously caulked. Properly installed siding has flashing between each joint (see picture) when it is installed and does not need to be caulked. In fact, manufacturer specs are to not caulk so the siding has room to expand when it’s hot.
Step 3: Paint
We will spray the Hardie board for best finish results, using either flat or satin paint depending on customer preference. If the siding is very old and dry, if a drastic color change is involved or if you are switching from flat to satin finish 2 coats of paint will be needed. In most other cases great results can be achieved with one coat. If your house gets a lot of sunlight or if you are using a dark color upgrading to the best quality paint is advised.
Ready to make a change? Schedule your FREE painting estimate with us today!
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