If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting siding solution for your home, you may have landed on Hardie board siding. This fiber cement siding is tougher than traditional vinyl or stucco and is heavier than wood or aluminum. It comes pre-primed, making the painting process even easier than other types of siding materials. If done right, a Hardie board paint job can last up to 10 years. Painting Hardie board siding requires proper surface preparation, high-quality paint products, and professional painting techniques. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to paint Hardie board and find the best paint for Hardie siding so you can keep your home looking great and protected from the elements for years to come.
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Does Hardie Board Need to Be Painted?
While Hardie board plank siding is pre-primed, it still needs to be finished with a fresh coat (or two!) of paint. Painting Hardie board siding helps customize your exterior to fit your style, giving you the aesthetic and curb appeal you want for your home. Painting Hardie siding also helps protect the fiber cement from moisture and UV damage.
So, yes, painting Hardie board is great for both looks and the integrity of your home!
Step-by-Step Guide For How to Paint Hardie Board Siding
Step 1: Clean and Prep the Surface Thoroughly
Before you even think about picking up a paintbrush, make sure the siding is clean and free of dirt, mildew, and loose paint. This residue will prevent the paint from adhering properly. Even though Hardie board siding is pre-primed, it’s still important to clean it thoroughly – so don’t skip this step!
Mix a solution of 25% bleach and 75% water to remove mildew and debris. Apply this solution using a pump sprayer, then gently scrub and rinse the surface.
For extra cleaning power, you can do a light pressure wash after the cleaning solution has been applied and rinsed off. Avoid high pressure and standing too close, as that can damage the surface. Allow the surface to dry completely – about 2-3 days – before painting.
Step 2: Scrape and Sand If Needed
If your siding has been previously painted, inspect it for any peeling or loose paint. Use a paint scraper to remove areas that are flaking and lightly sand rough spots to ensure your surface is smooth and ready for fresh paint.
Step 3: Caulk and Seal Gaps
Next, check your siding for cracks, nail holes, or gaps between boards. Use a high-quality paintable acrylic caulk rated for fiber cement siding and wood or composite trim with a 50-year lifespan. Use this to seal any cracks, gaps, or areas where siding meets other materials like windows, doors, and trim to prevent moisture intrusion and ensure you get a polished look.
Step 4: Choose the Best Paint for Hardie Siding
As with any paint project, choosing the best paint product for the job is key to ensure you get the results you want. When painting Hardie board siding, choose a 100% acrylic exterior paint or acrylic latex specifically designed for exterior use.
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Rain Refresh is one of our top recommendations that offers excellent adhesion, durability, and flexibility.
Learn more about why we love it here!
Step 5: Apply Two Coats of Paint
For long-lasting coverage and an even, professional-looking finish, apply two coats of your chosen paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Use a high-quality brush, roller, or paint sprayer to achieve a smooth finish. Some painters recommend backrolling the paint after spraying to ensure a uniform finish and even coverage. This works especially well when painting Hardie plank siding.
Take your time to apply the paint evenly and avoid rushing the process. Trust us – taking a little more time up front is better than repainting or touching up areas.
If you can, avoid painting during peak pollen season and try to time it so the weather is mild and dry.
Can You Paint Hardie Board Yourself?
If you’re confident in your DIY exterior painting skills and are comfortable on a ladder, you can absolutely paint your home’s Hardie board siding. Just make sure to follow these steps and focus on the prep and quality of paint products.
However, if your siding is high, has tricky angles or lines, or you’re just not comfortable tackling the job, reach out to a professional paint company to help bring the job to the finish line and ensure safety and high-quality results.
Ready to Hire a Professional?
Our team at Oak City Coatings proudly serves the Raleigh area and would be happy to give your home the long-lasting, beautiful finish it deserves.
Visit our contact page today to get a custom estimate for painting your Hardie board siding.
From surface preparation and paint product selection to application and clean-up, we handle every step of the process with professionalism and efficiency.
Your home’s exterior refresh is just ahead!
