Do you have a Hardie board on your house’s exterior or planning to install it for your next home makeover project? No matter what the case, you are inspired by its texture and appeal. Since Hardie board is a long-lasting siding option, many homeowners prefer it over others.
However, many people have concerns that once you install it, it will be difficult to change your house’s appeal frequently. But that is the misconception! It is possible to change the color of the Hardie board with just a coat of paint, and refurbish its appeal, but with a few exceptions. Tune into this article till the end to learn more!
Just for a quick review:
What is Hardie Board Siding?
Hardie board is one of the popular siding preferences of homeowners. It is a highly durable, long-lasting siding option that needs low maintenance. This material really performs up to its reputation.
The Hardie board is created by mixing water with a variety of ingredients, including wood pulp, sand, and cement. It’s a long-lasting siding option that holds up well in fluctuating weather and against termites.
You won’t have to worry about upkeep or maintenance after you install it because it requires very little attention. Hardie board is resistant to rot, warping, and termite penetration. And the best thing is that it has a resemblance to wood’s rustic, organic, and upscale appeal.
But the important question is,
Does Hardie Board Need To Be Painted?
First of all, it is important to understand that
Does James Hardie siding need to be painted
And
Can A Hardie Board be painted, are two different questions.
The answer to the first question is “It depends,” and the latter is “Yes.”
Here we will explain why!
You should know that you have two choices: ColorPlus and Pre-primed Hardie Board Siding. The pre-primed Hardie board siding is painted on location, which means it is coated and ready to install. On the other hand, ColorPlus is a Hardie Board baked-on color.
It is important to paint pre-primed Hardie board siding within 180 days after installation; otherwise, it will lose moisture and will crack.
The Hardie Board is one of the strongest siding options; it comes with a guarantee of over 30 years. However, the paint may start becoming weary and teary after 12-14 years.
So, before this time, a Hardie Board does not require to be painted at all, except if it is a pre-primed Hardie board. But if you want to change its color or refresh the enamel, then you can obviously paint it.
How Often Does Hardie Board Need To Be Painted?
So, how often do you have the paint Hardie Board? Well, if you primed it ahead of time you should still have a good paint job. You may not have to repaint it for 10-20 years. However, if you have faded color and chipping paint, it might be time to look into a repaint.
Do You Have To Repaint Hardie Board?
You can not only repaint your Hardie Board but advance the overall appeal of the house whenever you need. The organic and rustic touch of Hardie Board and seamless contrast with modern architecture make it one of the most appealing and endearing siding options.
Repainting vs Residing
When it comes to choosing between repainting and residing, you must weigh their pros and cons. Since Hardie board has lasting characteristics, shows absolutely stringent character against harsh weather, and is impermeable to moisture, water, and termites, and the best thing is that it performs optimally for decades, it is not essential to replace it with a new one instead of painting. Besides, if the lifespan of the Hardie board has come to an end then a repaint will be of no use.
Painting is a cost-effective way of refreshing, updating, and maintaining the Hardie board. If it has been a few years since the Hardie Board installation, then you should opt for repainting it.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Hardie Board?
It’s recommended when painting James Hardie siding that you use 100% acrylic paint with a light-reflective value (LRV) of 55 or higher. The LRV is a measure of how much light is reflected by a surface and can help prevent warping or damage to the siding due to excessive heat absorption.
Make sure the paint is compatible with fiber cement siding and that it has strong adhesion properties. You’ll also want to find paint that is mildew and fade-resistant which will help preserve the appearance of your siding for longer.
Does Hardie Board Need to be Primed Before Painting?
Yes, when painting Hardie Board siding, you should prime it beforehand. This helps improve the adhesion of the paint and will result in a better finish. Additionally, primer helps to seal the surface of the Hardie Board, which can help to prevent moisture from penetrating the siding and causing damage.
When selecting a primer for Hardie Board, it is important to choose a product that is specifically designed for use with fiber cement siding.
These primers are formulated to adhere to the surface of the siding and provide a good base for the paint to adhere to. It is also recommended to choose a primer that is compatible with the type of paint you will be using.
How To Paint Over Hardie Board?
Painting Hardie Board siding is not a very difficult task. Here are the steps you should follow to paint your Hardie board:
- Clean the surface by removing dirt and mildew
- Do not prime the siding, if it is pre-primed
- Use acrylic caulk to seal the cracks and fill gaps
- Use 100% acrylic paint
- Apply two coats of paint
So, it is time to spruce up your exterior now!
