If you have Hardie board on your house, or you’re about to, the painting question comes up sooner or later. The short answer is that it depends which version you have.
Pre-primed board has to be painted, and there’s a deadline. ColorPlus® comes finished from the factory and doesn’t need painting at all, though you can repaint it later if you want a different colour. There’s a catch to that, which we’ll come to.
What is Hardie Board Siding?
Hardie board is fiber cement, made from Portland cement, sand, cellulose fiber, and water. It won’t rot or warp, termites have no interest in it, and it’s classified as non-combustible under ASTM E136.
It also holds a wood grain convincingly, which is most of the reason people choose it. Maintenance is low but not zero, and the paint or finish is the part that needs attention over time, which is what this article is about.
But the important question is,
Does Hardie Board Need To Be Painted?
Two questions get mixed up here, and they have different answers. Does Hardie board need painting? That depends on which product you have. Can Hardie board be painted? Yes, always.
Here we will explain why!
You should know that you have two choices: ColorPlus® Technology (factory-finished) 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® Technology is a baked-on factory finish.
Pre-primed Hardie board has to be painted within 180 days of installation. The primer is a preparation coat rather than a finish, so leaving it exposed beyond that lets UV break it down and compromises how well the paint bonds afterward.
James Hardie backs the board itself with a 30-year non-prorated substrate warranty, and ColorPlus® finishes with a separate 15-year limited warranty covering peeling, cracking, and chipping.
Here’s the part worth knowing before you pick up a brush: painting over a ColorPlus finish ends that 15-year coverage. If you have ColorPlus and you’re repainting purely for a color change, you’re trading a manufacturer’s warranty for a new color. That may still be the right call, but it should be a decision rather than a surprise.
How Often Does Hardie Board Need To Be Painted?
So, how often do you have the 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 also 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
If the boards are sound and you just want a change, repainting is much cheaper than re-siding and it’s the obvious route.
Replacement makes sense when the boards themselves have gone: cracking, damage at the fastener line, or moisture behind them. Paint won’t fix any of that, and putting a fresh coat over failing boards just hides the problem for a season or two.
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:
- Wash the surface and let it dry fully, removing dirt, chalking, and mildew
- Don’t prime again if the board is already factory-primed
- Seal joints and penetrations with an exterior-grade sealant, following James Hardie’s specification rather than filling cracks in the board itself
- Use 100% acrylic paint with an LRV of 55 or higher
- Apply two coats
Worth keeping your paint receipts and the product spec. If a finish problem comes up later, the manufacturer will ask what went on the board.
Repaint or Replace?
If your Hardie board is sound and you just want a different color, painting is straightforward, and we’re happy to point you at the right specification. If the boards themselves are failing, paint won’t buy you much, and it’s worth knowing which situation you’re in before spending money either way.
Contact GS Exterior Experts,https://gsexteriorexperts.com/contact/ and we’ll come and take a look at what you’ve got.
