Can Hardie siding be painted?

It’s a common question with a simple answer. Yes, the popular James Hardie board siding can be painted. But before we jump right to the point, we first would like to discuss with you a bit about the Hardie board. Hardie board is basically a brand name for fiber-cement siding. This fiber cement is made by merging the cellulose fibers and cementitious materials that are often used to cover the exterior of a building.

Several extraordinary qualities of these Hardie Boards have made them count among the most preferred materials for covering the exterior of any building.

Qualities of Hardie Siding

Fiber cement siding is known for its fire-resistant quality as much as it is known for its resistance to termites and fungus. Not just that, Hardie board has also proved itself to be resistant to warping, rot, and even shrinkage. Above all, it is an eco-friendly material that is often preferred over other materials in the market. With all of these qualities, Hardie Board / fiber cement Siding has become one of the most popular siding options on the market today.

Should You Paint Your Hardie Board Siding?

Yes, the majority of homes built with Hardie Board are painted. In fact, painting Hardie board siding significantly improves the look and life of the material. Some homeowners choose to paint their Hardie siding themselves. However, we suggest hiring professionals who have the experience, knowledge, and necessary tools at hand to paint your hardie siding.

If you choose to paint your fiber cement / Hardie siding yourself, here are some helpful tips:

Use bleach to remove dirt and mildew from the siding before painting it for a clean slate.
Do not use any kind of primer as most of these Hardie boards are pre-primed.
Use quality acrylic caulk to seal the cracks in the siding.
Always apply two coats of paint for the best results.

These are a few tips that will help bring out the best-painted version of your Hardie board siding.