How to Paint HardiePlank

Wash the siding down with the garden hose to remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated on the siding. Let dry completely.

Cover windows, exterior hardware, such as light fixtures, and any trim or soffit not to be painted with plastic sheeting. Seal the edges completely with the painters tape so paint does not get on other surfaces. Make sure tape is not on the siding where paint needs to be applied.

Caulk all seams and trim edges with an approved latex exterior caulk in a color tone close to the paint you will be applying. If you are using a color you can't match with caulk, match the caulk with the trim color.

Pour primer into the paint tray, or use a 5-gallon paint bucket with a special roller screen attached to the side. These are screens used to scrape the roller cover of excess paint that hang on the inside edge of the bucket down into the paint product. Use the primer recommended by the manufacturer. The primer must be applied within 90 days of installation of the siding. Priming can be skipped if siding was installed that was primed at the factory.

Apply the primer to siding that is not factory-sealed or primed. Roll the primer evenly over the boards, brushing it into the crevices and joints with the paint brush where necessary. Complete sections that are about 8-by-8 feet, then move on to the next. This helps to ensure an even coat and keeps the paint from drying too much before you begin a new section so lines won't show later. Allow the primer to dry completely.

Pour paint into a tray or bucket. Use a good quality exterior latex paint. A weather resistant paint with a good warranty is the best choice. Purchase the best quality paint you can afford. Paint must be applied to primed siding within 180 days of installation of the siding if it was primed at the factory. Siding you just primed yourself should be painted as soon as it dries. Apply the paint over the primer in the same manner as the primer, rolling, brushing and applying one section at a time. Allow to dry.

Stand back from the house and look at it to see if any lines or shading differences show. Apply a second coat of latex paint if necessary. If a good quality paint is applied over the recommended primer, this should not be necessary, but some conditions may result in needing another coat.