How to Paint Fiber Cement Siding

Homeowners find the durability and charm of fiber cement siding appealing. Fabricated from a mixture of cement, sand, wood fiber, cellulose fiber and water exposed to pressurized steam, this highly resistant siding can withstand insects, fire, water, weather, fading and deterioration. While original fiber cement siding panels already contain colored exterior skins, some newer panels require paint. Fortunately, paint adheres well to this type of surface and holds for many years. Thoroughly clean the siding before painting it.

1/2 lb. trisodium phosphate
3 gallon plastic bucket
2 gallons water
Stiff-bristle nylon scrub brush
Garden hose
Spray nozzle
Rubber gloves
Telescoping pole brush
Paint scraper
Sandpaper
High quality exterior acrylic masonry primer
Roller brush
3-inch paintbrush
Ladder
Exterior latex polyurethane topcoat paint

Instructions

- 1
  Pour 1/2 lb. of trisodium phosphate into a 3 gallon plastic bucket. Fill the bucket with 2 gallons of water to create a cleaning solution. Stir the solution with a stiff-bristle nylon scrub brush to thoroughly mix and dissolve the trisodium phosphate.
- 2
  Rinse the siding thoroughly with water from a garden hose. Attach a spray nozzle to the garden hose to reach difficult areas.
- 3
  Scrub a 20-foot wide section of the siding with the solution, using the scrub brush. Wear rubber gloves for protection against the trisodium phosphate. Use a telescoping pole brush to clean high areas of the wall.
- 4
  Rinse the 20-foot wide section of siding immediately after cleaning using the garden hose and spray nozzle. Repeat the cleaning process on the remaining 20-foot wide sections of siding. Allow the siding to thoroughly air dry.
- 5
  Scrape off any peeling paint and old caulking from the siding, using a paint scraper. Sand the scraped areas of the siding with sandpaper.
- 6
  Apply a coat of high quality exterior acrylic masonry primer to the siding, using a roller brush. Use a 3-inch paintbrush for coating trim and detailing. Stand on a ladder to access higher areas of the siding. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 7
  Apply a coat of exterior latex polyurethane topcoat paint to the siding, using a roller brush and 3-inch paintbrush. Stand on the ladder to access higher areas of the siding. Allow the topcoat paint to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

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