Painting Hardie Plank

BonitaBuilder

Anyone have experience with painting Hardie Plank before installation?
I'd assume letting it properly dry before handleing would be a good idea but otherwise?

easy sider

Why not paint it after you hang it like everyone else.

BonitaBuilder

Seems it would be easier to spray it before hanging it. It would save a lot of scaffold work. Easier to paint on the ground than on the wall, especially tall gables.

kylemfk

in my area you can find prefinishing places who do a nice job with 3 coat fiber cement paint

anthonyadam13

Did a project with it prepainted from the supplier, it is tough to keep i clean in April when everything is muddy, but it looked good in the end. The hardie board paint job is guarenteed for 30 years I think.

mullaman

arent you supposed to caulk it when finished? how can it be worth it prefinishing?

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strikes and gutters, ups and downs

BonitaBuilder

I don't think the prefinished material has made many inroads in SW Fla. yet. I've inquired about it at several supply houses and only got one answer on getting the quantity I need. Most places want to ship more than I need.
That being said I don't think there are any prefinishing businesses here in the area or I'd definitely look into that.

easy sider

The climate in SW Florida may cause the back side of the planks to mold. At least in northern climes the mold would freeze out in winter.

BonitaBuilder

Because of the mold issue I've been advised not to caulk the horizontal or lap joints.

easy sider

Everything needs to be caulked or you will most likely have mold. Moisture + Dust = Mold. SW Florida has more than its share of wind and rain that could get under the siding at any place not caulked.