Pre-Primed
The manufacturer recommends using its trademarked factory priming system for best results. Repriming is usually not necessary when repainting but if primer is used, it should be alkali resistant.
Primer
If the installer chooses not to use the preprimed product, the manufacturer recommends using an alkali-resistant primer with 100 percent acrylic topcoat. Oil or alkyd base paints and stains should not be used on Hardie siding.
Factory Painted
James Hardie also manufactures siding with baked-on pigment that holds up to weather and ultraviolet radiation. More than 25 factory-baked paint color choices are available in products that resemble plank cedar or stucco siding, as well as shingles.