How to Paint Hardie Plank Siding
After putting it off as long as you can, you have finally decided to give the exterior of your home that much-needed face lift. Not only will it cross one more item off the dreaded "honey-do" list, painting your home can actually increase it's value and provide added weather protection.
Things You Will Need
- Paint
- Applicator (sprayer, brush or roller)
- Ladder or scaffolding
- Pressure washer (optional)
- Masking tape
- Newspaper
Even if you are simply tired of the old color, you can follow these steps to brightening your home's appearance and increasing its curb appeal.
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Choose your paint carefully. For HardiePlank (also known as dutch lap) siding, 100 percent acrylic paint is recommended. Virtually any color can be mixed to your liking at your local paint store. One gallon of paint typically covers about 400 square feet, so purchase enough paint to finish the job.
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Prep the exterior of your home. Pressure washing is the easiest and most thorough way to accomplish this. You must have a clean surface free of debris for the paint to adhere properly. Alternately, you can use a garden hose with a jet stream nozzle and a wire brush. Be sure to let the surface dry completely before starting to paint.
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Tape off trim boards, windows, and lighting fixtures as necessary using masking or painters tape and newspaper to protect them from over-spray, dripping and splattering. Place drop cloths or plastic over plants, flowers or lawn ornaments near the house to protect them.
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Apply paint using your selected method. Start at the top of the siding and work your way down, a section at a time. Watch for drips and runs, and brush them out immediately. If using a sprayer, back roll or back brush over gaps and cracks to ensure the paint penetrates well.
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Paint your trim once your main color has dried (this normally takes several hours). Use a wet rag to wipe off any trim paint that happens to get on your siding.
Tip
Clean your equipment thoroughly. Latex paints are environmentally friendly in that no solvents are required. Clean-up is easy with warm water and soap.
Warning
Most exterior paint is sensitive to temperatures. It is not recommended to paint in temperatures below 50 degrees F. There are cold weather paints available that are viable at temperatures as low as 35 degrees F. Freezing temperatures during application or drying periods can cause damage to your new paint job.
House painting is a demanding job and can be physically exhausting. Take breaks as needed to keep yourself rested and alert enough to do the best job possible.
Tips
- Clean your equipment thoroughly. Latex paints are environmentally friendly in that no solvents are required. Clean-up is easy with warm water and soap.
Warnings
- Most exterior paint is sensitive to temperatures. It is not recommended to paint in temperatures below 50 degrees F. There are cold weather paints available that are viable at temperatures as low as 35 degrees F. Freezing temperatures during application or drying periods can cause damage to your new paint job. House painting is a demanding job and can be physically exhausting. Take breaks as needed to keep yourself rested and alert enough to do the best job possible.
Writer Bio
Lonnie McGowan began freelance writing in 2008 and has a diverse background, having written and published many items including safety manuals, training documents, technical articles, and instruction sheets. McGowan is a graduate of Clover Park Technical College with an associate degree in computer networking and information systems security, and owner of a local computer service and repair business.
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