Hardboard siding is a reconstituted wood-based building product that can provide excellent long-term resistance to weathering when protected by a quality housepaint.
Follow these tips from Hirshfieldís for a durable, long-lasting finish.
Surface Preparation
1. The surface of the siding must be clean and dry, free of dust, dirt and mildew. Wash with mild solution of TSP, if necessary, and rinse thoroughly.
2. Paint should be applied as soon as possible after siding is installed. Exposure should never exceed 30 days for unprimed hardboard.
Priming
3. Unprimed hardboard siding must be primed with a quality exterior primer.
4. Hirshfieldís recommends that factory primed siding be reprimed with a quality exterior primer.
5. Allow primer to dry thoroughly before topcoating
Finishing
6. On new construction, Hirshfieldís recommends a two-coat job: a coat of primer followed by a finish coat.
7. Use a high quality 100% acrylic latex housepaint. (We recommend Hirshfieldís Housecoat II Low Lustre.) Properly applied, a quality paint will last twice as long as a ìbargainî paint.
8. DO NOT use semi-transparent stains on hardboard siding.
9. Brush application methods are generally preferred, paying special attention to grooves and lap edges to insure complete coverage.
10. Be certain to follow the manufacturerís label directions and spread rate.
Previously Painted Hardboard Siding.
11. On redo applications, if your siding appears blotchy or discolored, prepare the surface in the following manner:
A. Power wash the siding with a TSP solution. Rinse thoroughly.
B. Remove all loose, flaking paint.
C. Prime surface to be painted with a quality exterior primer.
D. Top coat with a quality 100% acrylic latex such as Hirshfieldís Housecoat II Low Lustre.
Remember, always follow label directions.
If you are in doubt about any portion of the job, ask directions from the paint experts at Hirshfieldís. Theyíll give you all the right information so youíll end up with a job youíll be proud of.