Virginia & Washington DC
202-743-5072
Hardie Board & Fiber Cement Siding in Arlington, VA
James Hardie fiber cement siding has become the premier siding choice for Arlington homeowners who want the beauty of wood with the durability of cement. Unlike vinyl that cracks in cold weather or wood that rots, Hardie board resists rot, pests, and fire while holding paint far longer. It maintains its appearance for 30–50 years.
Northern Star Painters is experienced in both painting new Hardie board installations and repainting existing fiber cement siding. Whether you’ve had new siding installed or your existing Hardie board is due for a color refresh after 15+ years, we use the right primers and paints formulated for fiber cement.
Arlington neighborhoods like Donaldson Run, Country Club Hills, and Williamsburg feature many homes that have converted from wood to Hardie board. The transformation is dramatic — clean lines, consistent texture, and paint that stays vibrant for over a decade.
Why Choose Northern Star Painters
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Fiber Cement Specialists
We know the specific primers, paints, and techniques that Hardie board requires.
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12–15 Year Paint Life
Properly painted Hardie board holds color twice as long as wood siding.
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Manufacturer Specs
We follow James Hardie’s recommended application methods for warranty-compliant results.
Our Process
1
Siding Inspection
We check panels, caulking, and fasteners. For new installs, we verify readiness before priming.
2
Cleaning & Prep
Construction dust, dirt, and efflorescence removed. Previously painted boards lightly sanded.
3
Bonding Primer
High-quality primer formulated for fiber cement’s alkaline surface — critical for adhesion.
4
Two-Coat Finish
Two coats of 100% acrylic exterior paint at manufacturer-recommended mil thickness.
Why Hardie Board Needs Specialized Painting
Hardie board requires specific painting techniques that differ from wood and vinyl siding. The fiber cement substrate is more porous and alkaline than wood, requiring a bonding primer specifically rated for cementitious surfaces. Skipping this step or using the wrong primer leads to adhesion failure.
We apply primer and two coats of 100% acrylic exterior paint in the proper mil thickness to achieve the factory-finish appearance that Hardie recommends. This attention to manufacturer specifications separates our work from painters who treat all siding materials the same.
We work with homeowners, builders, and siding contractors to provide the painting component of exterior renovation projects. Whether it’s a full re-side or a color change on existing Hardie board, we deliver results that protect and beautify your investment for years to come.
Hardie Board Color and Finish Options
James Hardie offers ColorPlus pre-finished siding with factory-applied color that comes with a 15-year finish warranty. However, many Arlington homeowners prefer field-painting their Hardie board for a wider color selection and the ability to change colors in the future. We support both approaches.
When repainting existing Hardie board, color options are virtually unlimited. Popular choices in Arlington include classic whites, navy blues, sage greens, warm grays, and charcoal. We help you select colors that complement your roof, trim, front door, and landscaping for a cohesive exterior look.
The texture of Hardie board varies — smooth panels offer a modern, clean appearance while woodgrain-textured panels mimic the look of natural wood. Smooth boards are slightly easier to paint and tend to hold paint longer. We adjust our application technique based on your specific panel texture.
For accent siding — such as Hardie shingle panels on gable ends or board-and-batten in accent areas — we can use contrasting colors to create architectural interest. This multi-texture, multi-color approach is increasingly popular on Arlington homes and adds significant curb appeal.
Maintaining Your Hardie Board Siding
Inspect your Hardie board annually for caulk failure at seams, around windows, and where siding meets trim. Failed caulk allows water behind the siding, which can damage the substrate and cause premature paint failure. Recaulking is an inexpensive preventive measure.
Power washing every 1–2 years removes dirt, pollen, and mildew that degrade the paint surface. Use low pressure (under 1500 PSI) to avoid driving water behind panel joints. We offer annual washing services for Arlington homeowners.
If you notice localized paint peeling or chalking, address it promptly. Spot repairs and touch-ups are far less expensive than full repainting and prevent moisture from reaching the fiber cement substrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Hardie board painting cost?
Painting Hardie board in Arlington costs $4,000–$12,000+ depending on home size and condition. New unprimed board requires additional primer coat.
How often does Hardie board need repainting?
Every 12–15 years — about twice as long as wood siding. Properly painted fiber cement maintains color far longer than other materials.
Can you color-match existing Hardie board?
Yes. We use spectrophotometer technology to identify your exact color and match it precisely, even for partial replacements.
Ready to get started in Arlington?
Call 202-743-5072 or book your free estimate online.
Areas Served
What Our Customers Say
“Northern Star Painters did an amazing job on our entire interior. Professional, clean, and the attention to detail was outstanding. Highly recommend!”
— Sarah M., Arlington, VA
“We had our cabinets refinished and they look brand new. The crew was on time, respectful of our home, and the results exceeded our expectations.”
— James R., McLean, VA
“Best painting company we’ve used. Fair pricing, great communication throughout the project, and the exterior paint job looks incredible.”
— David L., Ashburn, VA
✅ 2-Year Workmanship Warranty ✅ Licensed & Insured — $2M Liability Coverage ✅ 5-Star Google Rated — 48 Reviews ✅ Free Detailed Estimates — No Obligation
Virginia Class A Contractor | Locally Owned & Operated | Serving Northern Virginia & Washington DC