Are you ready to revamp your home’s worn-out façade?

Are you unclear about the ideal color to paint your home’s exterior?

Your home’s exterior may benefit from fresh paint on fiber cement siding, which protects it from severe weather and other incidents that might cause structural damage.

Fiber cement siding is made of cellulose fiber, cement, and sand. It resembles natural siding. It may be painted before or after installation.

Siding made of fiber cement is as strong as concrete and much thicker than vinyl.

Source: canva.com

The rough wood grain gives it the look of real wood shiplap siding. It is a paintable fire-resistant substance. Fiber-cement siding is not cheap, but it is resellable and appealing, and durable. 


Features of The Best Exterior Paint for Fiber Cement Siding 

There are many reasons to paint fiber cement siding since exterior paint for cement boards only lasts 10 to 15 years, whereas most paint lasts 50 years.

While builders may anticipate a longer paint cycle on your exterior if they choose a superior and factory-primed fiber cement siding, the paint will eventually give in to the weather, even if the fiber cement underneath remains strong. Finishes are critical for the long-term durability of fiber cement because they provide layers of weather protection.

Want to find out if the exterior paint for your fiber cement siding is the best before buying? See the features below for the best exterior paint for fiber cement siding to look for when buying your exterior paint.

Low amounts of volatile organic compounds

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are lethal vapors created by chemicals and solvents used in manufacturing paints. Unpleasant vapors may induce headaches and nausea if inhaled, so go for a low- or zero-VOC paint.

While these vapors are less likely to impact you while painting outside, you may wish to use a paint that is labeled “Low-VOC” or “Zero-VOC.”

Did You Know

Oil-based paints contain more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than latex-based paints.

Its Time to Dry

Painting a whole home is a demanding task in and of itself. If the paint takes too long to dry and settle after painting, it won’t dry in the sun. and the work becomes more difficult. This can lower the overall quality of the paint job dramatically.

Because various paints dry at varying rates, wait until the first coat is completely dry before applying the second. Consider the paint’s duration to dry if you have limited time to complete a project. The majority of latex paint dries in a matter of hours, and you may apply a second coat in four to six hours.

On the other hand, oil paint takes six to eight hours to dry to the touch and up to 24 hours to cure completely before adding a second coat. The paint can have a timer that indicates how long it takes to dry.

Primer

Certain outdoor paints need a primer before application. Specific products can be used as both a primer and a finisher, although they will be more costly. Examine your objectives and choose the option that is most convenient for you to get the best results.

Permanence of Color

Color selections are subjective and impacted by the buyer’s mood. Choose a color and check that the paint you are buying includes that option. You may verify that the paint color matches the manufacturer’s claim.

Frequently, the paint does not seem to be the intended color. For example, red color paint for fiberboard may seem somewhat pinkish. As a consequence, you must use caution in these instances.

Low-quality paints include inexpensive pigments that fade over time, especially when exposed to direct sunshine from the south. Bear in mind that dark colors fade more quickly than bright colors on the outside of your property.

If you want a dark or light shade on trim or shutters, look for “titanium dioxide” on the ingredient list—a costly but long-lasting pigment found exclusively in luxury paint lines.

Weather resistance

Whatever Mother Nature throws at it, a well-applied coat of paint should be able to withstand it. Certain hues are more impervious to the weather than others. If you reside in an area with unusually severe weather, you should exercise caution while selecting paint.

It is a good idea to make the paint as weather-resistant as possible. Oil paints are exceptionally resistant to water, and for many years, oil was the sole option for outdoor cement board painting. Much of it changed with the development of acrylic-based latex paint.

The acrylic acts as a binder, allowing the latex to stretch slightly, making it less brittle and crack-prone and hence more resistant to rain. The phrases “all acrylic” or “100% acrylic” occur on the labels of the best latex paints. While less-priced paints may include a trace of acrylic, this quantity is seldom sufficient to render the paint totally weather-resistant.

Suitability for Climates

The needs for paint vary by place, and a paint that is suitable for a high desert region may not be the best choice for a humid climate. Paint additives may make the difference between a long-lasting paint job and one that peels off after a few years.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

If you live in a humid or wet region, search for “mildew resistant” paint; if you live in a sunny climate, go for “UV resistant” paint.

Suitability of the Surface

Although there are several variants, the usual guideline is to paint the surface the same color as the paint. If your siding has been painted previously with latex, use latex; if it has been coated previously with oil, use oil. Because the solvents in oil paint melt the latex, spreading oil paint over it often results in bubbling and peeling.

You may ensure that the color you choose is complementary to the material you are painting. A paint intended for use on wood siding will not adhere well on aluminum or vinyl siding. The compatibility of the paint is specified on the label and on the product’s online reviews.

Durability

Painting a home is a lengthy and difficult undertaking. Selecting a hue that does not persist long enough adds to the difficulty. Always check that the paint you’re purchasing is durable.

Whether you want to ensure the longevity of your paint, check to determine if it has sufficient adherence. It should be resistant to cracking, peeling, blistering, and fading, among other issues.

Prices That Are Currently Available

A gallon of exterior paint will cost between $8 to more than $50, and in this situation, you generally get what you pay for. Costlier painting fiber cement siding often includes higher-quality chemicals and comes with a longer warranty. A 15-year warranty on paint is more likely to survive longer than a 5- to 10-year guarantee on paint.


5 Best Exterior Paint for Fiber Cement Siding With Reviews

Paint is a big investment. You want to make sure you choose the best exterior paint for fiber cement siding that will last for years and keep your home looking great.

It can be hard to know which paint brand or type is right for your needs, especially if you’re not familiar with all the pros and cons of different types of paints. 

We’ve reviewed 5 brands of exterior house paint so we could recommend only the top-performing products. Our reviews include helpful information on each product’s performance in various weather conditions, durability, the application process, and more.

Montage Signature Paint products are renowned for their quality and ease. Montage’s product fully embodies that concept.

Quality-wise, this paint doesn’t hold back. Users lauded the paint’s protection. The specific sealing process keeps moisture out and improves the paint job’s quality and lifespan.

It also dries quickly and is simple to clean. 

Montage Signature goes above and above to offer you the greatest appearance. Depending on your tastes, you may choose a matte or semi-gloss finish.

Finally, it provides all of the aforementioned advantages at a reasonable cost. This product’s value for money is excellent.

The main issues with this paint are its durability and color selections. The paint may fade off after some time, and you may need to repaint your home.

Color preferences are subjective, but many individuals have complained about the bewildering color selections. So be aware of it.

Highlights:

  • It has a particular moisture-proofing technology.
  • It dries quickly.
  • Very simple to wipe up spills and errors.
  • Choose between a low sheen and semi-gloss finish.
  • It is pretty cheap.

KILZ is a well-known paint manufacturer. This firm is driven to provide items that meet client demands. The product is renowned for its coverage and adaptability.

It covers 400-500 square feet on smooth surfaces and 300-400 square feet on uneven surfaces. It may also be used on concrete, masonry, brick, stone, etc., proving its flexibility.

However, its effectiveness on cement sidings is not always poor. Certain elements may even be used on sidings.  For example, it has a wonderfully smooth finish when applied properly.

It is also quite easy to use, making a challenging process simpler. Also, if you make a mistake, you may quickly clean any part of the paint. It also doesn’t take long to dry up.

The only area that might be improved is adhesion. Many consumers have complained about paint splitting or peeling after a time, especially in poor weather.

Highlights:

  • Works on concrete, stone, brick, and masonry.
  • It has a distinctive satin finish that is smooth and uniform.
  • 300-500 square foot coverage on smooth and rough surfaces.
  • Dries in 2 hours.
  • Easily detachable for spills or errors.

The final product on the list emphasized adaptability. But this Diamond Brite product outperforms it by a mile.

It may be used on practically any surface, including wood, hardboard, metal, and polyester, in addition to the previous ones.

Not only that, but this paint has various uses. You may apply this paint by brush, roll, or spray, as desired.

Unlike the past product, this one adheres well. It is resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading.

And what makes the exterior paint special is that it is oil-based enamel. But this has its drawbacks. On one hand, you will be more protected from the elements than with water or latex-based paints.

However, it has a foul odor that many find irritating.

Due to the oil-based enamel, it also takes a long time to dry. But after it dries up, it will last a long time.

Highlights:

  • Extremely surface-adaptable.
  • Can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed to suit your needs.
  • Completely fade, scuff, and fracture resistant.
  • Protected with an oil-based enamel.

Unlike the other paints on the list, this one is designed for fiber cement siding. If you want versatility, avoid this paint.  But if you want the finest exterior paint for fiber cement siding, keep an eye on this product.

Its water/oil base is one of its unique features. So it gives you the best of both worlds.

It has the greater protection of oil-based enamel while avoiding the stink.

The exceptional protection extends to paint adhesion. You won’t discover any cracking, peeling, or scorching after a long period.

It also dries quickly. The paint dries wonderfully in 2-3 hours.

Also, the paint coverage is commendable. It can cover 200 square feet on hard terrain, which is appropriate for focused performance rather than speed. It covers 500 square feet on flat surfaces.

But this paint is tough to clean. So be careful not to make errors since they may be difficult to correct. It also has a low matte surface that many find unspectacular.

Highlights:

  • A water/oil combination neutralizes odor and provides optimal protection.
  • Prevents cracks and blisters for a long time.
  • It settles in 2-3 hours.
  • It covers 200-500 square feet.
  • Check Amazon Price

Like the preceding product, this paint is designed for siding. It is unusual in that it is generally used to restore pre-existing paint.

But you may use it to paint your home if you apply to prime beforehand.

Despite not being a standard paint, it has several amazing properties. Let us start with its durability.

This paint is durable and may last for years. A single application is valid for ten years.

All water-based paint. So it’s really handy, simple to use, and has no odor.

However, it does not give the protection that an oil-based or even a latex-based paint would.

Also, it saves you the trouble of drying it. The paint dries quickly, which is handy.

However, cleaning this paint might be tricky. So be cautious not to commit too many unneeded errors.

Highlights:

  • Used as a finishing and repair kit.
  • Can persist for at least 10 years.
  • Easy to use and odorless water-based solution.
  • It dries and settles quickly.
Today’s Homeowner Tips

Choose the proper exterior paint when painting these sidings. The best exterior paint for fiber cement siding will improve the appearance of your home while protecting it from the elements.

It is important to consider all factors when deciding on what kind of paint to use. We hope these tips will be helpful in your buying decisions! If not, feel free to comment below and ask us any questions about your specific project. Good luck with your painting endeavors!

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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