The finish you choose for your James Hardie siding plays a big role in how your home looks and how much maintenance you’ll need down the road. At Fairway Exteriors, we work with both primed and pre-finished options, and we know each has its own advantages.

In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each finish type, so you can pick the best fit for your style, budget, and long-term plans.

Pre-Finished James Hardie Siding: Benefits & Drawbacks

Also known as ColorPlus® Technology, pre-finished siding is factory-painted with a baked-on color coating. This controlled process ensures even coverage, strong adhesion, and consistent appearance from board to board.

Key Benefits of Pre-Finished Siding

• Lasting Color Performance: The finish is cured between coats, so it resists peeling, cracking, and chipping better than most on-site paint jobs. This means your siding keeps its vibrant appearance longer.
• Low Maintenance: All you really need is a quick rinse with a hose and mild soap once or twice a year. No repainting for at least 15 years, backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
• UV Protection: The ColorPlus® finish is specifically formulated to resist fading from sun exposure, ideal for Kansas City homes with full sunlight exposure.

Potential Drawbacks

• Limited Color Choices: The color options are fixed to a predetermined palette. If you have a very specific shade in mind, you may feel restricted.
• Touch-Up Challenges:  If siding is scratched or damaged, factory touch-up kits may not perfectly match the original color, especially over time.

Primed James Hardie Siding: Benefits & Drawbacks

Primed James Hardie siding comes ready to paint, giving you complete control over the color and finish. This is a go-to option if customization is your top priority.

Why Homeowners Choose Primed Siding

• Maximum Customization: Want a color that matches your trim, your front door, or even your HOA requirements? With primed siding, the sky’s the limit.
• Budget-Friendly Upfront: The initial cost of primed siding is usually lower than ColorPlus®, making it a more economical option for homeowners working within a strict budget.
• Flexible Lead Times: Primed siding is often more readily available than pre-finished styles, helping to keep your project moving on schedule.

Important Considerations

• Maintenance Over Time: Painted siding needs to be repainted every 8–10 years, depending on the paint quality and weather exposure. That means additional long-term maintenance and costs down the line.
• More Labor Required: Since the siding needs to be painted on-site after installation, your project timeline and labor expenses may increase. It also requires skilled painters to ensure a consistent, durable finish.
• Finish Quality Varies: Unlike the factory-controlled ColorPlus® system, the end result with primed siding depends heavily on the painter’s experience, tools, and the paint used.

Pre-Finished vs. Primed James Hardie Siding: Which One Fits Your Home Best?

Choose Pre-Finished Siding If:

• You want a low-maintenance, long-lasting finish.
• You’re satisfied with the factory-selected color palette.
• You value a 15-year paint warranty and consistent appearance.

At Fairway Exteriors, many of our clients in Kansas City prefer ColorPlus® for its durability and simplicity. It’s a smart choice for homeowners who want great-looking siding without the hassle of ongoing upkeep.

Choose Primed Siding If:

• You have a very specific color or custom design in mind.
• You’re working with a tight budget and can handle painting post-installation.
• You don’t mind taking on repainting as part of long-term maintenance.

Primed James Hardie siding gives you total control over how your exterior looks. We often recommend this option for homeowners doing full custom builds or color-matching other exterior elements.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Call

There’s no wrong choice, just the right fit for your goals. At Fairway Exteriors, we install both ColorPlus® and primed James Hardie siding regularly. If you’re not sure which direction to go, we’re happy to walk you through examples, timelines, and long-term expectations based on your specific home and vision.

Ready to update your siding? Let’s talk about what will work best for your budget, your style, and your long-term plans. Contact Fairway Exteriors today for a free siding consultation and estimate. We’re here to make sure your home looks great and stays protected for years to come.