ColorPlus vs. Primed Siding

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The siding you choose for your home is more than just an exterior finish—it’s an investment in durability, style, and long-term protection. Among the most popular options, ColorPlus siding and primed siding from James Hardie stand out for their exceptional quality and features. Both are crafted with cutting-edge technology, but they cater to different needs.

How can you determine which option is the best fit for your home? Let’s take a closer look at the differences, the benefits each offers, and what makes them unique.

What Is ColorPlus Siding?

ColorPlus siding is James Hardie’s innovative solution with a factory-applied finish. The color is applied in thin, even layers and baked on to create a durable, long-lasting finish. This process ensures a consistent and vibrant color that requires no additional painting after installation.

Benefits of ColorPlus Siding

  • Factory-applied finish: The color is applied in a controlled factory environment, resulting in an even, uniform look. This eliminates the risk of streaks or uneven paint layers commonly seen in on-site painting.
  • Time-saving and convenient: Since the finish is pre-applied, there’s no need for on-site painting, saving time and labor after the siding is installed.
  • Durable and resistant to fading: The baked-on layers make ColorPlus siding more resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling over time. Color warranty: James Hardie offers a warranty on the baked-on color, providing peace of mind for homeowners.
  • Popular color options: Hardie’s Statement Collection includes commonly chosen colors, making it easier to select a shade that complements your home.

What Is Primed Siding?

Primed siding from James Hardie is also pre-treated in the factory, but instead of having a finished color, it is coated with a primer. Once installed, it must be painted on-site to achieve the final look. This option allows for complete customization of your home’s siding color.

Benefits of Primed Siding

  • Custom color choices: Primed siding is a great option for homeowners who want a specific shade not included in the ColorPlus palette. For example, a unique shade of white, blue, or gray can be selected and applied after installation.
  • On-site uniformity: Painting all panels on-site ensures a consistent look across the entire surface.
  • Flexibility for future updates: If you wish to update your home’s color later, primed siding makes it easy to repaint and refresh the appearance.

Key Differences Between ColorPlus and Primed Siding

Although both products come from James Hardie’s trusted line of fiber cement siding, there are notable distinctions between the two:

  • Convenience: ColorPlus siding arrives pre-finished, requiring no additional painting. Primed siding, however, requires on-site painting to achieve the desired look.
  • Durability: ColorPlus siding has a baked-on finish that enhances its durability. With primed siding, durability depends on the quality of the paint applied on-site.
  • Warranty coverage: ColorPlus siding includes a James Hardie color warranty, while primed siding’s paint warranty is dependent on the paint manufacturer, such as Sherwin-Williams.
  • Custom options: Primed siding allows for greater customization with color, while ColorPlus siding offers pre-selected, popular hues.

Why Choose ColorPlus Siding?

ColorPlus siding is ideal if you want a low-maintenance, pre-finished siding solution. ColorPlus siding is also equipped with a consistent, factory-applied color finish which eliminates the need for painting the siding yourself.

Why Choose Primed Siding?

Primed siding is the right choice if you would like complete control over your siding color, and are willing to invest additional time and effort for on-site painting. Primed siding is perfect for the homeowner who values the ability to repaint and update your home’s color in the future.

Conclusion

ColorPlus vs. Primed Siding

Both ColorPlus siding and primed siding have their advantages, and the decision depends on your specific needs and preferences. ColorPlus siding offers unparalleled convenience and durability with its factory-applied finish and warranty. On the other hand, primed siding provides customization options for homeowners seeking unique colors or planning future updates. At Envision Exteriors, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your home. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant and consistent finish of ColorPlus or the flexibility of primed siding, our team has the expertise to bring your vision to life. Contact Envision Exteriors today to get started on your project.