Painting LP SmartSide siding correctly is essential for achieving a flawless finish that protects your investment and looks beautiful for years. LP SmartSide engineered wood siding is one of the most popular siding materials in Minnesota, and its excellent paintability is one of its greatest advantages. At Weatherguard Construction, our 25+ years as a family-owned exterior specialist include extensive experience painting and repainting LP SmartSide across Stillwater, Woodbury, Minneapolis, and the greater Twin Cities area. As a certified LP SmartSide installer, we know exactly how to maximize this product's performance.
Why LP SmartSide Is Great for Painting
LP SmartSide engineered wood siding features a factory-applied primer that provides an excellent base for topcoat application. The treated wood strand substrate accepts paint beautifully, creating strong mechanical and chemical bonds that keep paint firmly adhered through Minnesota's demanding seasons. Unlike vinyl siding, which limits you to factory colors, LP SmartSide can be painted any color — and repainted whenever you want a new look.
The SmartGuard manufacturing process treats the wood strands with zinc borate and wax to resist moisture, fungal decay, and termites. This stable substrate means LP SmartSide doesn't expand and contract as dramatically as natural wood, which translates to less paint stress and longer paint life.
When to Paint LP SmartSide
New Installation
LP SmartSide comes with a factory-applied primer that must be topcoated within 180 days of installation. This factory primer is designed specifically to accept topcoat paint and provides excellent adhesion. Applying your topcoat within this window ensures optimal performance.
Weatherguard Construction coordinates painting with siding installation to ensure the topcoat is applied promptly after installation, protecting your new siding from the start.
Repainting Existing LP SmartSide
LP SmartSide typically needs repainting every 10-15 years depending on sun exposure, color choice, and paint quality. Signs that it's time to repaint include noticeable fading, chalking (a powdery residue on the surface), or minor checking in the paint film. Addressing these signs promptly prevents moisture from reaching the substrate and extends the life of your siding.
Choosing the Right Paint for LP SmartSide
LP Building Solutions recommends 100% acrylic latex exterior paint for LP SmartSide siding. Acrylic latex provides the flexibility, adhesion, and durability needed for Minnesota's temperature extremes. Our top paint recommendations include:
Premium Options:
- Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior (100% acrylic with Color Lock technology)
- Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior (acrylic latex with PermaLast technology)
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior (100% acrylic with advanced UV protection)
Mid-Range Options:
- Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior
- Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Exterior
Avoid: Oil-based paints, elastomeric coatings, and solid-color stains are not recommended for LP SmartSide as they may not perform properly with the substrate's characteristics.
Surface Preparation for LP SmartSide
New Siding Preparation
Factory-primed LP SmartSide requires minimal preparation for initial painting:
- Clean the surface — Remove construction dust, dirt, and debris with a soft brush or damp cloth
- Inspect for damage — Check for any installation damage, scratches, or exposed edges that need spot priming
- Spot prime — Apply primer to any cut edges, scratches, or areas where the factory primer has been compromised
- Caulk joints — Seal butt joints, corner joints, and gaps around windows and doors with quality paintable caulk
Repainting Preparation
Existing painted LP SmartSide requires more thorough preparation:
- Power wash — Clean the entire surface using a low-pressure wash (under 1,500 PSI) to remove dirt, mildew, and chalking paint residue
- Allow complete drying — Wait 24-48 hours after washing for thorough drying
- Scrape and sand — Remove any peeling or flaking paint and feather edges smooth
- Spot prime — Prime any bare areas with a quality acrylic primer
- Caulk and repair — Refresh caulking at joints and repair any damaged sections
Application Techniques for a Flawless Finish
Brush vs. Spray vs. Roll
Spraying is our preferred method for LP SmartSide siding. Airless spraying provides the most uniform coverage and the smoothest finish on the textured wood-grain surface. We spray the topcoat and then back-brush critical areas to ensure full penetration into the texture pattern.
Brushing is used for trim, cut-in areas around windows and doors, and detail work. Quality angled brushes provide precise application in areas where spray coverage is impractical.
Rolling can be effective for smooth-faced LP SmartSide panels but is generally slower than spraying for large surface areas.
Number of Coats
LP Building Solutions requires a minimum of one coat of 100% acrylic latex paint over the factory primer for warranty compliance. However, Weatherguard Construction always applies two full coats for optimal durability, color richness, and longevity. Two coats provide significantly better protection against Minnesota's UV exposure, moisture, and temperature extremes.
Temperature and Weather Requirements
Apply paint when temperatures are between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and will remain above 50 degrees for at least 24 hours after application. Avoid painting in direct sunlight, high humidity, or when rain is expected within 24 hours. In Minnesota, this typically means painting from late April through mid-October.
Maintaining Painted LP SmartSide
Proper maintenance extends the life of your painted LP SmartSide siding:
- Annual inspection — Walk around your home each spring and fall, looking for paint damage, caulk failure, or moisture issues
- Gentle cleaning — Wash siding annually with a garden hose to remove dirt and mildew
- Prompt repairs — Address any paint chips, cracks, or caulk failures promptly to prevent moisture infiltration
- Avoid impact damage — Keep landscaping trimmed away from siding to prevent abrasion
Contact Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 or book your free consultation to discuss your LP SmartSide painting project. We serve homeowners across Minnesota from our Stillwater headquarters, plus Schaumburg, IL and Centennial, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you change the color of LP SmartSide siding?
Absolutely. LP SmartSide can be repainted any color at any time, giving homeowners complete flexibility to update their home's appearance. Unlike vinyl siding, which limits you to factory colors, LP SmartSide welcomes color changes. This is one of the material's greatest advantages.
How long does paint last on LP SmartSide?
With quality 100% acrylic paint and professional application, paint on LP SmartSide typically lasts 10-15 years in Minnesota. Lighter colors generally last longer than darker colors, and north-facing walls typically outlast south-facing walls due to less UV exposure.
Does LP SmartSide need to be primed before painting?
New LP SmartSide comes with a factory-applied primer that serves as the base for your topcoat. Additional priming of the full surface is not required unless the factory primer has been damaged or the 180-day topcoat window has expired. Spot priming of cut edges and damaged areas is always recommended.
What sheen should I use on LP SmartSide siding?
Satin or low-lustre is the most popular and recommended sheen for LP SmartSide siding. It provides a beautiful subtle glow while offering good moisture resistance and cleanability. Semi-gloss is preferred for trim pieces. Learn more in our paint finishes guide.
