
LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding product that comes pre-primed and is recommended to be painted with acrylic latex paint. While it is important to prime and paint the edges and cut ends of LP SmartSide to protect the wood substrate from moisture damage, the backside of the siding or trim is typically left unpainted. Some people have primed the backside of LP SmartSide, but it is not necessary and may be difficult to do. LP SmartSide is known for its ease of use and installation, and it is a popular choice for those looking for an affordable and durable siding option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting the back side | Not recommended |
| Priming the back side | Not recommended |
| Painting the edges | Recommended |
| Priming the edges | Recommended |
| Paint type | Acrylic latex coating |
| Paint brand recommendation | None |
| Paint technique | Paint rollers/brushes, hard rubber roller |
Explore related products
$9.99
What You'll Learn
- LP SmartSide trim is factory primed, so no need to prime again
- Exposed edges must be primed and painted to protect the siding substrate
- The back of the siding should not be painted as the composite material needs to breathe
- Use acrylic latex paint, designed for wood composites, for best results
- Painting technique: use rollers/brushes, two colours, and thin the darker paint

LP SmartSide trim is factory primed, so no need to prime again
LP SmartSide trim is factory primed, so there is no need to prime again. The front and edge surfaces of LP SmartSide siding and trim are primed at the factory to protect the product and save you time. While it is important to prime and paint the cut edges of LP SmartSide products to protect the siding substrate, the back side is best left unpainted.
LP SmartSide trim is designed to be easy to work with and can be painted to achieve a variety of looks. When selecting a paint for LP SmartSide trim, it is recommended to use acrylic latex coatings designed specifically for wood composites. These coatings can be applied with regular paint rollers or brushes, and in some cases, can be sprayed on with airless equipment.
It is important to note that LP SmartSide trim should not be left completely unprimed. The factory priming provides a base level of protection, but for the best results and to ensure the product warranty, it is essential to follow LP's application instructions. These instructions specify that all exposed edges of LP SmartSide siding and trim must be primed and painted with approved paint to protect against moisture damage and decay.
While the backside of LP SmartSide trim does not require priming, some people choose to do so for added protection. However, it is important to consider that priming and painting the backside may be more difficult and time-consuming, and it may not be necessary for the specific application.
Overall, LP SmartSide trim is a versatile and easy-to-use product that can be painted to match the desired look. By following the manufacturer's instructions and properly priming and painting the exposed edges, you can ensure a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Avoiding Background Erasure in MS Paint: Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Exposed edges must be primed and painted to protect the siding substrate
It is important to prime and paint exposed edges on LP SmartSide siding and trim to protect the siding substrate. While the front and edge surfaces of LP SmartSide products are factory-primed, cutting the product on the job site can expose the wood substrate. Therefore, according to LP's application instructions, all exposed edges must be primed and painted with approved paint to protect the siding substrate from moisture damage and premature decay.
LP SmartSide products are not intended to be back primed. The back side is better left unprimed and unpainted. While back priming can help control tannin staining in some types of solid wood siding, trim, and composite siding, it is not necessary for LP SmartSide products. In fact, some users have expressed that priming the backside of LP SmartSide siding is unnecessary and may be difficult.
When selecting paint for LP SmartSide products, it is recommended to use acrylic latex coatings designed specifically for wood composites. The manufacturer recommends using a high-quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint formulated for use on wood and engineered wood substrates. This type of paint will help protect the siding substrate and ensure the best results.
It is important to follow LP's instructions for priming and painting to ensure warranty considerations. While some users have mentioned using additional techniques like caulking and sealing, it is essential to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the product's longevity and maintain the warranty.
Overall, by priming and painting exposed edges, you can protect the siding substrate of LP SmartSide products, ensuring their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Unveiling Leonardo's Last Supper Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The back of the siding should not be painted as the composite material needs to breathe
LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding that comes pre-primed and is designed to be painted with an acrylic latex coating. While the product is designed to be painted, it is important to note that the back of the siding should not be painted.
LP SmartSide products are designed with a composite material that needs to breathe. Painting the back of the siding can interfere with this process and may cause damage to the product. The composite material is designed to allow moisture to escape, and painting it can trap moisture, leading to premature decay.
LP's installation instructions specify that all exposed edges and cut ends of the siding must be primed and painted to protect the siding substrate and prevent moisture damage. However, it is recommended to leave the back side of the siding unpainted. This is because the back side of the siding is not exposed to the same environmental factors as the front and edges, and painting it is not necessary for protection.
Additionally, the back priming technique, which has proven useful for controlling tannin staining in some types of solid wood siding and composite sidings, is not intended for LP SmartSide products. The product is designed to be breathable, and back priming can interfere with this feature.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations when painting LP SmartSide siding to ensure the product's longevity and maintain its warranty. While the front and edges should be properly primed and painted, the back of the siding should be left unpainted to allow the composite material to breathe.
Customizing MS Paint: Altering Default Settings, Your Way
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Use acrylic latex paint, designed for wood composites, for best results
Painting the back of LP Smart Trim is not recommended. However, if you want to paint the front side of LP Smart Trim, it is recommended to use acrylic latex paint, designed for wood composites, for the best results. LP Smart Trim is engineered wood siding and trim that has been factory-primed on its front and edge surfaces. While the back side is typically left unpainted, painting the exposed edges is crucial to protect the siding substrate.
LP Smart Trim products are designed to be painted with acrylic latex coatings, specifically those formulated for wood composites. This type of paint provides superior protection and adhesion to the trim, ensuring a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing finish. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and only use approved paint to maintain the product's warranty.
When painting LP Smart Trim, it is recommended to use two coats of primer and two coats of the top coat. The primer helps to prepare the surface and ensure better adhesion of the paint. The top coat provides the desired colour and additional protection against the elements. It is also important to consider the painting technique, as proper application is essential for achieving the desired results.
To achieve a natural wood-like appearance, a specific technique can be employed. This involves using two colours in the same family, with one being darker than the other. First, apply a coat of the lighter colour to the "grain" (the raised part of the texture) and let it dry thoroughly. Then, thin down the darker colour slightly so that it settles off the peaks of the texture, creating a stained look. This technique requires some practice and experimentation to perfect.
Overall, by using acrylic latex paint designed for wood composites and following the recommended application techniques, you can achieve the best results when painting LP Smart Trim. Remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines to ensure proper installation and protection of your LP Smart Trim products.
Watercolour Wine Glass: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Painting technique: use rollers/brushes, two colours, and thin the darker paint
Painting the back side of LP SmartSide trim is not recommended, as per LP's application instructions. However, if you are set on painting it, there are a few things you should know about painting techniques, using rollers/brushes, two colours, and thinning paint.
Firstly, when it comes to the tools, you can use either rollers or brushes for painting. Rollers are generally used for covering larger areas quickly and efficiently, while brushes are better for smaller areas and detail work. For a project like painting trim, a combination of both rollers and brushes may be useful.
Now, for the paint itself, LP recommends using acrylic latex coatings designed for wood composites. If you want to use two colours, a popular technique is to paint the bottom section of a wall one colour and the top section, including the ceiling, another colour. This creates a visually appealing, cohesive look. To ensure a clean finish where the two colours meet, you'll need an extremely straight and level line.
If you find that your paint is too thick, you can thin it by adding water. For latex paint, add 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) of water for every gallon of paint. Mix thoroughly and check the thickness by pouring the paint through a funnel. If it flows freely, it's ready; if not, add another 1/8 cup of water (30 milliliters) per gallon and mix again. Keep in mind that thinning the paint will alter its colour and drying time, and you may need to apply additional coats.
The Easiest Way to Rotate Text in MS Paint
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, the back side of LP Smart Trim should be left unpainted. The composite material needs to breathe and the product is not intended to be back primed.
The manufacturer recommends using a high-quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint, specifically formulated for use on wood and engineered wood.
You will need regular paint rollers/brushes and a hard rubber roller. You will also need two colours in the same family, one darker than the other. Apply a coat of the lighter "grain" colour and let it dry thoroughly. Then, take the darker colour and thin it down so that the paint will settle off the peaks of the texture to give it a stained look.
LP Smart Trim comes pre-primed, however, if you cut a plank, you will need to prime the end grain.











































