James Hardie & Benjamin Moore Paint Matching Guide

03 Oct 2024

james hardie paint color match benjamin moore

Looking for that perfect curb appeal? Matching your James Hardie siding color to a Benjamin Moore paint can unlock a world of design possibilities, but navigating the process can feel daunting. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about harmonizing these two popular choices for a stunning exterior.

James Hardie fiber cement siding is known for its durability and beauty. Their ColorPlus Technology offers pre-finished siding in a curated palette, providing long-lasting color. However, homeowners sometimes need to repaint or touch-up areas, or perhaps extend the color scheme to trim and other exterior elements. That's where finding a comparable Benjamin Moore paint color comes in.

While James Hardie doesn't officially endorse any specific paint brand matches, many painting professionals and DIY enthusiasts have successfully found close approximations within the Benjamin Moore color collections. This involves careful consideration of undertones, light reflectivity, and the inherent texture differences between the pre-finished siding and applied paint.

The practice of finding a Benjamin Moore equivalent for a James Hardie color is largely driven by homeowner preference, offering greater flexibility in color selection for trim, doors, and other architectural details. This also provides an alternative for repainting sections of siding that may have been damaged or require touch-ups. It's important to remember that an exact match is rarely possible due to the different materials and application processes. Therefore, aiming for a close visual match under various lighting conditions is key.

The popularity of this color matching pursuit reflects a growing demand for coordinated and cohesive exterior designs. Homeowners want the long-lasting performance of James Hardie siding coupled with the broader color options and touch-up capabilities offered by readily available paint brands like Benjamin Moore.

Color matching isn't an exact science, and variations can occur due to factors like lighting, surface texture, and application techniques. Test patches are crucial. Apply your chosen Benjamin Moore paint to a small, inconspicuous area of the Hardie siding, or a primed piece of HardiePlank. Observe the color in different lighting conditions—morning, noon, and evening—before committing to the entire project.

Several online communities and forums are dedicated to sharing successful James Hardie and Benjamin Moore color pairings. These can be valuable resources for gathering insights and recommendations from others who have tackled this challenge. Professional paint stores can also offer expert advice and color matching services.

One of the key benefits is the increased flexibility in color selection. Benjamin Moore's vast color library provides more choices for trim, accents, and other exterior details, allowing for more personalized and nuanced design choices that complement the James Hardie siding. Another benefit is the ease of touch-ups and repairs. Having a readily available Benjamin Moore paint that closely matches the siding color simplifies future maintenance and ensures a consistent look over time.

Best Practices for Implementing James Hardie and Benjamin Moore Color Matching:

1. Start with online research: Explore online forums and communities for recommended color pairings.

2. Consult with a paint professional: Seek expert advice at your local paint store.

3. Utilize paint chips: Compare Benjamin Moore paint chips to your James Hardie siding in different lighting.

4. Test in small areas: Apply test patches and observe the color in various lighting conditions.

5. Consider the sheen: Choose a paint sheen that complements the siding's finish.

Advantages and Disadvantages of James Hardie/Benjamin Moore Matching

Advantages	Disadvantages
Wider color selection for trim and accents	Difficulty achieving a perfect color match
Easy touch-ups and repairs	Potential color variations due to different materials
Enhanced design flexibility	Requires careful testing and observation

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I get an exact match? An exact match is difficult due to material differences; aim for a close visual match.

2. Where can I find recommended color pairings? Online forums, paint professionals, and community resources.

3. What if I can't find a close match? Consider custom color mixing at a paint store.

4. Should I use a primer? Yes, priming is essential for proper paint adhesion and color accuracy.

5. What sheen should I use? Consider the existing siding's sheen and choose a complementary finish.

6. How do I test paint colors? Apply small test patches and observe in various lighting conditions.

7. Where can I buy Benjamin Moore paint? Benjamin Moore retailers and authorized dealers.

8. What if my siding is faded? Address fading before attempting color matching.

Tips and Tricks: Take photos of your siding and bring them to the paint store for expert consultation. Document successful color matches for future reference.

Achieving a harmonious exterior using James Hardie siding and coordinating Benjamin Moore paint opens up a world of design possibilities. By following the best practices, conducting thorough testing, and leveraging available resources, you can achieve a cohesive and visually appealing result. The benefits of increased design flexibility and simplified maintenance make this color matching endeavor a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking a polished and long-lasting exterior finish. Remember that patience and attention to detail are key to success in this process. Start your research today, and transform your home's exterior with a perfectly coordinated color palette that reflects your personal style.