LP SmartSide Primed vs. ExpertFinish®: Which Option Is Best? (And the Third Option Most Homeowners Don't Know About)
- Lake Effect Exteriors
- 23 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you're researching LP® SmartSide® siding, you've probably noticed there are two main options available: LP SmartSide Primed and LP SmartSide ExpertFinish®.
At first glance, they look almost identical. Both are made from LP's engineered wood siding, both feature the same authentic cedar grain texture, and both are designed to provide decades of durability when installed correctly.
So what's the difference?
The answer is actually much simpler than many homeowners think.
You're not choosing between a "good" product and a "better" product. You're choosing how your siding will be finished before it's installed on your home. One option arrives factory primed and is painted after installation. The other arrives with a factory-applied finish that's ready to install immediately.
There's also a third option that many homeowners don't know exists, and depending on your goals, it may be worth considering.
In this guide, we'll explain the differences between all three options so you can choose the one that's best for your home, budget, and style.
LP SmartSide Primed vs. ExpertFinish® at a Glance
If you want... | Best Option |
The lowest upfront material cost | LP SmartSide Primed |
Unlimited paint color choices | LP SmartSide Primed |
A factory-applied finish | LP SmartSide ExpertFinish® |
A custom factory-applied color | Third-Party Prefinished LP SmartSide |
The fastest installation | ExpertFinish® or Third-Party Prefinished |
To avoid hiring painters after installation | ExpertFinish® or Third-Party Prefinished |
To match an existing paint color exactly | Primed or Third-Party Prefinished |
Most homeowners think they only have two choices. In reality, there's a third option that combines many of the advantages of both. We'll explain all three below.
What Is LP SmartSide Primed?
LP SmartSide Primed is exactly what its name suggests.
Instead of arriving with a finished paint color, each board comes from the factory coated with a high-quality primer that's designed to prepare the surface for painting after installation.
Think of primer as the foundation of a paint job. Its purpose isn't to provide the finished appearance. Instead, it helps exterior paint bond properly while providing a uniform surface for the final color. Once your siding has been installed, the joints are caulked where required, and the home is painted using a high-quality exterior paint that meets LP's recommendations.
For many homeowners, this is still the preferred option. Why? Because it offers something no factory-finished product can. Complete color freedom. Whether you're trying to match an existing garage, recreate the look of a historic home, or simply love a paint color that isn't offered by LP, primed siding gives you nearly unlimited possibilities.
Benefits of LP SmartSide Primed
Homeowners often choose primed siding because it offers several important advantages.
Unlimited Color Choices
Perhaps the biggest advantage is flexibility. Once installed, LP SmartSide Primed can be painted almost any exterior color you choose. Unlike factory-finished products that offer a fixed color collection, primed siding allows you to customize your home's appearance exactly the way you want. Whether that's Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or another premium paint manufacturer, the decision is yours.
Lower Material Cost
In most cases, primed siding has a lower upfront material cost than ExpertFinish. Although you'll still need to budget for painting, many homeowners appreciate the lower initial purchase price.
Easier Future Color Changes
Homes don't stay the same forever. If you decide five or ten years from now that you'd like a different exterior color, repainting primed siding is straightforward because the home has already been painted once.
What Is LP SmartSide ExpertFinish®?
LP SmartSide ExpertFinish uses the exact same engineered wood siding as LP SmartSide Primed.
The difference is what happens before the siding leaves the factory.
Instead of receiving only primer, each board is professionally finished in a controlled manufacturing environment using LP's proprietary finishing process. That means the siding arrives at your home with its final color already applied.
Once it's installed, your project is essentially complete.
There's no waiting for painters.
There's no coordinating multiple contractors.
There's no worrying about weather delaying the painting schedule.
For many homeowners, that's a major advantage.
Benefits of LP SmartSide ExpertFinish®
Faster Project Completion
Since the siding already has its finish coat applied, installation can move much more quickly. Once the siding is installed and final details are completed, your home is finished.
Consistent Factory Finish
Factory finishing takes place under carefully controlled conditions. That consistency produces an even finish across every board before it ever arrives on your property.
Less Coordination
Instead of scheduling a siding crew followed by a painting crew, the process becomes much simpler. Many homeowners appreciate reducing the number of contractors involved in their project.
Is There a Third Option?
Most homeowners think their decision ends there. Either choose primed siding and paint it later. Or choose ExpertFinish and select one of LP's factory colors.
In reality, there's another option that many homeowners never hear about. At Lake Effect Exteriors, we've built relationships with trusted third-party factory finishing partners that can professionally prefinish LP SmartSide siding before it ever arrives at your home.
This gives homeowners many of the same advantages as factory-finished siding while opening the door to a much wider range of custom colors. Instead of choosing only from the standard ExpertFinish color collection, homeowners can often select from a significantly larger palette while still receiving siding that's ready to install.
For homeowners who have a very specific vision for their home's exterior, this can be an excellent solution.
Why Consider Third-Party Factory Prefinished LP SmartSide?
Depending on your project, third-party factory finishing offers several unique benefits.
Expanded Color Selection
One of the biggest limitations of any factory-finished product is the available color palette. Third-party factory finishers can often provide access to significantly more color options, making it easier to match an existing home, create a custom design, or satisfy HOA requirements.
Faster Installation
Like ExpertFinish, the siding arrives ready to install. There's no need to wait for painters after installation is complete, helping shorten the overall project timeline.
Factory-Controlled Finish
Because the finish is applied before installation in a controlled environment, homeowners receive a consistent finish without relying on weather conditions during painting.
A Great Middle Ground
For many homeowners, this option provides the best balance between customization and convenience. You gain the flexibility of custom colors while still enjoying many of the scheduling advantages of prefinished siding.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There isn't one right answer. Each option is designed for a different type of homeowner.
Choose LP SmartSide Primed if you:
Want unlimited paint color choices.
Plan to use a specific paint brand or color.
Prefer a lower initial material cost.
Don't mind scheduling painting after installation.
Choose LP SmartSide ExpertFinish if you:
Love one of LP's factory colors.
Want the simplest installation process.
Want to avoid painting after installation.
Prefer a factory-applied finish directly from LP.
Consider Third-Party Factory Prefinished LP SmartSide if you:
Want a custom factory-applied color.
Want to avoid field painting.
Want greater design flexibility than the standard ExpertFinish color lineup.
Want the convenience of prefinished siding without limiting yourself to the manufacturer's standard color collection.
Does One Last Longer Than the Other?
One of the biggest misconceptions about LP SmartSide siding is that ExpertFinish is a different siding product than Primed. It isn't. Both LP SmartSide Primed and LP SmartSide ExpertFinish are manufactured from the same engineered wood siding. The strength, durability, and impact resistance come from the siding itself, not the finish that's applied to it.
The biggest difference is how the siding receives its final color.
With Primed siding, the finish is applied by painters after installation. With ExpertFinish, the finish is applied in a factory-controlled environment before the siding ever reaches your home. With third-party factory prefinished siding, the finish is also applied before installation, but homeowners often have access to a much larger selection of colors.
When installed correctly and maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations, all three options are designed to provide years of dependable performance.
Which Option Costs More?
Cost is one of the biggest factors homeowners consider when choosing between LP SmartSide Primed, ExpertFinish®, and third-party factory prefinished siding.
While every project is different, here's a general comparison:
LP SmartSide Primed
Lowest upfront material cost.
Requires professional painting after installation, which adds labor and paint costs.
Best for homeowners who want unlimited color flexibility.
LP SmartSide ExpertFinish®
Higher upfront material cost.
No field painting required after installation.
Can shorten the overall project timeline by eliminating the painting step.
Third-Party Factory Prefinished
Pricing varies depending on the finish, color, and manufacturer.
May be a cost-effective alternative to field painting, especially for homeowners who want a custom color while avoiding the time and coordination required for a separate painting crew.
It's important to look beyond the price of the siding itself and consider the total cost of the project.
For example, LP SmartSide Primed typically costs less upfront, but you'll also need to budget for professional painting after the siding is installed. ExpertFinish and third-party factory prefinished siding generally have higher material costs, but they can reduce labor, simplify scheduling, and allow your project to be completed sooner.
Ultimately, the best value depends on your budget, your preferred color options, and how important project timeline is to you.
What About Future Maintenance?
No matter which finish you choose, every home's exterior benefits from routine maintenance.
We recommend homeowners:
Wash their siding about once a year using mild soap and water.
Avoid pressure washing unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it and the proper techniques are followed.
Inspect caulking around windows, doors, and trim periodically.
Check for damage after major storms.
Keep shrubs and landscaping trimmed away from the siding.
A little preventative maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your home looking its best.
Can LP SmartSide Be Repainted?
Yes.
Whether you choose Primed, ExpertFinish, or a third-party factory finish, your siding can be repainted in the future if you decide to update your home's appearance.
Many homeowners worry they're locked into a factory color forever. That's simply not true.
If your style changes years down the road, your siding can be professionally repainted following LP's recommendations.
Does Installation Matter More Than the Finish?
Absolutely.
Choosing between Primed and ExpertFinish is important, but neither option can make up for poor installation.
We've inspected homes where premium siding products were installed incorrectly, leading to moisture problems, failed caulking, buckling panels, and premature deterioration.
A quality siding installation involves much more than attaching boards to the wall.
Proper installation includes:
Inspecting the wall sheathing.
Replacing any damaged or rotten wood.
Installing a properly integrated weather-resistant barrier.
Flashing windows, doors, and roof intersections correctly.
Following LP's required clearances from roofing, concrete, and grade.
Using the correct fasteners.
Following manufacturer installation guidelines.
The siding you choose is only one part of the system. The contractor installing it is just as important.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is LP SmartSide ExpertFinish better than Primed?
Not necessarily. Both products use the exact same engineered wood siding. The primary difference is that ExpertFinish arrives with a factory-applied finish, while Primed siding is painted after installation.
Is LP SmartSide ExpertFinish worth the extra money?
For many homeowners, yes. If you value a shorter project timeline and want to avoid scheduling painters after installation, ExpertFinish can be an excellent investment.
Is Primed LP SmartSide cheaper?
Usually, yes. Primed siding generally has a lower upfront material cost. However, don't forget to factor in the cost of professional painting after installation.
Can ExpertFinish be repainted later?
Yes. Like most painted siding products, ExpertFinish can be repainted in the future if you decide to change your home's color.
Which option gives me the most color choices?
LP SmartSide Primed offers virtually unlimited paint color options. Third-party factory prefinished siding also provides significantly more color flexibility than the standard ExpertFinish color collection.
Does factory-finished siding last longer?
Not necessarily. The siding itself is the same product. Long-term performance depends on proper installation, moisture management, routine maintenance, and following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Which option do you recommend?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Every homeowner has different priorities. Some value unlimited color flexibility. Others want the fastest installation possible. Some want the convenience of a factory finish but also want a custom color. That's why we take the time to explain every option rather than recommending the same product for every home.
Final Thoughts
When comparing LP SmartSide Primed vs. ExpertFinish, it's important to remember that you're not choosing between two different siding products.
You're choosing how your siding will be finished before it's installed.
If you want unlimited color flexibility and don't mind painting after installation, LP SmartSide Primed is an excellent choice.
If you prefer a factory-applied finish that's ready to install and available in a carefully selected collection of colors, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish is hard to beat.
If you're looking for the convenience of prefinished siding but want more design flexibility than the standard ExpertFinish lineup offers, a third-party factory prefinished option may be the perfect fit.
No matter which route you choose, proper installation is what ultimately determines how well your siding performs over the coming decades. A quality weather-resistant barrier, proper flashing, manufacturer-recommended clearances, and careful attention to detail all play a critical role in protecting your home from Michigan's weather.
Ready to Explore Your LP SmartSide Options?
Choosing new siding is a major investment, and the right choice depends on your home's style, your budget, and your long-term goals.
At Lake Effect Exteriors, we'll help you compare LP SmartSide Primed, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish®, and custom factory-prefinished options so you can make an informed decision with confidence. We'll walk you through color selections, explain the differences between each finish, and recommend the solution that best fits your home.
