I have had numerous people out to my house to help me figure out if I have hardy board or hardy plank. What is the difference? I'm asking because the house is 3 years old with an original paint job of white and I want to paint it a yellow/cream color. Do I need to prime hardy board but not hardy plank or vice versa since the next color is darker?

Thanks

Hardy (and other such as Cetainteed) make fiber cement siding products.

They different shapes, planks, panels (4x8) and others.

AFAIK they should all be finished the same way.

http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/prodhome/default.php

http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/installation/hardiplank_installation.php

The only thing that they made that is call a "board", is the Hardy Backerboard which is used for a tile base.

http://www.jameshardie.com/backerboard/

You finish them the same way.

If the paint job on your house is in good condition and is not chalky (a chalky film comes off on your hand when wiped over the surface) then you do not need to prime it. You should wash the house to remove dirt and mildew before you paint. The finish paint will be either a satin or semi-gloss acrylic latex paint and be sure to buy the best the PAINT STORE has for the best value.

what is the difference between hardy board and hardy plank??? thank you

They are made out of the same material but but come in different shapes or textures.